“Feel It” with Ellis in Transit
Distortion drags through an opening portal that stretches and bends with each note. You plunge into the endless layers of this melody. Ellis in Transit steps into another dimension that swirls with vibrant colours and reverberation. The track encompasses change with the shoegazy style and morphing vocals. Feel It relays the story of a relationship crumbling as communication hits a wall. Feel It encompasses an otherworldly mood as the song takes you through the cosmos.
Written by Octavia Allison
At “Your House” with Inhaler
There is a rhythmic stomp that occurs in so many tracks that we have come to love, most notably The White Stripes Seven Nation Army, but what is it about that march that we crave? Inhaler delivers a similarly addictive and catchy feeling in their newest single Your House. Fuzz tones step alongside the defining rhythm until it breaks into a Beatle’s-esq bounce. Lyrics talk about the familiarity of “your house” and how it is not easy to change habits and turn away from people you were close with. Inhaler has a new album coming out February 5ht called Open Wide and they will be at History February 28th. Tickets go on sale Friday (Nov 22)
Written by Octavia Allison
Texas King is “100 Degrees”
How do you explain coming home to what you know and love? There is a sense of positivity and comfort. You are surrounded by people and places you recognize and the familiar sounds of your town or city. Texas King has come home to their signature sound with their new single 100 Degrees. The band creates a brightness while they reflect on the legacy we leave as people. It’s a safe space to simply wonder and float around in your own thoughts.
Written by Octavia Allison
Linkin Park is “Two Faced”
Thrashing into their newest single, Linkin Park is doing everything they can to prove that they can deliver the addictive sounds of their past while moving to create a new piece to their legacy. Mike Shinoda wails in the opening of Two Faced and sends a hit of adrenaline streaming to your heart. Emily Armstrong delivers voltage with the chanting chorus. Unfortunately backstabbing will always be relatable to the lyrics hit home as well. Linkin Park’s full album From Zero drops tomorrow but from the 4 tracks the band has already released, rest assured the remaining 7 tracks will hit just as hard. Tickets for their show at Scotiabank August 8th will go on sale November 18th at 10:00am.
Written by Octavia Allison
Milky Chance Studio Sessions for “Naked and Alive”
With percussion that just scratches that subconscious itch in your mind, Milky Chance release their latest live studio session of their single Naked and Alive. As you expected wavy guitar creeps in with an unexpected flamenco style undertone. The track is stripped to the bare necessities, and it works to focus your attention on solos, and the harmonies wrapped up in the vocals. The duo carefully moves the spotlight to different features in the most subtle way.
Written by Octavia Allison
Harm and Ease are “Thinkin Bout Love”
With a buffet of styles in their arsenal, Harm and Ease dive into their newest single Thinkin’ Bout Love. This non-stop anthem begins as soon as the rhythm guitar rips through your headphones. The band find’s love to be inescapable, sometimes intrusive and in more places than you would expect. Thinkin Bout Love seems to hint at influences, and takes a tastes from Cage The Elephant’s first album with driving rhythms, tempo and riffs. Stay strapped in for this ride with Harm and Ease.
Written by Octavia Allison
A “Confession” from Silverstein
After 25 years any band has lived through so many gigs, venues, countries and albums. Silverstein is commemorating this milestone with a double album dropping February 21st. Anti Bloom / Pink Moon promises “the band’s most eclectic and prolific body of work yet” according to a press release. The group has released their first single from the project called Confession. Spewing pop punk nostalgia, the track free falls right into all the feelings. You spiral through the piercing reality that toxicity permeated everything you once loved. Front man Shane Told said, “It’s one of the strongest singles we’ve ever released because at it’s core, it’s all about the message, melody and emotion.” You can catch Silverstein on tour February 14th at History. Tickets are available now.
The Jailbirds give us “High Noon”
All good rock bands, and their classic hits have had ample airplay to the point of exhaustion in some cases. It is more than overdue to see a band carry on the torch of heavy hitting tracks with substance and precision. If you consider yourself a purest but looking for an edge, The Jailbirds bring you their latest EP High Noon. The project is packed with larger-than-life songs as you spiral down the rabbit hole of rock. The Jailbirds utilize layers to engulf you in this semi ominous atmosphere. Raw and fuzzy guitar is the foundation for this project. Bluesy riffs slink in before high energy kicks in the door. Your Love is as bold and persuasive as someone trying to get you to leave the bar with them, right before the last call. Sludge moves slowly with the intention of showcasing technique and purpose. Robert Plant style wailing flows through tracks like Our Time. Wavering echoes add depth as you plunge further into the scenes created. High Noon is one of the best EP’s I have heard in a long time. You can check out The Jailbirds live November 8th at The Dance Cave in Toronto for the official release party. Tickets are available now.
