New Hands – “Swimming” (KwikFiks Remix) [Listen]
You can’t even understand
What I’d do for you
You can imagine how excited I am whenever there’s some action from the New Hands camp! The band revealed a new song in the form of a remix by Montreal-Toronto based producer KwikFiks and accompanying video. Keep it locked to New Hands for more singles, music videos, and remixes to come over the next few months. I also couldn’t resist using this track for my show’s promo at 93.3 CFMU!
Arkells – “Never Thought That This Would Happen” [Listen]
When you’re praying for no strings
Sometimes you get tied down
It’s getting to be that season when we need a good spring/summer jam. Cue Arkells! This song does the trick. Arkells are set to release their third album this summer, which they wrote right here in our hometown, was produced by Tony Hoffer (Phoenix, M83, Beck), and recorded in Highland Park, L.A. They reveal about the record: “Our workshop was a 150-year-old building: a former spice factory, turned gay nightclub, turned abandoned building. The room isn’t acoustically primed, but that forced the band to keep the essentials, lock into the grooves, and let the natural reverb take the tunes into cinematic places.” Very excited to hear more.
Young Rival – “Elevator” [Listen]
Always one of my favourite local bands, Young Rival have a new tune that is the first of three on their new Elevator EP to be released over the next three months. I first heard it when they performed at The Casbah Lounge’s last show ever back in January. The track was recorded with Michael Keire at Threshold – a collaboration I was really excited to hear about. It’s a short song, but it covers so much ground in its two minutes and change, that it packs a mean punch. It’s fantastic. I can’t wait to hear what else the band has come up with. Catch them live in Toronto at The Dakota Tavern on April 24th with Stella Ella Ola.
Thought Beneath Film – “Cartographers” [Listen]
Every heart’s been broken
Everyone is free
It has been a long time in the making, but Thought Beneath Film’s debut full-length album Cartographers is finally here. In keeping with the theme of the Detours EP, the album continues the band’s journey and is full of catchy hooks that you can’t help but sing along to. Impressively, the album was mixed and mastered by Grammy winners Tom Lord-Alge and Bob Ludwig. With this collection of well-crafted songs, the band is poised for big things. Celebrate the album’s release this Friday, April 18th with an all ages show at The Casbah with local support Dirty Jeans and Gentlemen Spectres.
Weaves – “Motorcycle” [Listen]
Will you ride my motorcycle
Take a ride
Toronto band Weaves just released their self-titled debut EP on Buzz Records. It’s a fantastic introduction to the band – a burst of colourful sounds, each track stands on its own and is so different from the next. Complimented by the album art with its vibrant colours, it’s one of my favourite new releases right now. The band just played The Baltimore House this month and also made an appearance on CHCH Morning Live. Keep an eye out for their return to Hamilton. Check out IHH’s Rendezvous with the band where I chatted with lead singer Jasmyn Burke.
WTCHS – “Over Kilmer” [Listen]
WTCHS are the latest addition to the classic Hamilton label Sonic Unyon. Their new EP It’s Not A Cross, It’s A Curse! is out now and the band just celebrated with a (free!) release show this month at This Ain’t Hollywood with guest Sailboats Are White and Thoughts On Air. This lead single is accompanied by a fittingly creepy video directed by Dean Tzenos (Odonis Odonis).
Billy Moon – “Video Girls” [Listen]
Oh girl, I can’t leave you alone
You let me weather out the storm
Then you fade to black and leave me all alone
Billy Moon have gained a lot of attention in the local scene with their first two EPs, recorded themselves. Their new EP Young Adult, recorded at Threshold with producer Michael Keire, kicks things up a notch – it sounds awesome. I had the chance to premiere some of the songs on the radio and chat with Graham and Patrick in a recent episode on 93.3 CFMU. Be on the lookout for an EP Release show – I’m excited to finally catch the band live.
Ed Sheeran – “Sing” [Listen]
I need you, darling
Come on, set the tone
If you feel you’re falling
Won’t you let me know
Oh, Ed. Swoon. So ready for Mr. Sheeran’s sophomore album X, which is due out in June. In the meantime, we get this little banger to tide us over. I was intrigued as soon as I saw the Pharrell Williams production and writing credits. The song is the perfect springtime jam. Ed’s tour brings him to Toronto on September 18th at the Air Canada Centre.
Christian Hansen – “Small Fry” [Listen]
“You’re a small fry
I’m a big guy”
That’s what the moon says when he’s looking down on me
Christian Hansen and Molly Flood switch gears with their new EP Small Fry. It sounds very different from the previous album, 2012’s C’mon Arizona, but Christian’s signature vocals are instantly recognizable. Slower in tempo, this EP explores themes of isolation from the pair’s move from Edmonton to Toronto. They’re also one of the most entertaining acts I’ve seen live – be sure to catch them when they’re in town next.
ttwwrrss – “Blood Popsicle” [Listen]
Local electronic musician and producer ttwwrrss (pronounced “towers”) has dropped some new tunes this month. The self-titled EP is his second release, this time on new local indie label Maisonneuve Music. ttwwrrss gained experience as an intern at legendary Hamilton studio Catherine North before branching out from there. Celebrate the EP’s release this Saturday, April 19th as ttwwrrss will be behind the decks at this week’s Night Drive at The Baltimore House.
Coldplay – “Magic” [Listen]
Call it magic
Call it true
I call it magic
When I’m with you
I was very happy to hear the familiar voice of Coldplay’s Chris Martin on the radio when I first heard this new single. Between this one and “Midnight,” the band have worked their magic again and I can’t wait for their sixth album Ghost Stories, out next month. I also love a good circus theme – check out the video for the song, directed by Jonas Åkerlund.
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