Exactly what is holding back the powers-that-be from molding this Canadian singer/songwriter into the next Lucinda Williams/Sheryl Crow hybrid is anyone’s guess. But with an EP, two proper LPs and one live album filling the catalog, Kathleen Edwards is far from an artist seeking her identity...if only she could avoid the safe and predictable path paved by Crow. A solid performer in her own right, Edwards succeeds on stage through her adaptability to the situation at hand. She could pour her heart out through a bittersweet tune played out on the acoustic guitar, or start a bar fight with a stomping electric boogie. Her second album, Back To Me, opened the door to a mainstream audience that took notice of her sincerity. On Asking For Flowers, Edwards could become the next commercial darling accessible to the masses. But at what cost? (Appearing with Luke Doucet at Metro on April 5) --text: Chris Castaneda

Not only did the Hoffman brothers show an interest in music from a young age, they seemingly did so with the sort of relish most children today reserve for gaming systems. Amongst the trio who signed with Loose Tooth Records in January 2008 then conspired and collaborated to produce The Other, there exists several projects and instrumental abilities in cello, French horn, guitar, trumpet, bass, drums, violin, piano and vocals…to name a few. The Hoffman brothers' lifelong musicianship comes to fruition in an eclectic debut album. The Other consists of eight tracks that showcase the depth and breadth of Needers & Givers' talent, versatility and impressive work ethic. Even when it rocks the hardest, there is a pretty quality to The Other. In songs like "Holy Rollers," strings provide a voice of reason against edgy rock. A catchy, carefree tone weaves its way through most every other track. (Appearing with Brighton MA at darkroom on April 3) --text: Jen Fischer--photo: Lenny Gilmore Photography

Montreal’s Secret City Records is on a roll. Their first signing, Patrick Wolf, won Canada’s Polaris Prize, beating out competition from the likes of Arcade Fire and Feist. Their second signing, Miracle Fortress, garnered a nomination as well — and the label is aiming to go three for three with Parc Avenue, the debut full-length from Plants and Animals. Eyes and ears started tuning in with the 2007 release of their 4-song EP With/Avec that showcased their swerve-on-a-dime eclecticism. While the band can traverse from Eliott Smith brood to Arcade Fire exaltation within a single song, they pull it off in a way that never sounds forced or unfocused. As the album progresses they dabble in downdrift folk, textbook classic rock, and even some driving East African guitar lines — and with a few exceptions the disparate parts weave into an elegant whole. On stage the trio purveys a blend of musicianship and personality that makes for a show that shouldn’t be missed. (Appearing with Essex Channel and Barcelona at Schubas on April 3) --text: Don Bartlett--photo: Caroline Desilets

Why? was a man. Now he’s a band — a band at the top of its game, one can be sure. Yoni and Josiah Wolf, along with multi-instrumentalist Doug McDiarmid, have released a second full-length of indescribable beauty in the form of Alopecia. So indescribable, in fact, that the task is best left up to their faithful label, Anticon, which declares the record as: "A collection of hard rhymes and raw-spun songs forced through the stubborn smile of a life-lover scorned and reborn" continuing their "calculated blitzkrieg on that self-made jangle-rap, indie pop ‘n’ roll genre." Confused? Probably. Be that as it may, Why? is truly a band to experience live — if only to witness Yoni’s straight-faced, serious-as-a-heart attack approach as he delivers lines like "doin’ Elton at karaoke and forgettin’ all the verses, blowin’ kisses to disinterested bitches…" And if the new material is any indication, the rest of the band’s performance should be equally as engaging. (Appearing with Flowers Forever and Locks at Abbey Pub on April 3) --text: Mike Scales--photo: Sarah Cass

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