New music from Band of Skulls: So Good and official video for Killer from By Default

Southampton, UK alternative rock band Band of Skulls have their new album By Default scheduled for release on May 27. We already heard the lead single "Killer" and now we get not only the official video clip for "Killer" but we get to hear another new tune, this one titled "So Good". This latter tune has more of a funky/pop tune vibe with Emma Richardson taking on lead vocal duties, while "Killer" is an all-out rocker with the kind of heavy riffing the band is known for. Check them out.

As far as touring goes, they're at Rifflandia in Victoria September 11-14 and more Canadian dates are expected to be announced.

"Killer"

"So Good"

Secret Broadcast at The Mod Club - Concert Pictures

Secret Broadcast were the first band up on stage for an early set time at The Mod Club. They did a great job warming up the growing crowd before Pins and The Subways took to the stage. They're originally from Calgary and now call Toronto home. This band did a great job impressing me with their straight-forward alternative rock tunes. They're at Supermarket for CMW tonight! Go see 'em!

Take a listen to some Secret Broadcast tunes:

"Killing Time"

"One Born Every Minute"

"More Than Friends"

"Don't Feed The Crows"

"Killer In The Kitchen"

"Raygun"

Pins at The Mod Club - Concert Pictures

Pins came all the way from Manchester to open for The Subways at Toronto's Mod Club on April 19. I loved the band's powerful tunes and engaging delivery. They've got a sound that blends classic 60s pop with a cool, modern aesthetic. This is a band that I instantly wanted to hear more from and would definitely see again. Hope you like my "not pro" photos from this gig.

Check out Pins' tunes and put them on your list of bands to check out.

"Young Girls"

"Girls Like Us"

"Molly"

"Trouble"

"Too Little Too Late"

"LUVU4LYF"

Bootleg Rascal at The Horseshoe Tavern - Concert Pictures

Australian band Bootleg Rascal, who meld hip-hop and dub with slivers of electro soul, were in town opening for Sticky Fingers at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern on Friday night. I really enjoyed the band's bouncy energy and their reggae-tinged music. They know how to deliver fun tunes with attitude and energy to get a crowd moving. They were encouraged by a super-enthusiastic Toronto crowd who were obviously hungry for the band's tunes.

Check out some of the band's tunes. Their live show is highly recommended.

"Oh I Know"

"Coming Home"

"Shade"

"Overflow"

"Asleep In The Machine"

Sticky Fingers at The Horseshoe Tavern - Concert Pictures

Australian band Sticky Fingers, a self-described melting pot of psych, rock, reggae, & bourbon, appeared at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto on April 29 with country- and label-mates Bootleg Rascal opening. I was looking forward to another dose of easy-going and fun-loving tunes like those delivered by openers Bootleg Rascal.

Unfortunately, the fans had another vibe in mind. Lots of pushing and rudeness of folks trying to get to the front of the stage turned me off and had me bail. The band called out people a few times for pushing and asked why the crowd was so pushy given the chill nature of the band and the music. Good question.

They called out the superiority of their Australian "snack pack" over poutine. From what I can tell, this is a snack pack. Actually sounds pretty good, but I'm not a huge poutine fan either.

Here are some Sticky Fingers tunes:

"How To Fly"

"Australia Street"

"Liquorlip Loaded Gun"

"Just for You"

"Headlock"

"Outcast at Last"