Written by Octavia Allison
Black Paint is “All Bad”
If you are looking for a new track to blow your mind, look no further. I invite you to melt into the alt rock stylings of Black Paint’s new single All Bad. Grinding distortion pushes back and forth against the drums alongside screaming vocals in tug of war for raw power. You can hear the influences of Rival Sons, Royal Blood and Jack White stand out in the track through precise timing and technique. Black Paint seamlessly creates a fresh, stand out style. The baseline emerges adding texture between blasting and short riffs. The band says they hope the song serves as a reminder that “aggressive rock and roll is still being made by young people” and hope “people will be more likely to buy a ticket to the next local rock show in their area.” With that being said Black Paint is playing a show at the El Mocambo this Friday (October 25th) and you should grab some tickets and check it out.
Written by Octavia Allison
Sierra Pilot and new “Horizons”
Before heading out on a US tour with Pop Evil and Bad Wolves, Sierra Pilot dropped a crashing new single called Horizons. Darkness hides just below the surface, and it can be detrimental when it pushes through into everyday life. Thrashing and relentless drums rain down over anguished lyrics. Like a breakdown in the rain, this song stops you in your tracks. The chorus delves deep in an attempt to pick you up off the pavement. You can see bruises that testify to the struggles leading up to this moment. Frontman Taylor Leith explained “the song was born out of my own battle with addiction, but it has grown into something much larger.”
Written by Octavia Allison
Jean Caffeine gives us a “Mammogram”
Sludgy and slinky all at once Jean Caffeine brings a bluesy element to an unexpected topic. Mammogram is exactly what you think and proves that inspiration can come from anywhere. The track drags purposefully to maximize the impact. Mammogram serves as an important PSA says Caffeine “with toxins in our air, food and water, breast cancer is no longer only a middle-aged woman’s issue. More young women are being diagnosed with breast cancer. So if you have breasts-get one!”
Written by Octavia Allison
Grizzly Coast with “Two Balloons”
Grizzly Coast released their newest LP “Staying Power” that holds an energetic song called Two Balloons Buzzing riffs subtly add a punchy backing to the sweet love song. Comparing romance to “two lost balloons, at heights they never knew” The track encompasses the light walking on air feeling of a partner meant for you. Two Balloons simmers with possibility. Delicate vocals force a tactfully balance over the imagery of 2 balloons seeming lost but dancing together in a better place.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Evaporate” with Allegories
A haunting and ethereal voice beckons you to come closer. Through the mist you hear the call getting closer and stronger. A pop-y rhythm appears and fades in under layering vocals. Echoing through this gentle ballad is a sense of the past as well as an air of peacefulness. A pan flue creates a fairytale soundscape as the notes climb higher. Allegories have carefully crafted a surreal and heavenly balled called Evaporate.
Written by Octavia Allison
Featurette and their “Next Life”
With their new album Panic Pills coming January 31st Featurette keeps the momentum moving with yet another single from the record. Next Life is a synthy alt pop creation that rests gently on the bubbling lyrics. Electronic distortion vibrates through the punchy chorus and drives home the fact that we are all losing our shit. Fiercely relatable lyrics dissect how life is a non-stop turbulent ride that leaves you dizzy. Featurette is currently on their Till Death Do Us Party Tour coming to Drake Underground November 23 and tickets are available now.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Lemonade” with Brock Geiger
Swirling funk weaves back and forth through your head to create sonic movement in this laid back and wavy offering from Brock Geiger. Lemonade releases gradual climaxes that sweep the proverbial shores of the song before drifting back out. You are gently and constantly swayed as the movement continues perpetually. The track masterfully ebbs and flows creating a feeling you are enveloped by. A warping distortion melded with horns adds further texture to this dreamy melody.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Little Lucy” and The Trampoline Delay
With a clever take on a likely lesser-known classic these days, The Trampoline Delay release their 3rd single from their upcoming album. Little Lucy is seemingly a pop punk take on The Everly Brothers’ Wake Up Little Suzie. The Trampoline Delay sends you into a haze of attitude and misty early 2000’s rock melodies to share the story of Little Lucy. According to the band’s frontman Pete Marino the track is about “watching someone self destruct and trying to snap them out of it. Lucy’s caught up with the wrong crowd, doing things that drag her down-whether its drinking, drugs, whatever. It’s that downward spiral you can’t always pull people out of.”
