september 11, 2002

culture

 

CD Reviews

Reviewer: Justin Ray

Trik Turner
Album: Trik Turner

Want to break stuff? If so, you might want to check out
Trik Turner’s self-titled debut, the latest entry into the hip-
hop-meets-hard-rock genre. Trik Turner is a diverse record
with obvious influences from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage
Against The Machine, and of course, Limp Bizkit. One
track, “Friends and Family”, sounds like a duet between
Snow and Everlast.

While Fred Durst may have the definitive voice of this
explosive genre, MCs David Bowers and Doug Moore have
all the skills without the whine. The combination holds its
own against any strictly rap act. However, the lyrical content
is a far cry from the debauchery found in most commercial
hip-hop. Or as David says, “We're not what I call ABC lyri-
cists, talking about bitches and blunts.”

Trik Turner lacks nothing in vocal ability, but sometimes
the supporting music seems to be an afterthought. Although
the band attempts to “blend” two styles, many tracks seem
to be distinctly one or the other. When they stick mainly to
hip-hop stylings, Trik Turner is striking. But in songs like
“New York Groove”, the heavy edge seems painfully forced.
Most guitar riffs are instantly recognizable or bland metal
rehash. Occasionally, though, the rap-rock formula works
very well, and “Black Sheep” is a prime example.

This mixed bag of “Triks” suffers from uninspired music,
but wins big points for its high energy and competent
vocals. If you're interested in the future of the hip-hop-rock
genre, you should give this CD a turn.

Nathan Wiley
Album: Bottom Dollar

Riding in the back seat of my dad’s Chevy Caprice
Classic, fondly tapping my fingers in time to the likes of
Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot or Bob Dylan. This is the
kind of memory Bottom Dollar elicits. Forget all compar-
isons to Tom Waits or Ron Sexsmith. Wiley is relevant to
this generation, and Bottom Dollar's alternative-roots sound
is a successful compromise between classic roots song writ-
ing and modern production savvy.

If you haven't heard of Nathan Wiley before, you might
want to take note. The twenty five-year old from Prince
Edward Island recently won CBC’s “Big Break” contest, and
is garnering critical acclaim for Bottom Dollar. His song
writing deserves the comparisons mentioned, and he gets
extra credit for his work ethic: Wiley wrote, arranged, pro-
duced and recorded all songs, and played a variety of instru-
ments including lapsteel guitar, organ and drums. Wiley
also embraces his surfabilly influences on this record, and
the twangy sounds compliment his dreamy, atmospheric
voice.

Bottom Dollar is laid-back yet sophisticated, and is a great
new record for those getting old enough to appreciate their
parents’ music... or at least the good stuff.

© page 14

 

 

ness cards, :

 

the other press

Techvibes

Kerry Evans
Culture Editor

What? Techvibes Networking Mixer

When? August 20th, 2002 — 5:30-8:30 PM

Where? Urban Well Downtown

Why? —www.techvibes.com offers a monthly
event for the tech industry to network
and talk amongst themselves.

At 5:30, a line-up starts outside the Urban Well.
Guests have signed up for the event online and begin
checking in and getting nametags. There is full staff;
door greeters, bartenders, coat check, and servers.
The Techvibes staffers and volunteers buzz around
the three rooms and outdoor patio ensuring every-
thing is going smoothly. Sponsors set up and
approach attendees as they enter the door. With my
glass of wine, 1 wander the room for photo opportu-
nities for my review, but am frequently stopped by

other guests to network.

The quality of the guests is really amazing. They
are from all walks of the tech spectrum. No one is
shy or pushy. The mood is electric with the possibil-
ity of new contacts and job opportunities. Volunteer
Jason Wong joins me in the crowd of networkers
and we approach groups of people as an informal

team. Introductions are made and our individual j job _

 

interests, education, and current standing are traded.
“At the end of the day, I walk away with ni
design a newsletter for
pany, offers from people to trade revien cop
tickets to events, and my own review of
Not bad for a few hours of “work.” 1 would 1
mend this event to people in any industry. I suggest.
you log onto the website to find out what the buzz —
is all about. Make sure you mark yourself down as an
attendee for the event scheduled for September
ih,