Ruby Waters with “Bucket”
Ruby Waters released a heavy and emotional new single called Bucket. Her raw vocals always portray an honest true that not everyone is bold enough to share. She captures that moody moment of staring out the window in the rain and feeling the full weight of emotions and past decisions bubble up for better or worse. Bucket lets you have your breakdown and know that others are feeling the same. As this is Waters’ second single in as many weeks we have our fingers crossed there is more music on the way.
Written by Octavia Allison
The Minimum Wage says “Everyone Is”
The Minimum Wage has released their first single since 2022 and there is more to come this year. Starting off as a melodic piano balled Everyone Is quickly bursts out into an early 2000’s alt pop track asking big questions. In a statement about the song the band said “We all consider ourselves victims of something-past traumas, the system, perception of reality-it’s how we deal with being ‘victimized’ that defines us…do you run to social media and desperately seek validation? Do you put your head down and slog out day after day? Do you use it as a tool to better yourself?” This is only the beginning of what The Minimum Wage has in store for us and we will be waiting patiently for more to come.
Written by Octavia Allison
Lucky Honey is the “One You Call”
Lucky Honey has made their debut memorable with their first single One You Call. It’s love song for the past, present and future. 80’s synth sparkles gracefully through the melody as a classic rock rhythm pulses behind. The band played their first ever show in Hamilton in January AND sold it out; An incredible feat cementing these up-and-comers at the forefront of the local music scene. A hint of texture within the vocals just adds another layer of detail to this full track. One You Call envelopes you in a warm presence crafted wholly from strong synergy from a band that is no stranger to bringing the positivity.
Written by Octavia Allison
girl in red is “DOING IT AGAIN BABY”
girl in red is DOING IT AGAIN BABY with her newest single. The album of the same name is dropping April 12th and she will be at History April 30th (tickets are available now). The album features 10 songs in total. DOING IT AGAIN BABY is an upbeat, rhythm driven alt pop piece that has hints of a retro feel. girl in red has delivered fun new song and we will be patiently waiting for the record to drop.
Written by Octavia Allison
Twenty One Pilots “Overcompensate”
Twenty One Pilots have been creating a story for years that is coming together now. Clues were carefully hidden, and the big reveal has come in the form of their latest single Overcompensate. The track begins with a manic overlay of a funky melody and some cryptic whispering in French. Your heart rate remains elevated as you get closer to the drop. “Welcome back to Trench” a distorted voice calls out; a reference to their 2018 album. The duo is expertly building anticipation through the whole song by only giving away little bits at a time. Its an alternative masterpiece weaving in the essence of Twenty One Pilots we love and traces of what is to come.
Written by Octavia Allison
“This Is Nowhere” With The Black Keys
The countdown to their upcoming record Ohio Players is on with 24 days to go before we get the final 10 tracks. The duo released another single called This Is Nowhere melding funk and blues into the band’s trademark stylings. The lyrics exhaust every possible rhyme for verses to create something truly unique.
Written by Octavia Allison
Dear Rouge is a “Goon”
Dear Rouge dropped a song about “the people in our lives we’d like to forget. But somehow and for some reason or another, they just keep turning up. Goon is a pick me up fight before heading out on the town. It has power, movement and confidence. Despite being about those people you don’t want to see, Goon gives you the ego boost you might have been looking for. Check it out right here.
Written by Octavia Allison
St. Vincent and a “Broken Man”
All Born Screaming, St. Vincent’s upcoming album is set to drop April 26th. Earlier this week she released her first single from the project called Broken Man. There is a feel of old-style lounge singer mystery and St. Vincent becomes increasingly bolder. She calls directly to you saying “what are you looking at? Like you never seen a broken man.” As the power grows, guitar riffs throb and control begins to go to the wayside. You can track the decent into madness from beginning to end. It begs the question of what more will she deliver on All Born Screaming?
