Songs of the Week: November 13 - 19, 2023

“St. Paul’s” by Kandle

With her new album coming out next spring, Kandle has released her second single, “St. Paul’s”.

The song is a dark and hynotic tune, with Kandle explaining: “I feel that the importance of making “dark” music lies in its relatability. Throughout my life I’ve connected with the words and melodies of artists like Nick Cave, Courtney Love, Nine Inch Nails, Leonard Cohen, Nirvana, PJ Harvey and Billie Holiday. These songs mirrored my own experiences of pain, misery and loneliness, and through that connection I was granted temporary comfort and self-acceptance, even if it only lasted the length of a song. I believe that much of the therapeutic and cathartic benefit of music is diminished when it’s over-explained. Rather it should be encouraged to project one’s own meaning onto a song and create one’s own connection. When lyrics resonate with you, it’s as if they can articulate every feeling you just can’t seem to find the words for. It is for that reason that I would rather say very little about this song.”

You can check out the equally haunting video below!

• Kirk

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“Running Out Of Time” by The Strumbellas

The Strumbellas recently shared “Running out of Time”, the latest track from their forthcoming album Part Time Believer, which is due February 9, 2024.

Of the song, Dave Ritter, who performs piano, organ, percussion, and vocals says: “Berry Gordy Jr. used to say, ‘Don’t bore us - get to the chorus.’ This song joins a long lineage of songs from She Loves You and Nowhere To Run to Bad Blood and Hotline Bling that start with the chorus. It’s not something we pre-determined. …But while we were making the song it felt right not to beat around the bush. I guess we didn’t want to waste any more time.

If you listen closely, maybe with headphones, you can hear one of our favourite parts of this song. Somehow producer Keith Varon and mixer Ben Allen were able to gather the background vocals together into a fuzzy choir of robot angels, especially in the final chorus. The harmonies dance and sparkle around the lead vocal in a way that makes us smile every time we hear it.”

The band has also announced a whole slew of tour dates, which happens to kick off here in Vancouver at the Commodore on February 9th (the release date!) with Michael Bernard Fitgerald!

• Christine

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“I Will Remember You” by Metric

Of all the things I was not expecting from Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, near the top of that list was Metric covering Sarah McLachlan’s “I Will Remember You”

Scott Pilgrim and Metric have a long history together; the character of Envy Adams is partially based on Emily Haines in the original graphic novels, and her fictional band The Clash at Demonhead uses their song “Black Sheep” in the film, Scott Pilgrim vs The World. Now that connection continues in the new Netflix anime, with the inclusion of this cover (no spoilers as to why, where, and when it happens, though).

And just an aside, as a long-time fan of Scott Pilgrim, I really enjoyed the show!

• Kirk

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“Making the Most of It” by Major Love

When Colleen Brown and Scenic Route To Alaska get together, they make Major Love.

The band is the collaboration of Brown with Trevor Mann, Shea Connor, and Murray Wood, and last week they shared their latest single, “Making the Most of It”.

The new song is a high energy earworm, that was written out of pandemic-times, reflecting on “the dissolution of a once vibrant existence, turned mundane; and the pressure to become a ‘productivity drone’ in place of a social life on the outside.”

Have a listen blow and good luck not getting the chorus stuck in your head!

• Kirk

Songs of the Week: September 04 - 10, 2023

“Conductors” by The Rural Alberta Advantage

For the last few months, The Rural Alberta Advantage has been teasing us with some new music, and now they have finally announced their upcoming album! And along with the news comes a brand new single, “Conductors” which is a hard-hitting, true to form tune from The RAA.

The Rise & The Fall, is the first full length album from the band in six years, and features the return of original member Amy Cole, re-joining Paul Banwatt and Nils Edenloff. The album drops October 6 on Paper Bag Records, and you can check out the lyric video for “Conductors” below.

• Kirk

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“Attention” by Talia Schlanger

I love when a press release makes me do a double-take… Talia Schlanger!?…like?…the one I know from CBC Radio 3, q, NPR and more?
Yep! And its a beauty of a track too.

“Attention” is the new single from the former radio host, from her upcoming debut Grace for the Going. After leaving her job in 2019, traveling Europe writing and singing, coming back in winter 2020 ready to record (and we know what happened then), she’s finally ready to release her music to the world.

