Rick Of The Skins

Rick of the Skins (an odd name, granted) have created one of the best independent releases I've heard in a long time. A five-piece band formed from the cinders of Halifax's Kick Like 50, ROTS (featuring Mike Leblanc from Thee Suddens, with the recent addition of two boys from Thrush Hermit) has aesthetic musical sensibilities. I would consider them a pop band, mainly because each song is focused around a strong melody, but experiments a lot, from melancholic broodings to straight out rockers. Every song stands out, each a haunting, heartfelt creation. Big things should come of this band, especially since there's a large buzz surrounding their live show.