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
Red Leather brings us “Poison”
Things that could kill you are often disguised as something you come to enjoy, sometimes too much. You find yourself sinking into a pattern of abuse in a love hate relationship until you are too far gone. It is a daunting task to turn your back on your vices. If anyone can speak on these feelings, it’s Red Leather. With a dark past living all the cliches of Vegas, he too indulged to the point of no return. Though it’s not always substances that lead you astray. Marching to confront something as deadly as a relationship gone bad is not as straightforward as rehab or detoxing. It’s a tangled mess of emotions and picking up the broken pieces. Red sets a dark tone as you march through his latest single Poison.
Written by Octavia Allison
Highly Suspect with “The 8th of October”
As the track begins you feel like you are sitting inside the recording booth as frontman Terrible Johnny picks away. As he begins to sing it is an outpouring of emotions as he drags himself through the regrets of the past. Similar to 16 from their 2019 album MCID, both songs are wrought with emotional turmoil and grief. Chills run down your body as a gentle melody carries you through heavy topics. To end off the piece Highly Suspect delivers a classic and ripping guitar solo reminiscent of the band’s beginnings.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Takes One To Know One” says The Beaches
After releasing Blame My Ex, the album that catapulted them to the forefront of alt rock, The Beaches are back to being toxic. You would be lying if you said you never considered absolute psychological warfare with an ex. The Beaches are shamelessly admitting to bad behaviour in their latest single Takes One To Know One. Frontwoman Jordan Miller explains “this song is about exploring my own culpability in the messy parts of my new relationship, something I wasn’t really capable of doing until now.” Riding on wavy synth, Takes One To Know One is relatable in all the ways you would never admit.
Written by Octavia Allison
Valley and the “Bass Player’s Brother”
With their new album Water the Flowers, Pray For a Garden a little over a month away we have the chance to soak up Valley’s new single Bass Player’s Brother. A ray of sunlight washes over you as a bright melody leads you into the track. Descriptive lyrics set the scene pulling you into a deeper truth you would rather not admit. “In life we often find ourselves in realities that don’t suit our truth, yet we continue to drag ourselves back to the feeling of staying for love’s sake” Valley said when asked about the track. The full album has 12 songs in total that are “a brave exploration of the full spectrum of emotions with an invitation to also surrender control and trust the process” says the band. Valley will be playing at Budweiser Stage August 22 and tickets are on sale now.
Written by Octavia Allison
The Minimum Wage’s Self Titled Track
More grunge and distortion pours through your speakers with The Minimum Wage’s self titled track. With a demanding chant the band relays the crushing issues the working class endures. Attitude is prevalent while the band points out the blatant and ever-growing gap between the rich and the working class. This track blares as you hoist the flag for your cause. “The song underscores the tough choices faced by minimum wage earners and critiques the hypocrisy of the elite” according to the band. Minimum Wage is a song that gets you fired up as you at jarring riffs accentuate your anger.
Written by Octavia Allison
The Black Suit Devil with “Shut The Punk Up”
With speed and riffs you fly into the feature track from The Black Suit Devil’s latest album The Eternal Sleep. Shut The Punk Up is the headbanging anthem of the independent artist. It’s “a road song about life as a touring independent musician. The good and the bad times. Living in your car and travelling to new places. I wanted to showcase some great people that I have met over the years on my travels, so I name dropped a few people and places” explained The Black Suit Devil. The chanting throughout the piece and the bouncing tempo is reminiscent of The Dropkick Murphys punchy brand of punk. You feel the atmosphere of live venues built into Shut The Punk Up. It’s a look into a crazy lifestyle that the average person would never be able to fully delve into.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Takes Me Back” with JJ Wilde
Reflecting on her life so far, JJ Wilde dives into feelings, and memories. Her new single Takes Me Back is reminiscent of many universal experiences we shared growing up. From getting high for the first time to actually calling your friends on the phone to talk, you feel the nostalgia seeping in. “his song makes me feel like a kid again.” says JJ. Takes Me Back is the idea light and bright track for your summer playlist. She will be at The Opera House November 22nd and you can grab your tickets now.
Written by Octavia Allison
AURORA with “Starvation”
What Happened to The Heart? asks AURORA in the title of her latest album. Despite the oftentimes light and soft delivery of her vocal AURORA commands attention like a hypnotist on stage, somehow drawn merely to their presence alone. Her Nordic origins play a big part in her sound and it reverberates and echoes to immerse you in each melody. AURORA is coming to History December 2 and tickets are available now.
Written by Octavia Allison
breakdown. with Yungblud
Yungblud has made it clear that mental health is a cause to champion with his latest single breakdown. He is open with his personal struggles, but he continues to push forward and be a role model for the many others that share the same feelings. Through this track he shares ways to bring not only yourself to a more positive place but how you can spread that love and kindness to others. Yungblud is moving towards a spoken poetry sound in his more recent projects and it’s quite the deviation from his Soundcloud beginnings. Thankfully we are here to watch this develop and take a fuller shape. With a touch more refining this punchy delivery can continue to be impactful, relatable and give hope to the underrated youth.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Six Feet Deep” with The Warning
Gravely distortion crunches under the impact of each guitar riff. With a Poltergiest-esque video, The Warning’s new single Six Feet Deep makes an impact. Frontwoman Paulina Villarreal knows how to make an impact delivering lyrics with strength and power as she calls out “can’t get any lower now, cause it’s over.” Their latest album Keep Me Fed dropped a week ago with 11 other songs that absolutely rip. The girls will be at The Danforth October 30th and you can grab tickets now.
Written by Octavia Allison
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