Cigar Club Welcomes You to the “Dark Market”
Blues inspired riffs take you into the opening sequence of Cigar Club’s single Dark Market. It is addictive and you find yourself craving each deep cutting wail of the strings. Lyrics slip in to tell the story of a character called Uncle Skelly who goes on quite a trip. The old school animation blends perfectly with the motif of Dark Market. Cigar Club also made mention of an unreleased EP in the works and teased more to come. If you are hooked on this track like I am, consider Cigar Club your dealer and we will count down to the next fix together.
Written by Octavia Allison
Sierra Pilot says “Breathe”
What started as a demo and unreleased track, was brought to life after being played for crowds across the US. Breathe is down and dirty with gritty and descriptive lyrics that jump out from behind smoldering riffs. Sierra Pilot delivers an unrelenting chorus, seared into your brain for you to call out for days on end. Tension builds in the dark until it finally snaps. Frontman Taylor Leith explains “it’s about that nauseating feeling when you’re spiraling, and someone tells you to just relax.” Just Breathe.
Written by Octavia Allison
Black Paint with “Pesticide”
It is often hard to evolve and grow, though we are generally the ones that hold ourselves back. Black Paint have released a song that encapsulates these feelings along with a side of feverishly blaring guitar. Old school punk influences pop through in the attitude and rhythm of the track. The band creates a sense of uncertainty of where each verse will take you. You sit in that uncertainty knowing this song is taking you exactly where you need to be. Through twisting riffs, confrontational vocals and smashing drum solos, it’s a powerful piece. “Not breaking bad habits and living with the regret of not following through” is the main message of this ripping track according to the group.
Written by Octavia Allison
Excuses Excuses are in “Paralysis”
Excuses Excuses feel the weight of Paralysis as they battle the crushing waves of your own thoughts. The band’s latest single “is an ode to those who constantly struggle to cope but refuse to give in” says lead singer Kyle C. Wilton. Mental health struggles unfortunately shadow many people in their daily lives and bringing it to the forefront of people’s conscious is a step towards helping those effected. Paralysis holds that darkness you would expect, and lyrics bounce off the edges of the hallways in your mind and the clear message reverberates “they say that it gets better but they never tell you when.” Excuses Excuses know their sounds and play into it. Paralysis holds that well crafted rock power with the most authentic voice.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Do Your Job” says Fast Brake
Smooth and effortless, Fast Brake slips into some weighted topics in their new single. They pour out their doubts with slick riffs and connect with everyone that has been in a relationship. Do Your Job is questioning the foundation of their truths. It is incredibly relatable and takes you through the sinking feeling of doubt in your relationship. In a statement the band explains there is a sense of conflict. There is a need for a relationship “but doesn’t want it to continue the way it is, ultimately asking them to grow.” Do Your Job is an expertly crafted story told in the most catchy way.
Written by Octavia Allison
Pup asks “Who Will Look After The Dogs?”
Pup’s new album Who Will Look After the Dogs is out now with a collection of very on brand and unpolished tracks that we can rage to. They deliver serious angst through every track including Olive Garden. You are consumed by a cacophony of distortion, chorus and snare. Although it seems rough, and unpolished it is perfectly authentic. They drop you in the midst of a house party with every some they have ever released, and it fits with their most unserious attitude. Pup is playing 5 sold out shows in Toronto and 1 house show with the simple direction “ask a punk” in place of “purchase tickets.” If you are in the know, enjoy that show; otherwise enjoy this album.
Written by Octavia Allison
Shoemaker Levee Pushes Back with “Resistance”
Shoemaker Levee has released their latest single Resistance. Drums are slow and deliberate as the vocals build up and break out. The band is in total control. Ironically they said they weren’t planning on releasing Resistance as a single but chose to “because of the state of the world.” They added “It was the right time and it seems to match the vibe out there.” Shoemaker Levee digs deep to give us grit on top of the perfectly planned guitar attacks and cymbal splashes. The band’s upcoming album Between the Lines is on the way and we will be watching for an official release date.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Living Hell” with Dead Churches
Dead Churches new single Living Hell is quick to start. The emo accent of the early 2000’s creeps in bringing the authenticity of an elder emo. The song takes you back to the past lyrically as well. Living Hell is the cathartic expression of fractured relationships. Dead Churches described the track saying “it’s about grief or loss I guess. Separation. Shit like that. Could be like an old person whose spouse died, or a person getting divorced. That whole thing.” A very nonchalant description of an often-traumatic set of circumstances. The single disguises the sentiment in a similar way. Living Hell has an optimistic melody that charges forward through the heaviest feelings. It’s a must-add on your playlist.
