Red Leather says “Bury Me in Vegas”
From the sleazy and dark side of the Las Vegas strip, Red Leather emerged. Numerous overdoses, steps away from suicide and an absent father are only small fragments of what makes up this mysterious artist. With each new single he releases, we further unravel his unbelievable story. Bury Me in Vegas takes you through reckless and self-destructive behaviour as he relapsed. “I ain’t dying sober” Red cries out in distress. With photographic detail he retells the night’s events. The ability to bring you into these moments so intimately and vividly is intense. He states, “I cut the last two lines, one for myself and one for the reaper.” Knowing all that Red Leather has endured, it’s an eerie verse. He was truly ready and expecting to die in Vegas. Red Leather has since gotten sober and garnered an ever-growing audience. He is currently touring in the U.S and we can patiently wait for him to cross the border.
Written by Octavia Allison
Phem with “absolutely nothing”
Phem’s new single may be called absolutely nothing but it delivers much more than the title suggests. Lyrics come fast and furious and speak about everything from her career to tumultuous relationships. Her soft delivery glosses over the gravity of each topic although she declares it’s good for “absolutely nothing.” In an interview she said this is “the most honest song I’ve ever made. I think I’ve tapped into a different level of myself.” The song revels in the gentle and bubbly melody even though the storyline reveals the unraveling of sanity.
Written by Octavia Allison
Twenty One Pilots “Backslide”
Twenty One Pilots spend time perfecting their craft and the backstory behind it. Subtle signs and hints have been in place for years leading to this moment. Clancy, the duo’s upcoming album is dropping May 24th, a week later than originally intended. The pair is hell bent on making a video for every single song on the 13-song record. The 3rd single from the album Backslide is the latest release. A demonic voice lays under the surface of each verse, questioning frontman Tyler Joseph’s place in life. It’s a pretty steady beat and you march through heavy feelings and low points in this saga. Now we wait for the next piece of this intricate story.
Written by Octavia Allison
The Last Dinner Party with “Sinner”
The Last Dinner Party dropped their first album Prelude to Ecstasy last month with a bad-ass coquette aesthetic and feel. The group just released a video for their song Sinner (On The Road). Pulsing synth is met with staccato piano and vocals. The girls’ delicate vocals are phrased in a punchy way creating anthemic earworm. They embrace a fleeting moment and reminisce as they wish to change the past.
Written by Octavia Allison
Kings of Leon have “Nothing To Do”
Kings of Leon kick of their newest single with clever lines in feel of spoken word poetry. It’s a fast-movie anti-love song with the chorus calling “you want nothing to do with love.” Grungy distortion just makes sense with this punch piece. Nothing To Do “delves into their post-punk sound with it’s jagged guitar riffs and propulsive drumming” said a press release. All in all it’s a harder hitting song then expected and it belongs in your playlist rotation. Kings of Leon’s upcoming album Can We Please Have Fun is coming out May 10th . The band will be at Bud Stage October 1st and tickets are available now.
Written by Octavia Allison
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats are “Heartless”
South of Here is the title of the new Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats album dropping June 28th. It will be the group’s 4th studio album with 11 songs in total. Today our first preview came in the form of a song called Heartless. Layered vocals roll across a full and folksy chorus. Rhythm keeps things rolling with strings and a reassuring tone. A howling chorus puts you out in a field of grass as you let your thoughts unravel. Realizations come to the forefront as you step forward with solid footing.
Written by Octavia Allison
Pearl Jam in the “Wreckage”
The upcoming release of Peal Jam’s Dark Matter is highly anticipated for many reasons. Mainly because there are string moments of nostalgia to a time when the band was in their prime. Wreckage is the latest single from the album (coming out Friday April 19) and it carries hope. A bright melody with the story of time, trials and reflection shows the maturity and experience of a band with 34 years under their belt.
