“K.I.S.S.” ft Jon Kabongo & “Islands” by Shad

I hate sitting on embargoed songs (it feels like keeping a secret for a person) when really I just want to share here!
And that’s how I felt about waiting to post these two new song from Shad that came out early last week. They followed up his single “Bars & BBQs” and they will all appear on his new album Start Anew on October 31st.

“K.I.S.S.” aka the acronym for Keep It Simple Stupid features Jon Kabongo (which I thought was a spelling error, but it’s just a coincidence!) and Shad says it’s “inspired by the idea that we should take our work seriously but not take ourselves too seriously”.

In his newsletter Shad says that “Islands” is inspired by the book/concept “Islands Of Sanity” that his friend once mentioned to him: “The term "Islands Of Sanity" refers to communities that not only help people survive challenging times but also provide models for a better future. They aren't necessarily big or well-known groups but they are uncommonly cohesive, caring, and creative. The idea felt like exactly the kind of thing I wanted to explore on this album.”

The album is full of collaborations, both on production and performances, and I can’t wait to get more from it. There’s also been a show/tour announcement, so circle your calendars for January 17th as Shad will be coming to the Hollywood Theatre!

Christine

“Tears Of A Nation” by The Dears

A couple months ago, we heard the first new music from The Dears in a while, and now they’ve announced a brand new album! The Montreal band’s ninth studio album is called Life Is Beautiful! Life Is Beautiful! Life Is Beautiful!

The news is heralded by the brand new single called “Tears Of A Nation”, a soaring, powerful song with Murray Lightburn’s vocals bursting through.

Of the album, Murray says: “I remember when it clicked in my brain what I was writing about. It was soon after we played a series of shows celebrating the 20th anniversary of No Cities Left. I was on stage surrounded by wonderful musicians, playing songs I wrote in my 20s. My kids and my mom were sitting up on the balcony of the theatre. Natalia was just to my right. I told the audience that sometimes it gets tough but that life is beautiful. I asked the audience to say it with me, three times: A mantra; a wish; an affirmation.
Life is tough. We experience challenges all the time. In our darkest hours we might think it’s never going to be better. But if we can just make it through, we find out what we thought was impossible; that we could smile again, maybe even laugh. We feel our loved ones. We find out how strong we can be. The songs in this record are for everyone and anyone. They are meant to be supportive.”

Pick up the new album when it’s out on November 7th via Next Door Records, and check out the video — directed by Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew — below!

Kirk

“Moral Panic” by Vivek Shraya

The new release from Vivek Shraya gave me major “Starálfur” by Sigur Rós vibes!
“Moral Panic” starts off with looping vocals, but then quiet instrumentals are layered and then the vocals come in, building and building until the end.

With poignant timing, Shraya speaks of the song: “Fear has long been a political tool to divide, distract and control and it’s more important than ever to be vigilant about what we are consuming and believing. At the same time, there is legitimately a lot to be afraid of right now and also looking ahead.”

The new album New Models will be out on October 8th and there are only a few tour dates announced - for now!

Christine

“Hotter Than The Sun” by Begonia

We’re just over a month away from the new album from Begonia, and getting a new tease with the song “Hotter Than The Sun”.

The latest track off Fantasy Life is a quirky, upbeat tune, which sees Begonia pondering, “Do butterflies appreciate their own beauty? Does a moth know that the closer they get to the light could also mean potentially dying at the light's hand? Don’t ask me. I just know that sometimes I dream of just being an insect and flicking my wings around at will. I can honestly say with this record that I’m accepting myself now fully for the first time. I feel like I've said that before but this time I actually mean it. I’m not saying it’s easy but it’s far less exhausting then trying to fit in anyone else’s version of who I should be. I’ve always struggled with a very loud inner hater and I feel like making this song is attempting some kind of scruffy diy exorcism. I’ll let you know how I feel the more I sing it.”

Check out the video, and make sure you have October 24th in your calendar, when Fantasy Life drops, on Birthday Cake Records.

Kirk

“On Ice” by Clothesline From Hell

You better believe I’m going to check out a band named after a pro wrestling move.

Clothesline From Hell is the musical project of Toronto’s Adam LaFramboise, and last week he released his latest single, “On Ice”.

With an intense, driving beat (perhaps not what you would expect from a project named after a cowboy-turned-businessman) Adam says, “The song is as loud and dumb as I’ll ever allow myself to get. It should be frustrating, but it ends up being cathartic. I just wanted to make a really catchy pop song that also felt dangerous. This is the kind of pain you feel in your funny bone; it's weird and potent and I can’t help but laugh.”

No word on a full album from Clothesline From Hell, but have a listen to “On Ice” below!

Kirk