Written by Octavia Allison
The Dirty Nil and the “Gallop of The Hounds”
The Dirty Nil are back with a new single, Gallop of the Hounds. This song rips through your speakers and satisfies those moments of rage living just under the surface. The band announced their 5th album The Lash Out drops July 25th. By now they have a recognizable style, but this album differs thus far when it comes to storytelling. The band has a cheeky and relatable way of sharing their steps and missteps, but this track is a raw expression of feelings. “I’ve been telling people that this is Luke’s therapy record” jokes the band’s drummer Kyle Fisher. The track has a great rhythm, and I promise it is even better live. Now we wait for tour dates to drop. Fingers crossed.
Written by Octavia Allison
A Book For Wanderers gives us a “Counterfeit”
With a digital echo and industrial pulse, A Book For Wanderers newest single takes life. Counterfeit makes a statement. He said in a statement “Artists are getting judged on “likes and followers” that can literally be purchased. It all seems like it’s smoke and mirrors to me.” There are layers of fakery from what we see online to the process of hitting the big times. A Book For Wanderers really builds a soundscape to place you in the digital halls where platforms like Spotify suck cents and dollars from consumers only to pass right by the artists and visionaries that provide the soundtrack to our lives. Harmonies come together to represent the other pieces of a complex industry that are all involved. Counterfeit becomes a 90’s inspired gritty truth that too many musicians contend with.
Written by Octavia Allison
“catch these fists” says Wet Leg
ith their upcoming album moisturizer set to be release July 11th, we have a taste of what is in store for Wet Leg. catch these fists, their first single from the project dropped yesterday and it is pure alt bliss. With a spoken word style cadence, matched with manic riffs and chanting you create a cult that I would join. It’s a hypnotic sound that is satisfying in the most chaotic way.
Written by Octavia Allison
The Beaches are “The Last Girls at the Party”
Last Girls at the Party is the latest anthemic track from The Beaches. “I’ll never look as hot as I do now” frontwoman Jordan Miller calls out. This line isn’t us admitting defeat as we get older or considering that we have peaked, but more ideals of carpe diem. It’s a carefree tune with a catchy chorus. Last Girls at the Party encapsulates the energy you feel pregaming with your fiends before heading out to the bars. You get drunk enough to dance with your friends and ignore any outside noise. It’s a solid recipe for a great night out. Ask any girl that has stumbled into the bathroom at a bar to check her makeup. You are flooded with compliments and given sheer confidence by someone who doesn’t know you yet says “you’re too good for him” anyways. Their upcoming album No Hard Feelings drops August 29th.
Written by Octavia Allison
Red Leather “Can’t Get High”
Red Leather strikes a similar vein with his new single Can’t Get High. As a former addict, Red has been to the depths and back again, finding music and a community of followers along with it. His songs paint a vivid picture of “mixing chemicals” and running “out of dopamine.” There is a sadness in the melody, mourning the highs of past addiction and longing for the feeling of substances coursing through his veins. Everything collides for a rhythmic retelling of Red Leather’s not so distant history.
Written by Octavia Allison
“How Did We Get Here” asks Lonely Little Kitsch
You kick off running with the rhythmic start to Lonely Little Kitsch’s new track. Frontwoman Kristen asks “how did we get here?” from mistakes made in the past. It’s hard to progress and see through hard times but Lonely Little Kitsch have continually pushed further. Distortion leads you through this high energy piece that the duo calls “our most upbeat, happiest sounding tune to date.”
Written by Octavia Allison
Fontaines DC say “It’s Amazing To Be Young”
Fontaines DC don’t seem to stop. They just released a new single off the heels of their latest album Romance that dropped last year. It’s Amazing To Be Young seems bright and bubbly but there’s always a balance. Frontman Grian Chatten brings a monotone commentary of the world through the lyrics. “Seems like they’re never gonna understand, that the cost brings you down, but it’s amazing to be young” he sings. There is a generation that feels everyone is so well off today and there’s nothing worth complaining about. Fontaines DC shouts back in a sarcastic and poignant way.
Written by Octavia Allison
“I Wanna Get Paid” says The Wild High
Ripping onto the scene is The Wild High. They demand your attention. These days 15 seconds of waiting makes people sweat. They want cash, content and more immediately and are twitching if they can’t get their fix. Everyone feverishly searching around to find something to fill any empty time and space. The Wild High come head to head with these feeling and confront anyone who’s lying to themselves about this addiction to instant gratification. Layers of vocals bring you into the swampy bluegrass feeling. Frontman Jon Harvey explained the track saying its “about that daydream of financial freedom without the grind. It’s a reflection on how so many people aspire to exist without effort.” This track command attention and is already on my playlist. Check it out right here.
