I was beginning to get worried about this category. I felt as though its true intent was being lost. With past winners such as The Damned Things and Them Crooked Vultures, this was starting to feel almost like a Best Side Project Award. However, I am proud to announce that this year, an independent band, and even better, a local Toronto band has claimed my top prize for rookie of the year. To get through the fine print up front, the band does not necessarily need to be brand new, however, their first full length release needs to have occurred in the past year.
If you read my NXNE reviews, you could likely take a guess that this year's award would be given to none other than Toronto's Little Foot Long Foot. Their live sound blew me away, unexpectedly, while waiting to see Jordan Cook at the Hideout. From there, I picked up their debut album Oh, Hell and immediately became a fan. I've now seen this band play a few times and am continually impressed by what I hear. I look forward to continually watching them grow and *AHEM* hopefully sharing the stage with them in 2012.
-Up tomorrow... Biggest Disappointment!