Written by Octavia Allison
One In The Chamber says “Tell Me When”
With an opening riff akin to Bon Jovi’s Wanted Dead or Alive, One In The Chamber kicks off their first acoustic EP. Tell Me When ponders big questions in a softer way. As riffs drift through in waves your thoughts do the same. According to the group the song tells of a “longing for days long gone.” One In The Chamber creates the essence of the world turning with a consistent and driving baseline. Dynamic vocals punch through with grit and texture over smooth acoustic riffs. The band has stripped things down and proven their skill once again. The band’s EP Cabin Sessions is set to drop November 1st.
Written by Octavia Allison
Amyl and The Sniffers with “Big Dreams”
Amyl and The Sniffers are gearing up for the release of their upcoming album Cartoon Darkness. It drops October 25th and promises to be another bursting punk piece. One of their recently released singles, Big Dreams is a bit different then the band it used to. There is no thrashing or yelling. The track rolls forward like a car in neutral and centers on gritty rock riffs to pull it forward, until you flip the ignition. Once things get kicked into gear the power is evident although it is still unlike other Amyl and The Sniffers’ tracks. The group was unsure about the song initially. “We’re a rock ‘n’ roll band, so I didn’t know what to do with it.” Says guitar player Declan Mehrtens. “(Amy) pushed me a lot to figure out how it would go…Even for a soft song, we’re a high energy band, so we need that energy in there eventually.” It’s a seemingly very monotonous song but there are dee Punk roots, tying in this spoken word and rhythmic flow. The Aussie band’s accent runs through each potent lyric.
Written by Octavia Allison
The Darcys are “Rendering Feelings”
From their brand new album Rendering Feelings, The Darcys bring out satisfying synthy-alt that just hits the right spot in your mind. Their lead single 1986 begins to surround you with a walking baseline that you can’t help but ride with. The track plays with distance, and movement in multiple ways. The duo admits that the album took a long time to “render” but it is absolutely worth it to be able to hear how they have honed their craft. They admit that “technology became a theme” due to their long-distance relationships and “UFO’s for some weird reason” were also thrown into the mix. All those ingredients alongside a heavy sense of self awareness and a drive to create something strong, has resulted in the most memorable Darcys album.
Written by Octavia Allison
Lights with “Damage”
It doesn’t get any more authentic than chopping off several inches of hair for a music video. Lights has had long dark hair for as long as you can remember but has changed it up recently for her latest single Damage. She brings us deeper into the song and explains “In the last few years I’ve found myself exploring which parts of my identity are really me and which are a response to the way we have all been conditioned by our present circumstances, whether it’s shaped by the incredible pressure of social media or by modern expectation. Sometimes I step up and think “I swear this isn’t me.” It’s a bubbling track with dark tones that hold you to the severity of the message. Lights is hyper aware of the excuses, internet feedback and her own personal Damage.
Written by Octavia Allison
The Feral Minks and a “Matador”
Coming from a small town, The Feral Minks are always relatable in their songwriting. If you aren’t from a small town, they bring you in to how they make their own fun in a place where not much happens. The band’s new single Matador talks about getting wild at a stag and doe (a party that happens prior to a couple getting married to raise money for the wedding). The event usually goes exactly how they band lays it out including being “down in the Legion in the heart of the night, outside smoking their weed” and their prediction that “someone’s gonna throw out a knee” from dancing too hard. It fits with The Feral Minks signature sound and hometown feel.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Heavy is the Crown” says Linkin Park
Linkin Park debuted a controversial new singer named Emily Armstrong and began a string of shows ending in Brazil in November. Now it is no fault of Armstrong for the controversy, rather people feel former frontman, Chester Bennington has been forgotten in this move. Everyone can have their own opinions, but I can tell you the group’s latest single Heavy is the Crown does not disappoint. With raspy vocals and a melody that comes out swinging, this song breaks through as proof that Armstrong is the right fit. She screams out while Mike Shinoda’s rap rock vocals keep things tethered to sanity. Synth lies semi-dormant in the background to add that edge of intensity. Chester will never be forgotten, and we are simply moving into a new iteration of Linkin Park. The band’s upcoming album, From Zero on Friday.
