Calisthenics - Demo (2017)

Here's a tape we got post-Sled Island (at the rejuvenated Hot Wax - have you been since Melodiya took over ownership? You should!), of a band whose set we caught the very end of during the festival. Wait, is that proper English? We think Stampede might be degrading our cognitive functioning.

Calisthenics are anchored by the rock-steady drumming of Andy from Soft Cure/Lunatique/Slut Prophet, and there's a circus-like feel to some of the tracks on here that elevate this beyond its mix of yelping vocals, bass grooves and angular guitars. What's missing, though, is the spectacle of their front man climbing the walls of the Palomino and writing on the floor.

Looks like you can grab a download via the Calisthenics bandcamp.

CCPS Miscellany: Various - Cups N Cakes Compilation Vol 1

Okay, here's a good thing. Not just for the packaging (we're suckers for well-conceived packaging, and this is right up there with Th' Legendary Few's Smokes), but the selection of bands that Edmonton's Cups N Cakes has pulled together, which includes three Calgary faves.

This is a pretty rock-focused tape, so the inclusion of Valiska is a great breather, with their trademark atmospherics closing out side one. But instead of giving folks a breather at the end of side two, Night Committee and Napalmpom double down on the rock with both bands joining forces on a rave up of the Supremes' "You Keep Me Hanging On," throwing in novelty song "Captain Groovy and His Bubblegum Army" for shits and giggles. Hearing Andrew Wedderburn trade vocals with PJ Lavergne is amazing - it sounds like the best party ever.

The rest of the tape is packed with some heavy-weight non-Calgary content, too: Edmonton's Screaming Targets, Lethbridge's Body Lens, Vancouver's Dumb, and Ottawa's Expanda Fuzz. Come for the packaging, stay for the great tunes.

Looks like you might still be able to get a copy of this limited-edition tape if you act fast - copies are still available via the Cups N Cakes bandcamp.

Knots - White River of White Lies (2011)

For some reason we missed picking up a copy of the first Knots tape when it came out, so we were super happy to grab a copy from Bart Records mastermind Kevin Stebner during Sled Island.

This release is a much different affair from their second, power pop-focused tape. This is folky, pastoral and restrained. Perfect hammock music.

Tapes are still in print, and you can also pop over to the Knots bandcamp for a taste.

Allovers - Demonstrations Volume 1 (2018)

Despite their significant contribution to our tinnitus, the Allovers are one of our favourite lounge/power pop combos. And even if two thirds of the band are based in Edmonton (and even if singer/guitarist Matt Pahl is originally from Edmonton), we're claiming them for Calgary. And don't try to tell us different, we can't hear you over the ringing in our ears.

After years of lounging around the scene (and chasing up and down highway 2), these guys have finally put out a full-length album (which sounds amazing and we are quite enjoying). To accompany it, they've released a tape full of low-fi demos of their stuff. Which still has all the charm of their proper recorded sound and captures their Paul-Anka-fronting-the-Ramones-on-amphetamines sound.



We're not sure where you can get this. Word is it was available at Blackbyrd in Edmonton, but that's not really helpful for us in Calgary, is it? Otherwise, hit the Allovers bandcamp for their full-length LP.