Written by Octavia Allison
Boys Boys with “All I Know”
Boys Boys is a new punk band that shares their story with honest angst. Straight from St. Catharines, they hope to add to the growing line up of post-hardcore groups to come out of the city. Their debut song All I Know takes you back to your high school hallways, brimming with attitude, listening through the single in your Skull Candy earbuds. The track is dripping of 2000’s pop punk nostalgia in the best way. Each riff is carefully aimed to pierce through the steady rhythm. You feel a sense of familiarity as All I Know echoes the sound of Semisonic’s Closing Time. This is only the beginning Boys Boys as they share their experiences unashamedly open and more relatable than we would care to admit.
Written by Octavia Allison
Harley Olivia says “You’re Not Ready”
Attitude can be satisfying when it can articulate an experience that you too have been through. Harley Olivia threads alt rocks with storytelling to deliver You’re Not Ready. As only a strong frontwoman can, Olivia encapsulates heartbreak swirling and bitter feelings of resentment post-relationship. She kicks down the door in a pair of Doc Martins and delivers truth on a silver platter. Distortion vibrates and holds you like an electric current running through your body. You’re Not Ready gives you that satisfying classic rock feel.
Written by Octavia Allison
The Lightning Struck with “Wrong Tree”
As soon as I dove into Wrong Tree it had a sense of familiarity, despite this being my introduction to The Lightning Struck. The band’s sound on their latest single holds a Tragically Hip twang over a raw and unpolished live feel. The only thing this is missing is the feedback squealing as the lead singer dances across the stage. A disclaimer flashes at the beginning of their music video stating “this is not a song about dogs and trees.” I will leave it up to you to figure out, but it is a not-so-hidden message. Wrong Tree is meant to be blasting through venue speakers.
Written by Octavia Allison
Current Swell are “10 Feet Tall”
Current Swell released a very rhythmic new track called 10 Feet Tall. Lyrics fly almost too fast to keep up but drums help you hold on and stabilize. According to the band this track “embodies the unshakable confidence that comes from being surrounded by the right energy and mindset.” Hooks radiate this beachy lightness of running barefoot in the sand. As cliché as it is, it’s a good feeling for a reason.
Written by Octavia Allison
“The Night Before” with The Black Keys
We have been dredged in boogie and blues from The Black Keys for so long that I was taken aback when I heard their new song The Night Before. It is still unmistakable stamped with the band’s signature sound, but it is light. It is not devoid of blues as horns sink into the background. The Night Before keeps a consistent energy and is a solid first single of 2025.
Written by Octavia Allison
Lights is “Alive Again”
Lights plays with opposites in her latest single Alive Again. This song is just a taste of her upcoming album A6. The baseline keeps you locked in like you’re on Adderall. She announces the lyrics but there is still a softness. She isn’t ashamed of her feelings but still shows the bruises that have been worked into the tender side. Lights shared an Instagram post saying “I hope you find comfort, empowerment, solace and escape in all that I have coming for you. It’s equal parts new and old Lights, Midwest emo, synthwave soundscapey and new wave born again.” She will take us on a ride when A6 drops May 2nd.
Written by Octavia Allison
Addi John has “Tunnel Vision”
We have some new music from Addi John. This is a swan song for Lost in Japan, but the beginning of an era for John. This is a co-release is a shift into a new project and new year. Addi’s new single Tunnel Vision is bursting with optimism and has an endless amount of punchy licks. It’s easy, not only to relate to, but also to sing along. Tunnel Vision sounds like it could be on an extended cut from any Arkells album. Addi John is direct with his lyrics on this colourful new track. You can catch one of Lost in Japan’s final show’s February 7th at Rivoli and tickets are avialable now.
Written by Octavia Allison
Revive the Rose is “Down”
Revive The Rose are kicking off the new year with their latest single, Down. Chugging guitar pairs with the grit laying subtly behind frontman Andy Colonico’s vocals. You can picture yourself at the local dive bar on a Friday night listening to Down. Decisions of fireball shots can be justified by the lyrics; “lets have a good time while my heart’s still beating.” This is the mentality of the brave who do not fear a hangover and it’s ugly consequences. It’s a universally shared experience that now has the perfect soundtrack.