Written by Octavia Allison
“LOL” with Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Rainbow Kitten Surprise had come out of their year-long hiatus with a moody new single called LOL. A lot of things changed of the coarse of the year as the band’s lead singer came out as transgender. The group also released a statement saying “We must also announce the departure of our dear friend, Charlie Holt” who played base. Despite the seemingly messy turmoil between Holt and the rest of the group, they pushed on to create a moody new track to launch themselves back into music. LOL holds a steady rhythm while maintaining a pop leaning vocals. The band has yet another single dropping March 8th called Superstar. It seems like Rainbow Kitten Surprise is making up for lost time and we are here for it.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Out Loud” with Cage The Elephant
Cage The Elephant is teasing their upcoming album Neon Pill releasing May 17th and have given us a second single. Out Loud is a soft piano ballad about regret and confusion. The melody conveys hopefulness and the lyrics paint a story that continues to unfold. You can hear the sound of the album developing between Out Loud and the title track that has also since been released. The countdown is on to Neon Pill. Cage The Elephant will be at Budweiser Stage August 27th and presale tickets are available now.
Written by Octavia Allison
“We Are One” with RumbleFrenz
Rumblefrenz released their debut album We Are One. The group immediately throws you into a digital landscape of neon and 8-bit images. The album is a high-octane montage of synth and lasers, relentlessly building energy. There is a subtle openness behind the vocals that creates that 80’s depth and familiarity. Rumblefrenz captures a feeling of nostalgia while propelling the band’s sound into the future.
Written by Octavia Allison
The Trampoline Delay with “Excuses Excuses”
Getting down and dirty with it immediately is The Trampoline Delay and their new single Excuses Excuses. The track is heavily guitar driven and moved by a common theme throughout our lives, whether we choose to admit it or not. “Excuses always keep me from my life” calls out frontman Pete Marino. We have all been guilty of coming up with some reason not to do something or be somewhere. Ironically this song’s backstory calls in another Canadian band called Excuses Excuses. If you are looking for an alt-rock song to relate to and roll through check out Excuses Excuses right here.
Written by Octavia Allison
“The Light” Shines with Excuse Me.
Excuse Me. release their latest album The Light with 15 tracks in total. Each song portrays power, depth and synth. What more could you need? The record kicks off with drama and sets up for a sonic journey. In a statement about the album the band said it “nearly destroyed us.” Tragedy plagued the group in the form of shady landlords, eviction, lockdowns, losing final mixes of tracks and more. The group says it was worth it as The Light is “the best thing we’ve ever written” and I would have to agree. The full album has a magnetism to it as you move through the be and flow of these experiences.
Written by Octavia Allison
JAWNY is “Running”
JAWNY released a vibe-y new single last week called Running. The simplistic beat is the foundation for this thought provoking and moody track. You can feel the energy bubbling at the cusp of the chorus. Once it finally spills over you are enveloped in a rhythmic funk. Running uses restraint to emphasize all those little bursts of light throughout this song.
Written by Octavia Allison
“No Safe + Sound” with July Talk
With their upcoming headlining show at Tall Pines festival this year and the showing of their film Love Lives Here, July Talk has been busy. The band’s latest single No Safe + Sound is from the deluxe release of Remember Never Before which drops March 8th. The song is light with a hint of distortion tucked discreetly into the vocals. The way each lyric is pronounced and spoken adds another layer of depth. You stand balancing perfectly between Leah Fay and Peter Dreimanis as you are hypnotized while they sing “Well you can’t unhear the call of it.” Slide into No Safe + Sound right here.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Friendly Fire” from Linkin Park
Linkin Park just released a song that they have been holding onto since 2017. Friendly Fire features vocals from the late Chester Bennington and was originally designated to be on the release of their album One More Light however “something wasn’t right so as it got close to the finish line, we chose to set it aside for later” said lead guitarist Brad Delson. Friendly Fire now sees the light of day as well as footage of Chester and the band. The song is emotional with lyrics that cut deep. Put your lighters up to this one.
