It’s that time of year where we reflect on our music journey and where it’s taken us. For me personally, it took me to two very different spectrums of the Audiosphere. Winnipeg punk band Propagandhi and Nova Scotian singer-songwriter Adam Baldwin filled my airwaves.
A couple of months ago, I sent Martin a YouTube link to Propagandhi’s latest video “No Longer Young.” Dubbed as the one of the most influential punk acts of all time, my journey with the band started like most teenagers when they dabbled in punk-rock during their adolescence in the mid 90s. They had that SoCal sound that was just what the younger version of me needed, but your tastes often change as you get older, meaning this was one of the many punk bands that fell by the wayside.
Seeing this familiar name again, I decided to see how their trajectory as musicians and songwriters had changed. The band consists of singer/songwriter guitarist Chris Hannah, bassist and co-singer/songwriter Todd Kowalski, drummer Jord Samolesky and Florida native guitarist Sulynn Hago, and as I took a deep dive into their 2025 release, “At Peace,” I was blown out of the water. I cannot remember an album recently that has captured my ear quite like this one!
“At Peace” is a beautiful blend of prog rock, punk and thrash metal; the likes I have personally never exactly heard before. The song structures, key changes, tempo variations and overall musicianship take you for a wild journey that is surprisingly easily digestible content that keeps you on your toes. The lyrical content is thought-provoking and really has a place in today’s political landscape. Standout songs for me are “Rented P.A.,” “Prismatic Spray (The Tinder Date),” “At Peace” and “No Longer Young.” I know it’s not for everyone but give it a spin.
On the other end of my listening spectrum, Adam Baldwin – by way of Seaforth, Nova Scotia. I’ll preface this with I’m still riding the wave of his 2022 release “Concertos and Serenades.” Yes, I know it’s been three years!
As soon as I found out Baldwin was opening for Blue Rodeo as support at their 40th anniversary shows, I knew I had to see what he’s been up to. Not to mention, this was an opportunity to officially take Blue Rodeo off my concert bucket list. Looking at the dates, the London, Ontario show was the one that I could best fit into my schedule. I took the 4.5-hour trek from Cleveland, Ohio to the other side of Lake Erie for what would be a memorable – almost religious – experience.
I reached out to Adam prior to the journey into Canada to see if he wanted to meet up before the show and he had a small window between soundcheck. We met up at Grooves Records, a great downtown record store just a short walk from the venue. He caught me right as I was looking at a Michael Stanley record (Cleveland native), and we had a neat back and forth banter about the Cleveland music scene and shared a few laughs before parting ways. I’ve gotta say, Adam’s the real deal and about as genuine of a person in this business as you’ll ever run into.
The show was spectacular, as Martin has since covered with a review of an Ottawa show the week after. Seeing Baldwin hold the audience in the palm of his hands right from the opening note is something everyone should witness. Props also to his bandmates Kendel Carson and Zach MacLean. Not to be outdone, seeing Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor and the rest of Blue Rodeo in person is like being in the company of Canadian music royalty. It’ll be a night I’ll not soon forget!
Photo Credit: Propagandhi (Dwayne Larson) / Tour Poster (Artist Website)