She played an intimate show in Toronto, the same day the single was released, and hopefully this means more music (and maybe more shows?) in the future, ahead of the 2024 release date/

• Christine

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“What It Takes” and “Leave the Lights On” by Bend Sinister

Not content with releasing a pair of singles a couple months ago, Bend Sinister released two more tunes last week!

“What It Takes” is a fun, tongue-in-cheek song that asks the tough questions, while “Leave The Lights On” has a (relatively) restrained, but no less infectious, vibe.

Along with the new songs, Bend Sinister also release a brand new game! The in-browser rhythm game harkens back to the flash games of yore, as you take the band on their van to their next gig. Check it out here on their website.

• Kirk

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“Who Would You Be For Me” by Metric

We’re just over a month away from the new album Formentera II, from Metric out on October 13, and we have another track from the record.

I didn’t expect the acoustic beginning of the song, but when I read Emily Haines’ description of the track it made sense:
"“Who Would You Be For Me” is a throwback lullaby set in NYC in 2002. All the action takes place in Tompkins Square Park, in a subway car, and at the café on St. Marks Place where I worked as a waitress when we were getting our start.
Automatic behaviors and patterns are often fairly easy to flag in others but can be a riddle to spot in yourself. In life and in love, all the emphasis in your mind can default to being what someone else wants until it dawns on you to consider your own desire. I could be the girl for you, but who would you be for me?”
It’s a lovely, slow burner, that reminds me of Emily’s solo work a bit, but it’s definitely got that Metric-vibe.
They’ve announced some intimate shows in places like New York, Toronto and LA, but nothing on a full tour for the new album yet!

• Christine

Songs of the Week: August 07 - 13, 2023

“Cry All Day” by Spencer Krug

Spencer Krug has been hard at work for the last couple years. Two solo albums, an instrumental album, and a Sunset Rubdown reunion tour, yet he’s still at it.

“Cry All Day” is the first single off his latest solo album, I Just Drew This Knife, which is actually a collaboration between Krug, Jordan Koop, and Eli Browning. Krug’s distinct vocals were added to Browning's instrumental pandemic recordings, with Koop on lead guitar.

The new album is due October 13 on Krug's own Pronounced Kroog label, and he’ll be touring with Koop and Browning, including a show here in Vancouver at the Fox Cabaret on October 18th!

• Kirk

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“You Always Get What You Want” by Yukon Blonde

Always a great week when you find out there is a new Yukon Blonde album on it’s way!

Shuggie will be the band’s 6th album, and is going to be released on October 12th via Dine Alone Records. We also got a new track, “You Always Get What You Want”, the 3rd single from the new record.

The new music fits smoothly into Yukon Blonde’s latest sound evolution, with hypnotic vibes and synth-laden tracks. I can’t wait for the full album in two months!

• Christine

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“Nothing is Perfect” by Metric

Metric is here to remind you that “Nothing is Perfect”. The new tease of their upcoming album, which is a ‘sequel’ to their 2022 album Formentera, is a gorgeous, stripped down track. Emily Haines explains:

“'Nothing Is Perfect' stands out on Formentera II as the lone track that is carried by only acoustic guitar and vocals. We explored many renditions of this song during the recording process, but in the end found that everything we tried adding seemed to detract from the essence of it. Lyrically, 'Nothing Is Perfect' takes the common expression away from its usual meaning, giving substance to “nothing” as a concrete thing that can be actively pursued and obtained: Nothing is perfect/ I've earned it/ All absence achieved/ No fences, no exits, no lies. For the official music video, we worked with Justin Broadbent to create an atmospheric and surreal visual accompaniment to enhance the otherworldly mood of the song, with stylistic nods to Terrence Malick and David Lynch. The song ends with a meditative and anthemic repetition of the word “nothing”, like I'm celebrating it and singing its praises. I love nothing!”

Formentera II is also out October 13th, and you can check out the video below!

• Kirk

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“Starting Again” by Royal Wood

Royal Wood is a name I haven’t heard for a hot minute, but I was super excited to see that he had new music out!
Not only do we have today’s single “Starting Again”, but I completely missed the other release “Just Another Day” which is the title track of the EP (due out September 22nd - also the first day of his latest tour).

Of “Starting Again” Royal Wood says: “This song was inspired by the timeless idea of love and loss. Since the beginning of stories and recorded art, the theme is as old as the sea. Two ships sailing together, go different routes, never to return to each other again. Fate had other plans and more adventures ahead. So you start again…”

Wood is heading out on the road with the legendary Bonnie Raitt, but you’ll have to head to Penticton to catch them, as that’s as far west as they look to be heading.