Written by Octavia Allison
All American Rejects take on “Flagpole Sitta”
All American Rejects have covered Harvey Danger’s track Flagpole Sitta. The bounce of the wall energy is held through this version. Everyone loves the chaos and thrashing. It makes sense for All American Rejects to give us their iteration of a beloved song that has resonated through generations.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Get Out of My Head” Says Red Leather
Overcoming substance abuse is something many people will never grapple with in their lives. For those who have struggled, its an ongoing challenge to stave off intrusive thoughts and cravings. Red Leather opens up once again for an inside look into the mind of an addict. Get Out Of My Head begs his demons release their grip. He whispers chilling lines about losing control and wanting sobriety. Get Out of My Head Rips relies on rhythm to push forward but guitar riffs pull the emotion through. Check it out right here.
Written by Octavia Allison
The Beaches and “Jocelyn”
With the authenticity you hear from The Beaches and their experience it makes sense that they would draw on real life for inspiration. It doesn’t get any more real than stalking someone on social media. The band released their new single Jocelyn. According to drummer Eliza Enman-McDaniel, the band like the name so they set out to find Jocelyn. After scouring social media they found her. The song is entirely based on an Instagram profile of a fan. She may or may not know the song is about her, but she did just get her PhD in politics. The girls also have more music in the works. It is only a matter of time before they name drop again and next time it could be you.
Written by Octavia Allison
A Book For Wanderers and “Boy”
An industrial sound permeates the surface of an enticing new alt track from A Book For Wanderers. Boy speaks on “finding that love and lighting your life up.” Synth drones through the piece as the rhythm is assembled in chunks. Boy carries an air of mystery that draws you in. Raspy vocals are just the piece du resistance that fully finish the apocalyptic imagery this song builds. Vibrations pulse to pull everything together.
Written by Octavia Allison
Cuff The Duke is “Breaking Dawn”
Today Cuff The Duke released their first LP in 10 years, titled Breaking Dawn. The tone is set with a calming opening track called The Dawn. It’s a chance to get instrospective as you feel the peacefulness like the waves rolling up the shoreline. As you shift into Got You On The Run you come into an inherent lightness and sense of hope. Frontman Wayne Petti’s journey with mental health is explored within the record. Petti has been working as an artist manager and an artist himself and said “I struggled with the idea of working with incredible and inspiring artists in that capacity and still being an artist in my own way. I finally realized that the only thing stopping me was ME. There are no rules about how one can and cannot be creative.” The record ebbs and flows through emotions yet allows you the space to feel every single one. Cuff The Duke has curated a soft and inviting atmosphere withing Breaking Dawn.
Witten by Octavia Allison
Cigar Club Brings the “Rain”
You stand alone on a deserted side street feeling hopeless, lost and directionless. There is no mental clarity as you are trying to see through a fog of depression. Cigar Club’s latest single Rain holds all these dark feelings and audibly encapsulates every moment. From the guitar riff’s bemoaning the hard times in each bending note, to the monotone feel of the vocals, it all plunges you deeper. Once you feel this dark cloud dragging you down further, the tempo changes to allow sunlight in through the dark haze. Rain hits in all the right spots for the perfect brooding alt track.
Written by Octavia Allison
Lonely Little Kitsch with “Vices”
Everyone needs a not so guilty pleasure and that is Lonely Little Kitsch’s new single Vices. The track begins to assemble with riffs leading into a steadfast beat until it crescendos. The simplicity in the rhythm section is reminiscent of Meg White (of The White Stripes) animalistic methods. Frontwomen Kristen explained “this song is about bad habits and how we all have them. Some can be serious, and some are innocent and fairly innocuous-and in some cases, our vices are other people. But no one is vice-less.” Check out Vices right here.
Written by Octavia Allison
Kenny Hoopla has “ONE TULIP//”
Kenny Hoopla laces a soft melody with rapid pop punk beats and angsty feeling in his latest track ONE TULIP//. When describing the song he explained “ I’ve tried to be of help my whole life and exhausted myself to be enough for my family and friends through empathy, currency, and just simply being there physically but you’ll always be half the person they need you to be until you learn to be a friend to yourself and make yourself whole.”