Written by Octavia Allison
Sum 41 is “Waiting On A Twist Of Fate”
As we count down the days to Sum 41’s upcoming album Heaven x Hell coming March 29th the band gave us another new track. Waiting On A Twist Of Fate is a perfect pop-punk anthem. Thrashing uncontrollably with speed, real guitar and intense drums you are lucky to be strapped in for this ride. This song feels like the epicenter of the pit, where everyone is sweating, jostling against each other and completely enveloped in the moment and the music. If you are an elder emo let this revive those Warped Tour vibes.
Written by Octavia Allison
Twenty One Pilots and “I Am Clancy”
The last we heard from Twenty One Pilots was back in 2021 with their Scaled and Icy album but there is new music and more in the works. The band released their new video and teased that “a new chapter begins” next week. The video is titled I Am Clancy, and it tells the story of a dystopian land and ties together lore that was possibly even teased on the last record. Not sure what any of this means yet but I am drawn in already so when there is an update you will know.
Written by Octavia Allison
Khruangbin on “May Ninth”
A lofty new single released by Khruangbin from their upcoming album is every to help you float into the spring season. Gentle vocals lightly touch down on the soft melody to create a dream sequence as you listen. The group’s upcoming album A LA SALA comes out April 5th with 12 songs in total. The band will also be stopping at History in Toronto from May 31-June 2nd and tickets are on sale now.
Written by Octavia Allison
JJ Wilde in “Arizona”
JJ Wilde released a reflective new single called Arizona. You are whisked away to the mountains to do some soul searching, find direction and self-love. Soft echoes gently placed throughout the piece reiterate imported moments in this journey. JJ Wilde said in a statement “this song is so important to me. I want you to go for a drive, roll your windows down and turn it all the way up.” The music crescendos to fit with the inspiration feel of this track. Check it out right here.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Can We Have Please Fun” asks Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon have dropped a lot of big announcements including their upcoming album, Can We Please Have Fun dropping May 10th, their world tour, making a stop at Bud Stage October 1st and their new single Mustang. You ride a consistent baseline waiting for the surge of energy the band delivers in the chorus. Drummer Nathan Followill said “It’s like we’ve allowed ourselves to be musically vulnerable.” With a 12 song track list this is only the beginning of new anthems from Kings of Leon.
Written by Octavia Allison
Red Leather with “SOS”
SOS is a cry for help as Red Leather spirals out of control. The crashing end of a relationship lights the fuse and it’s only a matter of time before his world implodes. The new single released last night details all the regrettable things he craves like “driving to Vegas” to “do lines off a bible.” This alternative cowboy is a masterful lyricist graphically detailing his darkest moments. SOS is another all-too-real story from Red Leather. Fingers crossed that its only a matter of time before he has Canadian tour dates.
Written by Octavia Allison
The Struts ask “How Can I Love You”
The Struts delivered an upbeat alt rock song about regret. How Can I Love You (Without Breaking Your Heart) is a catchy track that you can dance and cry to (at the same time or separately). It has movement to help you get past the past but lyrics to help you feel everything and get it out. The band is currently on tour. They don’t have any Toronto stops but they will be in London at Budweiser Gardens, April 10th and tickets are available now.
Written by Octavia Allison
“I Forgot To Be Your Lover” says The Black Keys
The Black Keys are saturated in their blues sound as they give us Forgot To Be Your Lover. It’s a slow jam with special attention paid to the musicality. The band proves their skill (though we never needed them to) and play into the nostalgia of a “simpler time.” The regret is palpable as the line “Now I realize that you need love too and I’ll spend my life, make it up to you” slides over smooth riffs. Their upcoming album Ohio Players is set to drop April 5th.
Written by Octavia Allison
Mother Mother Turns the Page with “Grief Chapter”
With each album they release Mother Mother dives into a new sound and theme. Grief Chapter is no different. Charging into the day-to-day struggles of young people like the cost of living, metal health and many other crisis, this album ushers in a new era. Remaining self aware and mildly spooky, Jasmin Parkin and Molly Guldemond add depth and sorrow to these serious songs. Tracks like End of Me and Nobody Escapes remain upbeat but the lyrics stay tethered to an unfortunate truth. The band reminds you that you aren’t alone and offer this soundtrack as an ode to the struggle.