• Christine

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“Even if it Kills Me” by Charlie PS

Last week Vancouver’s Charlie PS released her latest single, “Even If It Kills Me”.

The blues-rock influenced song was written about change & perseverance, with Charlie elaborating: “I feel that a lot of people agonize over their flaws and insecurities or just care too much and want to change into a version of themselves they think will make them happier. But I hope that ‘Even If It Kills Me’ will help remind people that being the realest version of yourself and showing the world the good, the bad and the ugly is a much more freeing place to be in.”

The song is the title track for her upcoming EP, Even If It Kills Me, which should be out later this year.

• Kirk
  

Songs of the Week: July 03 - July 09, 2023

“My Old Mistakes” by Wide Mouth Mason

Last week, venerated Canadian blues rockers Wide Mouth Mason gave us another peek at their upcoming album. The newest single “My Old Mistakes” is classic Mason, with a few lyrics that may be familiar to longtime fans.

Of the new album, drummer Safwan Javed says "We're pushing our boundaries, exploring new musical landscapes, while staying true to our roots. The new material reflects our growth as artists, and we hope it resonates with our fans as much as it does with us."

Late Night Walking is out September 8th on We Are Busy Bodies, and they’re also reissuing a limited vinyl run of their debut self titled album, and the acclaimed Where I Started on the same day!

• Kirk

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“Just The Once” by Metric

A little ironic that Metric is announcing the follow up to last year’s album Formentera with a song called “Just The Once”. Exactly one year after that album’s release, the Toronto band has dropped the news of the unexpected companion album, Formentera II.

The new single is described as “regret disco”, with Emily Haines clarifying“It's a song for when you need to dance yourself clean. Beneath the sparkling surface, there’s a lyrical exploration of a simple word with many meanings. Once is a word that plays a game of opposites. Once can mean once-upon-a-time and refer to a moment in the past, or it can mean someday, once something happens. And as for doing something only once versus doing something once in a while, well, I think we all know how vast the difference is between the two.”

Have a listen below, and mark October 13 on your calendar for the release of Formentera II!

• Kirk

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“Nothing For A While” by Shred Kelly

Another new track from Fernie’s Shred Kelly, and an album announcement.
“Nothing For A While” is the latest tune from their 6th album, Blurry Vision, which is due out October 20th.

The song is about the world changing at a fast and overwhelming pace, and the video does a great job at showcasing it. In it, singer Tim Newton is running furiously around their hometown of Fernie, BC - almost as furiously as he plays his banjo during an epic solo mid-song.

The band is on the road doing their usual summer music festival route, but they’ll also be on tour late September/early October with Elliott BROOD, and will be making a stop in Vancouver on October 6th!

• Christine

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“Normalize” by Mother Mother

Ever since blowing up online a few years back, Mother Mother has barely slowed down. And now they’re back with the new single “Normalize”.

The song has the chaotic alt-pop energy we love from the band, with singer Ryan Guldemond explaining it’s about “the metaphorical death which occurs when we’re not being ourselves; the deadening of the spirit when trying to appease some external framework of so-called normalcy. Ideally, it’s an anthem for the outcast. We’re very fortunate to look out at our audience to see such a wealth of uniqueness. This song is our way of telling our people to keep being themselves, whatever that means to them. What is normal? We don’t know, and I’m not sure we care.”

No word yet on a new album, but you can check out the video for “Normalize” below!

• Kirk

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“Fake Happy” by Hannah Georgas

Another beautiful (and sad) new song from Hannah Georgas from the album I’d Be Lying If I Said I Didn’t Care, due out August 25th

The song is about a drifting apart of a relationship, and of it Hanna says: “Over the years we grew apart and trying to maintain a connection had begun to feel uncomfortable. I think sometimes we cling onto what’s left of friendships even if our values no longer align and we’ve changed as people. I don't know if it's a getting older thing but I've come to realize how important it is to focus my energy on the people who support me and are positive sources in my life.” I think we’ve all be there throughout the years - I know I have.

She’s also announced some November Canadian tour dates, but no Vancouver show yet - but I’ll keep my eye out!

• Christine

Songs of the Week: December 05 - 11, 2022

“Cold Night” by Begonia

One of my most anticipated albums coming next year is the newest from Begonia, Powder Blue.