Written by Octavia Allison
Glimmerjean & Goode give us “Rosavelle
With a bluesy tang and a taste of times past, Glimmerjean and Goode bring it back. The duo’s newest track Rosavelle crashes onto the scene with a big band sound reminiscent of Tina Turner’s Proud Mary. You get that dirty bluegrass intertwined with modern riffs that zip through the track. Scotty B. Goode explained “The song is truly a blend of our many influences.” Check it out right here.
Written by Octavia Allison
Aysanabee at the “Edge Of The Earth”
As you approach the Edge Of The Earth with Aysanabee you feel an adventurous spirit and strength. The pace moves you quickly through the thick fog of heavy thoughts and the relief of clarity. Aysanabee dedicated the song to “anyone who has fallen in and out of love, and has come out the other side of it’s reckoning.” An underlying power pulses along with the rhythms and authentic guitar. You can catch Aysanabee at The Axis Club, March 21st and tickets are available now.
Written by Octavia Allison
Junestone’s “First Try”
Hamilton at band Junestone, have released their latest album First Try. Songs feel soft but they hold a ska essence in the form of bouncy rhythm. Vocals are soft and feminine but share the story of empowerment, transitions and self-discovery. Band leader Olivia Brown describes the lead single BRIDGE! saying “it’s about trusting your instincts and pushing past the doubts that hold you back; saying yes to your own potential.” Jazz roots run deep alongside pop and funk to create a unique and delicate alt sound.
Written by Octavia Allison
Strawberry Cough is “Greener As I Grow”
With a punk approach, Strawberry Cough thrashes through their new EP, Greener As I Grow. It has a very raw and unpolished sound that stands out in a world of autotune and AI. This EP is real. The band uses sarcasm and attitude to tell their stories. According to Strawberry Cough these songs are “an example of growth and development of our sound and ourselves as people.” Strawberry Cough isn’t afraid to be brash bold and authentic.
Written by Octavia Allison
“The Cabin Sessions” with One in the Chamber
One in the Chamber has released a new EP The Cabin Sessions. It’s a soft and acoustic based project literally put together in a cabin. It’s a rustic but all encompassing feel. Though the EP is stripped back, it showcases that the band can still set a mood with simplicity. Lilting guitar solos float through tracks like Wander On and captures the somewhat somber mood. There is a darkness folded into layers creating depth within Ten Long Years. This track proves you don’t need to be plugged in to create power. Overall The Cabin Sessions draws you in gently enticing you to step foot in this intimate cabin jam session.
Written by Octavia Allison
Fortunate Losers have “Bigger Wings”
Fortunate Losers dig into their new single, Bigger Wings. The track plays like an open letter to a younger self, sharing advice and emotion. Experience pours out in the lyrics, laying out the mistakes that aren’t worth repeating. In a statement the band said the track is about “the reality behind failing at anything or everything we’ve tried as a group prior to success.” The chorus holds so much power and grit as it breaks out against the heavier tones of the melody. Bigger Wings has the makings of a classic power balled. The band hones in on the strength of having hope. Fortunate Losers continue to tell stories using music to set the scene and build the soundscape to expertly pull emotions forward.
Written by Octavia Allison
“Day or Night” with Franz Ferdinand
Climbing piano brings out a new angle in Franz Ferdinand’s new track Day or Night. There is an infectious rhythm created by the punctuation in the piano. It dictates the pace and intensity. The band ascends using every facet within this track. Even lyrics talk about being up for whatever “day or night.” Vocals move with intention and they create a contagious energy that carries this song. Their new album, The Human Fear drops January 10th and they will be at History April 10th. Tickets are available now.
Written by Octavia Allison
Apricity will “Break You”
Put on your chain drive and throw on your ties because Apricity is bringing us back into the Avril Lavigne era of pop punk. Her latest single Break You brings tenacity and attitude as well as that non-stop rhythm guitar. She spits venom as she calls out “Push you till you can’t take no more.” She tells it like it is but you can feel the honesty in the lyrics. Check out her high octane single right here.
Written by Octavia Allison
Allegories says “It’s My Life”
Allegories unleashes an echoing dreamscape of distant synth. You seemingly hit rewind on the cassette to hear a funky blast from the past. After hearing the No Doubt version of the track It’s My Life, day after day at his old job, front man Adam Bentley decided to dig deep and create a version that didn’t seem “so shallow.” Allegories take on Talk Talk’s classic is a bright reinvention of a guilty pleasure.
Written by Octavia Allison
“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
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