Written by Octavia Allison
Pearl Jam gives us “Dark Matter”
As Pearl Jam gear up for the release of their upcoming album, Dark Matter, they released the title track. Drums pound down on you and the guitar flashes in with lasting vibrations. It initially gives of a similar feel as Jack White’s latest works. A disorienting echo moves from side to side. As you spiral deeper into the track, the lyrics tie you down into the story. Dark Matter is the new alt rock track we needed. Pearl Jam has set the bar high for the album, which comes out April 19th.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Alright?” asks Ellis in Transit
Ellis in Transit released a gritty new song called Alright? Vocals dig in and find a solid footing surrounded by the superior force of the alt-rock sound. You feel yourself seduced by unwavering guitar licks and unable to avoid the echo in your head. “Give me something that builds me inside then sets fire” the band calls out. It’s nearly impossible to pull away from the gravity this track creates.
Written by Octavia Allison
Ruby Waters with “Adult Swim”
As Ruby Waters continues her tour across Canada and the US, she released a sweltering new song called Adult Swim. Waters is never subtle and doesn’t shy away from the topic of sex. Kicking off the song with the line “Come over for a swim inside of me” is a bold move but believe it or not, that is probably the most tame line in the entire track. The melody is smooth and suggestive as it pulses under each lyric. If you are looking for a hyper sexual experience, Adult Swim is for you.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Nothing Matters” with The Last Dinner Party
A dainty and delicate track takes a spin with The Last Dinner Party’s latest single Nothing Matters. The track is from the band’s new album Prelude to Ecstasy. The gentle melody builds with rhythm and the lyrics are not what you would expect. It’s a juxtaposition as everything carries on as normal with the lyrics being so bold’ yet the emotion is reserved for another time. Feelings begin to puncture the stone-faced façade the song so carefully put together. Nothing Matters is a unique track that entices you into the storyline and to move on from the past however you see fit.
Written by Octavia Allison
Sierra Pilot gives us “Turpentine”
Sierra Pilot released a ripping new single ahead of a busy tour schedule with Skid Row and Buckcherry in March and Pop Evil in April. They have also revealed there is an EP titled Karma dropping March 1st. This comes only 6 months after the release of their debut full length album Phantom Pains. Their grungy new track Turpentine is seductive and dirty in every way. Sierra Pilot mashes new rock sounds like Three Days Grace with heavy hitting classics like Guns and Roses to create a perfect alt rock piece.
Written by Octavia Allison
Felix Cartal and Lights “Feel Less”
Lights released a new single with Felix Cartal today called Feel Less. It’s a bubbly but introspective track full of funky autotune, and a mellow and vibe-y beat. You can sink into the couch and feel the harmonies build. Felix said “This one is special. An emotional anthem. Lights and I wrote, produced, mixed and mastered this entire record ourselves.” Hopefully this is only the beginning of the projects yet to unfold with this duo.
Written by Octavia Allison
Bleeker Wants to “Make It Better”
A suspense thriller in song form dropped earlier this week from Bleeker. The tension is sustained when you find out there is a full album on the way later this year as well. The band’s newest single Make It Better is built on ground up distortion and a crunchy alt feel. Vocalist Taylor Perkins takes you through the story saying “While seemingly dark, its intended to be uplifting and empowering. It’s really about that feeling that you’ve changed, you feel less, like you are slipping away. You know you can beat the feeling, but it takes asking or looking for help.” Like a good movie, it’s easy to be drawn into the track and impossible to walk away until the very end.
Written by Octavia Allison
Aysanabee & Raye Zaragoza say “Come Out”
Aysanabee released a hearty new song for the soul alongside Raye Zaragoza. Come Out marches forward with a palpable sense of power and pride. This pair of Indigenous artists call out to you and it’s a call that can’t be ignored. Time stands still as you find yourself wrapped up in the moment they have created. In a press release Aysanabee said “Often times when you write a song with another person, it’s for one artist or the other. This one had deep connection to us both, and I think it shows.”