Written by Octavia Allison
Fontaines DC with “Starburster”
Their new album Romance was announced through a cryptic and thrashing symphonic minute and a half video and it seems to be an accurate portrayal of what’s to come so far. Fontaines DC released the first single, Starburster. According to a press release the song was inspired by Grian Chatten and a panic attack that he had in a London train station. You hear the sound of a puffer throughout the track to emphasize the panic. The track starts with an ominous melody before brash syncopation thunders through. Dissonant waves ride through for an impactful display of chaos and confusion. Gentle moments are fleeting but part of this whirlwind. Romance is set to drop August 23 with an 11 song tracklist.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Romance” with Fontaines DC
Fontaines DC is teasing fans with a snippet of a new single called Romance. The orchestral crashing of cymbals and dissonant chords build discomfort and intrigue. As the mood and ambience intertwine, you are pulled into this darkness. To add to this already eerie feeling, the video features what looks like the infamous elevators from The Shinning. Green goo oozes out in the last moments. Now we wait for whatever comes next.
Written by Octavia Allison
Glass Animals are “Creatures in Heaven”
I Love You So Fucking Much will be Glass Animal’s first album in 2 years. Dropping July 19th the tracklist has 10 songs including the band’s latest release. Creatures in Heaven feels like a hazy headspace after a smoke session. Tender lyrics create the timeless picture of young hopeless romantics. You can hear a heartbeat through the rhythm that ties everything together. The band is looking to move past their hit Heat Waves, and dig in even deeper.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Eyes Closed” with Imagine Dragons
Imagine Dragons are spiraling into a new era with Eyes Closed. Through a steadfast rhythm the anticipation swells as you step closer to the chorus. This band knows exactly how to hold you in the palm of their hand. They play with distortion like a club DJ, remixing vocals for intensity and a sinister undertone. Just when you think you know what’s coming, things are switched. It’s different from the song structure you’re used to and it’s seemingly part of the “game” mentioned in the lyrics. The band cleverly creates drama and anticipation in each section of Eyes Closed.
Written by Octavia Allison
Ellis in Transit is “Suffocating”
As the baseline tentatively walks you into this single you aren’t sure what to expect. Soon enough, electricity crackles just before the vocals jump in. Ellis in Transit’s newest track Suffocating brings out conflict, power and an internal struggle. According to the group, the song portrays “a situation where you care deeply about someone’s well being even though they might not prioritize their own best interests and you’re trying desperately to get through to them, to your own detriment.” With the release of this single Ellis in Transit finds themselves sure of their footing and unique sound.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Passage” with Black Suit Devil
Black Suit Devil leads us into crushing thoughts and dark places in his latest single Passage. Guitar riffs sting, cutting deeper into the emotional moment that has been opened before us. Through his music Black Suit Devil wants to “bring awareness to the struggles of mental health, depression and suicide that is ever increasing in our communities.” His rough and gravely vocals give this track a rough edge that turns it away from just being another slow song. It holds weight and strength, which intertwines with the message. Black Suit Devil constantly shines the spotlight on tough topics and allows for people to feel that there is hope. His upcoming album, The Eternal Sleep is set to be released June 28th.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Next Semester” with Twenty-One Pilots
It’s official. Everything you hoped for is coming true. It’s a new age of Twenty-One Pilots. In a video with a comparable aesthetic to Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit, you are sent speeding into an uncertain future. Next Semester is a heart-pumping second single to add to their upcoming album track list. The duo creating anticipation alongside so many intricate pieces of a story that will weave together within their highly anticipated album. Clancy is dropping May 17th and Twenty-One Pilots’ world tour stopping at Scotiabank Arena September 27th. Tickets go on sale this Friday ( April 5th).
Written by Octavia Allison
Milky Chance is “Living In A Haze” with The Beaches
Milky Chance released their latest single Living In A Haze, featuring The Beaches. It is a collaboration that makes sense. Pulsating rhythms dance as Beaches frontwoman Jordan Miller croons alongside Clemens Rehbein of Milky Chance. Punchy verses stand out against the ever-rolling melody. Milky Chance generally keeps you in a wavy dream-like state but there is a new energy crackling within this track. Check it out here.
Written by Octavia Allison
Aurora in “Some Type of Skin”
Aurora has released another single called Some Type of Skin. It fades in like a melancholy memory. Her usually dainty vocals seem strong as they come into focus. Lyrics echo and layer over each other as the message becomes clear. Brightness and hope flood in. The track moves from a gentle touch to an increasingly powerful grip of growth. Aurora creates a fairy tale with each dreamlike track she releases.
Written by Octavia Allison
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
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