“Hasn’t It Always” by Spencer Krug

I’m not quite sure how a new album from Spencer Krug snuck up on me, but this past Friday, the Wolf Parade (and Sunset Rubdown, and Moonface, and…) singer released his latest solo LP, Same Fangs.

And along with the album, Krug dropped a video for “Hasn’t It Always”, a lush song driven by his distinct vocals, as he explained: “The Patreon version of this song—the original version—uses piano, synth, bass, and drum machine. It’s a kind of downtempo, easy-listening number. I hadn’t yet met or worked with Maria Grigoryeva, the string arranger/performer for this album. I sent her the Patreon version of this song and asked her to replicate the bass part with her cello and the synth parts with high strings. She added her own (better) decisions, flair, talent, etc. and sent me back a demo of the chamber pop song this song was to become. I knew upon first hearing it that Maria’s contributions to the songs she plays on were going to be transformative in the exact way I was hoping. Lyrically, “Hasn’t It Always” is about reconciling past dreams with present realities; the bittersweetness, and ultimate peace, of accepting one’s own middle-age and penchant for quiet life while working in an industry, or even living in a world, that celebrates youth and volume.”

Check out the video below, and you can pick up Same Fangs now, on Spencer’s own label Pronounced Kroog.

Kirk

“Dreams On TV” by Hawk And Steel

For the first time in over a decade, Victoria’s Hawk And Steel is releasing new music!

Ain’t Never Movin’ On is set to be released on June 26th and the first single “Dreams On TV” is out now (including the music video below).

The twangy and dreamy track features guest vocals by Charlotte McGee, Hugh Mackie on organ and Andrew Greenwood on the saxophone (I particularly love the quick little sax solo to cap off the song).

I’ve been lucky enough to hear more of the album, and can’t wait to share more music as it is released!

Christine

“Wait” by Thunder Queens

Teen rock trio Thunder Queens are back with a brand new single, “Wait”, recorded with award winning producer Dave Schiffman (who’s worked with the likes of PUP, Charli xcx, and Olivia Rodrigo).

The new song is catchy & high energy, as singer/drummer Lola Good shares it’s “about needing a minute before you make a decision or a path for the future as young people. Things you can't take back, that might change your life. It's about that moment when it feels like everyone wants you to just decide but you're still trying to process things and figure out what's actually the right choice for you. We think 'Wait' is a good reminder that pausing can be strong too.”

Have a listen below, and fingers crossed for more from the group soon!

Kirk

“Celestial” by Gizmo

Charlottetown’s Gizmo returned last week with “Celestial”, the first new single since their debut EP Buddy System.

Channeling the East Coast of Canada from the 90s, the new song is a power-pop jam, with bassist Spencer Swaine elaborating, “I remember I was at the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market when Julien (Kitson) sent me a voice memo of the opening riff to what became ‘Celestial’. He wrote it on Halloween night and sent it to me, half-jokingly mumbling French because it sounded like Stereolab. This was in 2022. The final product ended up being a turning point for bringing new influences into the band and was the start of a new chapter for us.”

Check it out below!

Kirk