Written by Octavia Allison
Milky Chance is a “Reckless Child”
Milky Chance released their newest single Reckless Child. Funky beats become the focus with each verse serving as punctuation. The pulsing rhythm holds this track together. Milky Chance has captured a moody-melty feeling in all of their music. It’s a new way to speak on a relationship and we wouldn’t expect anything else from Milky Chance.
Written by Octavia Allison
“solace & stillness” with Judgement
Judgement hits you like a brick wall with their newest single solace & stillness. The band mercilessly drags you through the carnage of a shattered psyche; only to pull you back to reflect once you are torn apart. Through growling vocals and ripping distortion you find yourself in the throws of a battle you can’t see. solace & stillness rains down that post-hardcore sound you crave.
Written by Octavia Allison
“When We Die (Can We Still Get High?)” Asks Yungblud
When We Die (Can We Still Get High?) is the question Yungblud asks in his newest single featuring Lil Yachty. Everyone seems to be in their feelings with these moody tracks. It’s a slow moving and simple piece accented with strings. Lil Yachty’s unique vocals break out of the vibrating melody. Things pick up around the 4-minute mark and serves as perhaps a turning point where you know the trip is winding down and the real world is coming back.
Written by Octavia Allison
Palaye Royale Brings us “Songs For Sadness”
Palaye Royale has released another set of tracks on a EP called Songs For Sadness. The 4 songs create drama as you come with the band to contemplate life as whole. Seeing as that is a big undertaking each song moves through different themes but all plunge into darkness for a time. Melodies are gentle and strings are used to build to a crescendo. Don’t Cry plays with depth as the vocals float through the static for the chorus. World Ends is lead by strings and Hello Sunshine is a redundant chant of “All my friends are dead, living in my head.” Trapped in a labyrinth in your mind this is the soundtrack for those lost and swirling feelings.
Written by Octavia Allison
Kojak with “Midnight”
Kojak has released their latest single Midnight and it’s the shot of adrenaline you needed. Reminiscent of summer nights, this is “A song about hanging on to a moment, or night in this case as long as you can, as futile as that might be.” The track captures the essence of summer fun and the mystery of what actually happened before the blackout. You wait until the photos develop from a polaroid before reliving and piecing those glorious moments together. “Whether it be that you’re having a good time, or you don’t want to see that the morning brings, it’s just as much about enjoying the present as it is avoiding what is about to come the next day.” Says the group. It hits in a weirdly sentimental place as most people aren’t keen to remember the hangover, but you will risk it all for another one of these nights.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Neon Pill” from Cage The Elephant
After 5 years without new music from Cage The Elephant, the drought is over. Today the band released a single called Neon Pill. The track cruises along with that funky digital alt sound with sharp popping bursts of brightness. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping for this to sound like their first record Elephant but maybe that resurgence will come in time. Neon Pill delivers that mildly mysterious indie sound that I suddenly find myself craving again.
Written by Octavia Allison
Aurora and “The Conflict Of The Mind”
Aurora takes us to church in this soft and soothing new single, The Conflict Of The Mind. A gentle melody leads you toward your seat as distant vocals crackle over the speaker system. Aurora paints an eerie picture of the things you try to hide from yourself and from others. You are flooded with echoing thoughts. Her angelic vocals gloss over the sheer weight of the things being said. “Fingers tearing through the ground, were you digging something up, or did you bury something down?” with all these thoughts swirling, the sermon is over and you sit with those thoughts till next time.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Nobody Escapes” with Mother Mother
After resurging to stardom with their song Hayloft going viral, Mother Mother has capitalized. Despite it being a song from the group’s first album, they came full circle and released Hayloft II last year, among many other successful tracks. The band has already announced they have an album on the way for 2024 called Grief Chapter dropping February 16th. As the title suggests, we seem to be entering a dark and reflective time in the Mother Mother realm. The group worked through the crisis of the cost of living in The Matrix, a single that was released late last year, and now their new single Nobody Escapes. The dark outlook on the prospect of life brings melancholy and unwanted “what if’s?” through seemingly bright music. There is a feeling of uneasiness hidden subtly through layering and the unpronounced vocals. Mother Mother will be coming to Budweiser Stage July 5th and tickets go on sale January 26th (presale January 22nd). Strap in for a confrontation with our gloomy reality with Nobody Escapes.
