By Katy Maravala, Label Rep for Distort

1. Metz

Metz are an experimental, grunge three piece. The most under-rated band in Toronto at this current moment. The band’s live performance equals the feeling of being slapped in the face a dozen times and growing to love it. Each live set is accompanied by the crowd showing their love and affection in the form of a blissful sway and jerk.

They were formed in 2007 and have since issued a small handful of 7” vinyl unique in its packaging and presentation. They’ve opened for bands such as Pissed Jeans, Monotionx and Obits. Metz are set to take part in a cross country tour later this year.

http://www.myspace.com/metztheband

2. Lost Cities

Lost Cities bring a long missed anticipation factor to a dying musical genre in the city. Some would say Post-Hardcore/ Screamo had their heyday in the nineties and since its demise the 21st century has become inundated with bands furiously ripping off the likes of Alexisonfire, Comeback Kid, and Converge. I can’t deny this fact, but I can raise a glimmer of hope, Lost Cities take their cue from seminal and foundational screamo acts such as Orchid and Pg. 99 and bring to the forefront the new generation of hardcore.

A kin to LA band’s Touché Amore, and LetLive, Lost Cities crushingly beautiful lyrical content and equally as impressive sing/scream combination  provide listeners with an overwhelming musical experience.

Lost Cities recently released a free E.P and are set to release a full 12” in the fall.

http://juiceboxdotcom.com/recordingco/jb038/

3. Titan

A brutal sounding metal band from the depths of downtown Toronto. Catchy melodies and severe screams from vocalist James always leaves you wanting more.

Titan are an institution in the Toronto Metal scene, and not without warrant.  Formed in 2006, and through various line-up changes Titan have achieved a place in hardcore history.  To further my point they are recording a full length in October with Sean Pearson, known for recording with Cursed. Catch them at KOI Music Festival, September 17th in Kitchener.

Make sure to pick up their EP Colossus, put out by Feast or Famine records.

http://www.myspace.com/titanslays

4. Teenage Kicks

Teenage Kicks took the Toronto live music scene by storm this year. It seems they appeared out of thin air.

The band bring forth hard drum beats, melodic guitars and a charismatic front man.

The bands debut EP, Rational Anthems is the sound track for your life. Their appeal stretches far and wide, to people of any musical background. Lyrics you can relate to, and beats you can tap your feet to.

www.myspace.com/teenagekicksteenagekicks 

5. Great Bloomers

This band is everything that is right about folk/indie/alternative music; Pleasant guitars and haunting lyrics are just a few reasons why Great Bloomers have a huge and ever expanding fan base.

Great Bloomers will be heading back in to the studio in October to record their second full length album, which should be out in early 2012. Catch them playing with Yukon Blonde at Lee’s Palace on October 14th.

There's a quaint little french place on 3rd street and Crescent Heights in Los Angeles called Little Door, next to it there is a place called Little Next Door! Both of these places are amazing!

   I heard, or saw, i guess this place on an episode of Entourage, the one where they're trying to go to Cannes for the premiere of Medellin. Since then I've been wanting to check it out. i finally did and even though i didn't get to experience it like i wanted too (we were kind of in a rush because of our stupid meter) it is a cool joint with great French, and American food. check the pics and find out more about Little Next Door here

P.S beware, they don't like modifications being made to the orders, and there really isn't a reason to make any.

kind of unadventurous but i was craving a burger all day! I don't regret it at all,  very simple burger, cheese, top sirloin ground beef, mayo harrisa, and caramelized onion jam. pomme frits were awesome too!