new format for the roller

Hello Steamroller reader. That is if that last reader is still even around, either way... So since The Steamroller has been inactive due to a number of different reasons, I have been forced to take a look at a new format for this blog. I have considered a few options as in, celebrity nude photo's and gossip, questions & answers regarding steamrollers, Micheal Vick - from a dog's viewpoint, or maybe even a page dedicated completely to Nickelback, and who they had blow for their success. Now these are all awesome ideas, but after much deliberation at the latest Steamroller board meeting with me and myself (I was on vacation), I have decided to go with a more personalized, traditional approach to this blog. Although this blog was originally designed to feature up and coming bands, and report indie music news on behalf of my indie record label Worn Records, that is going to slightly change as well. I will still report relevant indie music news, and do reviews for bands, but not as regularly. I plan on simply writing about a wider variety of topics. Whatever comes to mind that day. It could be music related. It could be about my record label, or about any of my bands, or projects I'm working on. Or it could be about the weather, or sports, or politics. I don't even know for sure yet. All I know is that I generally have a lot to say, so I may as well dump it on my blog. And until I can run and maintain a proper music blog, i figure this is the best way to go.

So anyway, thanks for your patience during this transitional period here at The Steamroller, and thanks to all the bands who have participated in the Indie Band Showdown over the last year. Feel free to continue sending me music to check out, but I am going to reserve publishing any reviews for bands and artists that leave a real lasting impression. Laters!

John Simmonds

Willis In My Head

Former Vancouver, B.C. power pop/rock/punk/ska explosion, Willis, is currently working on a 10 year anniversary album, so to speak. They have been "on hiatus" since 1999, but have recently felt the need to re-record their back catalogue and release it as a complete album once and for all. This semi popular local band had the potential to break through, but never quite pulled it off before disbanding, and moving on to many other projects over the following decade. They released a couple of e.p.'s including 1998's "Steamroller" which drew some significant attention.

The songs are catchy and infectious and at times, even a bit quirky. Fronted by the fun, easy going lyrics of Amy Ferguson, and a rhythm section that powers it's way to the fore front, Willis is timeless. The back catalogue sounds as relevant today as it did 10 years ago, and this upcoming album is a sure thing.

Where are we?

As many of you have noticed, or perhaps you haven't, The Steamroller E-Zine has been inactictive for some time. We have had a difficult time keeping a consistent writing team, and this has forced us to re-think our format. At present we have not decided whether or not to continue with the indie band showdown, or simply do away with it and try to bring it back in the future.

I would also like to thank all the bands who have submitted their music for review, and apologize to those who we have not yet reviewed. In the meantime, while we work out our new format, if anybody would be interested in contributing to this blog in any way please email us with your ideas, comments, suggestions etc. We want to continue serving the independent music scene, and hope to be back on track soon. Thanks for your patience.

John Simmonds

Easy Roads, Easy Skies debuts at #2

Earlstown Winter's Easy Roads, Easy Skies, has debuted at #2 on CKXU 88.3MHz - Lethbridge Folk/Roots/Blues charts.

Zero Mass

Zero Mass was founded in 2002 by Matt Poland & others. After a year long struggle, according to their Myspace Page , they regained control of their band in 2004 and Zero Mass was formed. An additional band member was added in 2005, but again, the band was found to be a solo act after some trouble. In late 2006 Harrison Leong and Matthew Lucas joined the band by playing drums and bass. And to my delight, their sound is one that puts you in the mood to get on your feet and toss yourself around like a rag doll.

As I listened to their selection of music that they have for us all to enjoy on their Myspace page, I felt a surge of energy and a jolt of excitement. The guitar in Zero Mass' music rides through you like lightening and you toss your head as you listen to the beat of the drums, and as you feel like you're about to explode, you get the bass.

I'm not usually a huge fan of music that has many instrumental riffs in it, but I seemed to enjoy the instrumental bits a lot, but they were a bit short for my liking. I couldn't really nail down who the lead singer sounded like, so I came to the conclusion that he was a mixture between Billy Corgan & Fred Durst... if you can imagine that. I am no music professional by any means, but I know what I like, and I think I could flip on their CD and listen to it in its entirety over and over again.

Although they are currently playing in the San Francisco Bay Area, I'm sure it will not be long before we see these boys on a tour of their own, and hopefully they will roll into Vancouver and let me in on some backstage action! (not in the biblical sense of course. maybe for an interview). I give them a solid AC Slater, and I hope you all check them out, I'm off to buy their CD!

"saved by the bell - rock rating"
A.C. Slater


huh? what the hell does that mean?


CIAO,

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