Written by Octavia Allison
Sierra Pilot Burns like “Kerosene”
After releasing a 9-track record called Phantom Pains last year, the boys are back with a dynamic new video. Kerosene is a down a dirty rock track that absolutely satisfies in every way (wink, wink). Frontman Taylor Lieth delivers grunge restrained in favor of a more mysterious sound, until the chorus where all hell breaks lose. This track is seductive but doesn’t take itself too seriously when it comes to the brand-new video. “When we kicked off the brainstorming for the video, we were craving a fresh vibe, something totally off the beaten path,” says frontman Taylor Leith. “Turning the band members into the stars of our very own ‘peep show’ felt like the ultimate way to rock the performance angle, and honestly, the more we thought about it the less and less serious it got. The intentional cheesiness we embraced in the final cut made the video for us.” It’s set to be a big year for Sierra Pilot as they pick up where they left off on their Western Canadian tour with Skid Row and Buckcherry in March. Tickets are available now.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Saviors” Named Green Day
Saviors is the name of the latest Green Day album and exactly what they are to pop punk music today. Bringing punk to the masses since 1987, the band has remained a staple for their hard-hitting anthems taking a stance against “the man.” They also know how to indulge in adolescent troublemaking and keep that spirt alive and well all the same. Saviors holds the thrashing bounce that Green Day has so famously trademarked. The moment The American Dream is Killing Me, came out, it stuck in your head like gum on the bottom of a Doc Martin and there was no way this record would disappoint. The band stomps forward asking “do you want to be my best friend” in Bobby Sox and delivers punchy moments reminiscent of Revolution Radio in Strange Days Are Here to Stay. Green Day says what people are thinking and doesn’t shy away from that, though the full album is not spent bashing the state of the world we live in. You get to enjoy the personality that ultimately shines through. Green Day is coming to Rogers Centre August 1st and tickets are on sale now.
Written by Octavia Allison
The Cocktails with “Triangle”
Busting at the seams with 12 tracks total, The Cocktails have released their new album, Triangle. You are immediately flying through these explosive and unrelenting alt rock songs with no time to lose. You feel consumed by the power play in Burner Phone as bass and guitar riffs go back and forth showcasing the raw power as neither step back. You continue to race forward with no control holding on by the rails. An ominous chant of an every-growing army marches through Hold Me Close. The band takes pause in Monkey as if a moment of understanding that is train can’t be stopped. Get Off My Back starts off with shots rifling towards you almost Beastie Boys style and their classic Sabotage. Unexpected vocal inflections put a disorienting spin on these tracks. The Cocktails have established their sound utilizing harmonies to create vocals that surround you, pummeling rhythms and drilling guitar riffs. Check out Triangle right here.
Written by Octavia Allison
Bleachers with “Tiny Moves”
Tiny Moves is yet another single we have received from Bleachers ahead of their album release. The self-titled record is set to drop March 8th. Tiny Moves uses accents and emphasis on vocals that line up with punches in the melody to make this soft retro piece danceable. Constant melody keeps you shuffling through a movie montage. Antonoff’s wife, Margaret Qualley stars in the music video, that was filmed “a few weeks before we got married.”
Written by Octavia Allison
IDLES “Gift Horse”
IDLES released a new single called Gift Horse. It’s a dominating track that leaves you tied to their sound. Bound in ropes chains and pure aggression, the intimidating track holds you right where they want you. Being so bold ensures you couldn’t turn away if you wanted to. You are being slammed with abrasive vocals in true IDLES style. Check out Gift Horse right here.
Written by Octavia Allison