Written by Octavia Allison
“i’m not crazy you’re just an asshole” says JJ Wilde
As unfortunate as it is, almost everyone has been in a shitty relationship. Sometimes you wait it out and hope it gets better, other times you sift through the gaslighting to reveal the truth. i’m not crazy you’re just an asshole (toxic) calls out all the behaviour commonly found in an abrasive and venomous partner. It’s an anthem to better days ahead and seeing that you are absolutely worth more. JJ Wilde’s upcoming album Vices is set to serve as the post breakup self reflection and growth. “This is the album I said I would never make. I always said I would never put a relationship before music or myself and then I went and got completely lost in someone. The amount of emotional, personal and mental growth that this album has brought forward for me is massive” She explained in a statement. You can catch her on tour at The Opera House November 22nd. Tickets are available now.
Written by Octavia Allison
Mother Mother goes to “Devil Town”
Mother Mother have put a new spin on Cavetown’s song Devil Town. The track is layered with beats, harmonies and a Stranger Things vibe. Synth waves bounce over vocalizations before plunging into madness. It is a fitting cover with many intricate peices however Mother Mother make the song less pixilated. Devil Town paints a haunting picture of a place full of darkness and things you can never fully understand.
Written by Octavia Allison
Redpath Traffic in “Dundas Square”
If you are looking for a hyper local quasi-commentary on a Toronto landmark, this is for you. Redpath Traffic bring bold riffs that delve into gruff and unexpected punk vocals of Dundas Square. All of this comes together to emulate something as busy and colourful as the namesake of this track. The band said “Toronto needed a song! There aren’t a lot of songs about Toronto or that even mention it in passing, so what’s better than creating a catchy rock song about the area of the city where you’re right in the mix of it all.” Redpath Traffic is aware of the current controversy around the name but says regardless of the change, the culture and history of the spot will always remain. Dundas Square is driven, lively and is destined to become part of a Canadian Heritage Moment.
Written by Octavia Allison
Leah Martel is “Not Cool”
What sounds like a dainty track that throws you back to the early 2000’s, quickly spirals into an Alannis Morissette piece that is as honest as it gets. Leah Martel spills dishes about being awkward and in those tween years and how it never really goes away in her single Not Cool. It’s refreshing to hear about the feeling of being uncool is just as relentless as you get older. The song removes the veil of imposter syndrome to reveal that everyone still feels uncomfortable it’s just not discussed. Not Cool’s bouncy rhythm would fit well into a coming-of-age movie if the main character was in their mid 30’s.
Written by Octavia Allison
Ellis in Transit in “Toronto”
With a shoegazey new single called Toronto, Ellis in Transit continue to weave different emotions and visuals into their discography. You are lulled into a soft and hazy hallway that begins to warp and your view becomes distorted. The band likens this song to “the struggles after moving from one country to another, suffering hardships in this new city and not knowing where you fit in” and “growing older wondering if you made the right decision to leave your old life behind in search of success.” Toronto is a trippy, vulnerable and reflective track.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Bright Lights” with The Killers
Breaking out with their first new song of the year, The Killers have released Bright Lights. In a world of 2 minute flash-in-the-pan tracks, The Killers have crafted a piece that will stand the test of time. Bright Lights holds something classic that alludes to a better day in a way that makes you believe it wholeheartedly. The fullness of the chorus surrounds you. All 4 original members are featured in the song and that adds even more to the power of it. Bright Lights is one of those songs you can hear echoing back through a stadium. The Killers will be at Budweiser Stage September 10th and 11th. Tickets are available now.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Cigarettes” with Burp.
Burp. delivers a lightweighted lamenting of passive aggressive thoughts in their newest release Cigarettes. It’s the prelude to a mental unraveling as bouncy punk undertones cling to a steady beat to hold you in a cycle. Relatable lines connect you to this nonchalant attitude that you have tried so hard to achieve. Something about this tune sticks to your brain instantly as you nod along with the rhythm. Guitars vibrate with the perfect interlude and accent this rolling track. Burp.’s full album Acid Reflux is set to drop September 27th.
Written by Octavia Allison
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