“Cold Night” is the second song we’ve heard from the album so far, a gorgeous song that Alexa Dirks describes as “the breakdown of a horrible life-changing relationship in three parts”, which builds to a hair-raising explosion of strings.

She elaborates: “Like...stages of grief I guess? Verse one is when you’re not ready to let go and just the thought of being ‘left behind’ makes you feel so desperate and detached, like you’re not even human anymore. Verse two is reflecting on the reality of the relationship itself and particular stories that come up only with time to reveal the truth. The last part of the song after the strings hit is all about accepting it for what it is and moving forward. Like sitting in your despair and sadness, but also knowing that it needed to be over and that you did the right thing by walking away. Deadmen [producers Matt Peters and Matt Shellenberg, of Royal Canoe fame] really knocked it out of the park with their string arrangements on my upcoming album, and this song in particular is one of my favourites so I'm so glad to be releasing it as a single.”

Check out the video below!

• Kirk

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“None of Us Are Free” by Kuba Oms

Vancouver’s Kuba Oms is back with a new cover of the Solomon Burke song “None Of Us Are Free”.
This release is a return to his R&B/Soul roots, and was recorded live off the floor, through vintage gear, and then straight to analog tape.
I hope this is a sign of more things to come from Oms, because I’m really feeling this vibe!

• Christine

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“All Comes Crashing” by Metric - CVCHE Remix

Gotta love a good remix, and this CVCHE version of “All Comes Crashing” by Metric nails it.
Of it and the decision to have it remixed, Emily Haines says:
“It was intensely gratifying to play 'All Comes Crashing' live on the Doomscroller tour and see how the audience responded. I know the lyrics are morbid on the surface, but when the band plays it, the energy in the room lifts and everyone who wasn't already dancing suddenly is, and it feels like we're all suspended there in the disappearing present moment. It's such a high and I wanted to try to capture it in a dance remix of the song. I did some digging and was lucky enough to get the famously reclusive CVCHE on board. They have this insane unreleased electronic album, I got a test pressing of it on vinyl and am now obsessed. I worked with Justin Broadbent on a visualizer 'remix' video too, and I'm just really happy we get to release this right now as a bouncy sendoff to 2022.”

• Christine

Songs of the Week: June 06 - 12, 2022

“What Feels Like Eternity” by Metric

The third and latest single from Metric was released this week, as we creep closer and closer to their July 8th release of Formentera, and August tour.
The live performance video for “What Feels Like Eternity” was directed by Justin Broadbent and have a very 90’s-esque vibe and a throwback to the MTV days.

The album name and theme came from a travel book sitting on the desk of their recording studio - with nowhere to go and being unable to travel, I suppose for what felt like an eternity.

The band will be in Vancouver on August 13th at the Orpheum Theatre, with Dear Rouge opening.

• Christine

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“Stir The Ashes” by iskwē x Tom Wilson

We’re a little over a month away from the release of Mother Love, the debut album from the pairing of iskwē | ᐃᐢᑫᐧᐤ (Cree Métis) and Tom Wilson | Tehoh’ahake (Mohawk), and we’re getting yet another tease of the album with the latest single, “Stir The Ashes”.

Written & produced by Serena Ryder, the new song is a perfect contrast of iskwē’s smooth vocals and Wilson’s gruffness, with a beautiful tune to go along with it.

Have a listen, and mark down July 20 for the release of Mother Love!

• Kirk

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“White Flag” by Darkometro

We’ve already heard a couple singles from Darkometro — the duo of Maïa Davies (of Ladies of the Canyon) and Patrick Krief (formerly of The Dears) — and on Friday they not only released a video for the latest single, “White Flag”, but also dropped their whole debut album!

Krief says the new song "embodies a sort of ‘psychedelic cocaine disco’ experience, honoring my love of late 70’s music. Once we had the lyrics I made the music to mirror the bittersweet uplifting vibe with an eerie, energized and dancey arrangement. In a lot of ways, it’s an answer to some more misanthropic songs of mine.” Davies reflects, “It was a real time experience for me, writing as I was living it, after so long of living in a love that only offered the bare minimum to me. It’s about that moment where I knew I had to choose myself, and the feeling on that precipice. It’s about how bravery is also lonely.”

Check it out below, and grab their whole self-titled album everywhere!

• Kirk

Songs of the Week: May 16 - 22, 2022

“Hypernormalization” by Rich Aucoin

Love myself an instrumental track from Rich Aucoin! They always have such a great build-up and his new track “Hypernormalization” is no different.

