Articles by Matt Bobkin

Sophia Bel's "All Fucking Weekend" Is the Future of Pop-Punk

PUBLISHED Apr 13, 2022

We've written extensively about Canadian pop-punk greats reclaiming their thrones — with Avril Lavigne's return to her roots, Sum 41 and Si...

A Canadian Just Qualified for the Next 'Jeopardy!' Tournament of Champions

PUBLISHED Apr 12, 2022

It's been a dark time for Canadians on Jeopardy! since the death of Ontario-born host Alex Trebek in November 2020, but Canadian fans of th...

Quebec's Le Festif! Gets Death from Above 1979, the Halluci Nation, Lisa LeBlanc for 2022 Edition

PUBLISHED Apr 12, 2022

After truncated events over the past two summers, Baie-Saint-Paul, QC, is ready to welcome attendees and musicians from all over for a pack...

Cancer Bats on Motorcycles, German Honesty and Ska-core Origins

The Exclaim! Questionnaire

PUBLISHED Apr 11, 2022

Back in 2004, Cancer Bats formed with the aim of channelling "the Misfits being covered by ZAO being played by Black Flag in the back of a...

How Destroyer Became a Timeless Rock Icon

PUBLISHED Mar 24, 2022

Dan Bejar was never supposed to be an icon. Throughout the 2000s, the Vancouver musician had funded his free-wheeling musical pursuits as D...

Simple Plan Announce New Album 'Harder Than It Looks'

PUBLISHED Mar 16, 2022

After squashing their longtime beef with Sum 41, Quebec pop-punks Simple Plan are keeping the party going by announcing a new album. Harder...

Isaac Vallentin Announces New Album 'Juma'

PUBLISHED Mar 15, 2022

Last year, Isaac Vallentin released "...", an understated, mostly solo acoustic folk gem brimming with big ideas. Since then, Vallentin has...

Sarnia's Empty Fest Returns with Gloin, Zoo Owl, Burner, Psychic Void

PUBLISHED Mar 11, 2022

Back in 2018, Empty Fest celebrated 10 years of keeping Sarnia, ON, weird with their annual event, but have kept quiet since. Now, after a...