He just announced his new album Synthetic: Season 1- set for release in October 2022 and says that he performed all the synths on the first 9 tracks “but on Seasons 2-4 will be joined by a couple hundred fellow synth enthusiasts.”
Seasons 2-4!!! The plan is to release them every 6 months for the next 2 years. Super exciting.

Better yet, just like his last album United States, if you preorder the physical album, you can get the digital version right now. So excuse me while I go listen to the whole thing…

• Christine

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“Patrick Bateman” by Housewife

New name, new song, same stunning vocals & catchy songwriting.

“Patrick Bateman” is the latest from the duo of Brighid Fry and Pascale Padilla, who were previously known as Moscow Apartment, but recently changed their name to Housewife.

They say the new song “is about putting bad people on a pedestal and romanticizing evilness. The ultra-capitalist business imagery fell into place once we started writing the song. We wanted to tell a story of someone who is a ‘bad actor’ and hides parts of themselves to appeal to others, but their true intentions are slowly revealed.”

Check it our below, and catch them here in Vancouver at the Folk Fest in July!

• Kirk

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“Doomscroller” by Metric

Strap in, because this new song from Metric is a ten minute(!) epic.

The latest single from their upcoming album Formentera, “Doomscroller” shares its name as their upcoming tour and promises to transport you into a “high speed chase through the wild terrain of modern life."

I recommend shutting off the lights, and let the song — as well as the video directed by Justin Broadbent — just wash over you.

• Kirk

Songs of the Week: April 25 - May 01, 2022

“All Comes Crashing” by Metric

It’s been a hot minute since we’ve heard new music from Metric, but last week they released the lead single for their brand new album!

The buzzing synth and crunchy guitars of “All Comes Crashing” is the first taste we’re getting of Formentera, due out on July 8th.

Frontwoman Emily Haines says “Not everyone has a conventional life with conventional relationships,” says front woman Emily Haines. “All Comes Crashing” is a love song that goes beyond romantic love, it’s an expression of solidarity with whoever it is you would want to have beside you in the event of catastrophe. It might be your best friend, it might be your blood brother or your dog. The song is dedicated to those you consider your family, whatever that looks like for you.”

They’ve also announced a pretty extensive tour for later this year, including Canadian dates (like August 13 here in Vancouver) with Dear Rouge, an absolute perfect pairing!

• Kirk

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“Fucking Up What Matters” by Tegan and Sara

Seems like we’re getting new music from a ton of long-standing Canadian artists right now (see above and below as well).
Well, Tegan and Sara put out a new single from their upcoming TENTH album. According to Tegan, “Fucking Up What Matters” felt like an ode to the moment in your life when you realize that you have most, if not all of the things you wanted and you start to think about what would happen if you just walked away from it all.

The twins recently jumped labels over to Mom+Pop Music, and their TV adaptation of their memoir High School is in production now. We'll definitely be hearing and seeing more from the duo soon.

• Christine

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“Capelton Hill” by Stars

New music from Metric and Stars in the same week?! In anticipation for their upcoming album, From Capelton Hill, Stars released the title track, “Capelton Hill”.

In classic Stars fashion, the song featured back & forth vocals from Torquil Cambell and Amy Millan, with Torq saying:

“This song sounds like an ending. And maybe it is. It's certainly a moment of looking back; at what we've done together, and what we've lost along the way. It focuses on this band’s enduring obsession: loss. The cost of loving somewhere or someone is the fact that you lose them. The last two years have taught us all a lot about loss; loss of loved ones, of time, of memories, of simple pleasures. That loss hurts. We're all hurt, and there is no way around it, you can only go through it. Whether you're ten or fifty, things change. But on Capelton Hill, maybe things can stay the same. For just one more year.”

From Capelton Hill is out May 27, and their tour kicks off right here in Vancouver on June 4th!

• Kirk

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“Long Way Down” by iskwē and Tom Wilson

The duo of iskwē | ᐃᐢᑫᐧᐤ (Cree Métis) and Tom Wilson | Tehoh’ahake (Mohawk) have released a few singles over the past couple of years, and now we’re finally getting word of their debut album!

Mother Love is out July 20, and that announcement comes with the latest single, “Long Way Down”. Opening with a bouncy guitar line, the song features a fantastic contrast of voices between iskwē and Tom.

Have a listen for yourself below!

• Kirk