Let’s kick off December with a batch of new tunes that you need in your earholes – check out the mini reviews & words from the artists, and then turn all eight of these songs waaaay up.
Vicky Von Vicky – “Goodbye My Love”
There’s a fantastic, nostalgic 50s feel to this latest track from Vicky Von Vicky – get ready to sway and sing along to this incredibly catchy chorus. From The Band:Their single “Goodbye My Love” is from the perspective of two ex-lovers and references lyrics from the R.E.M. song “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine).” Working together with producer Nixon Boyd (Hollerado, Dizzy, Deanna Petcoff), they recall a 1950’s style with a modern indie feel, by incorporating some unexpected but exciting “doo-wop” vocals to the song.
—-
Shedonist – “Ask Me Why”
A sexy slowburn with moody guitar riffs and captivating vocals, but with the perfect amount of heaviness in the chorus. From The Band:Ask Me Why is a sexy and brooding rock ballad about the trials and tribulations, the obstacles one goes through in the pursuit of love.
—-
Pot Is Drugs – “Darling (Satellites)”
Another killer song from Canadian band, Pot Is Drugs. The perfect mix of mellow indie and urgent alt rock, the song has depth and an infectious style. From The Band: Darling is a dark and urgent indie rock song about love and longing, with smooth verses and explosive chorus
—-
The Sizzos – “Float Away”
Here’s another fantastic song from The Sizzos latest album, Glitter In Gravel. A compelling mix of genres with that unique signature Sizzos sound. From The Artist: “This song is about good intentions gone wrong, when one tries grand gestures and ignores the small things. It’s about knowing how to preserve a relationship but not being able to do what it takes. In the end, the misguided love pushes others away instead of bringing them closer. It has elements of synth pop, darkwave, and more traditional rock/pop with the harmonies. It is also unique because it mostly stays in the pocket. There are no high highs or low lows as the music represents a meditation on the loss of love at one’s own doing. I like to think of it as Depeche Mode strolling on the beach.”
—-
The Effens & The OBGMs – “Someone’s Gonna Get You”
A match made in alt rock heaven? Hell yes. The Effens plus The OBGMs is total perfection, with killer driving guitar, catchy lyrics, and a slick sound.Turn this one up! From The Band:The Effens teamed up with Denz Mcfarlen from the Canadian punk band, The OBGMs for “Someone’s Gonna Get You.” Not only did Denz complete the song with his vocals, but he also shared lyrical input when they were coming up with the concept of the song. It’s about the fear and paranoia that people are contending with right now, living online. “There was an understanding about the concept of the song and I was excited to hear Denz take those ideas and elevate them,” says songwriter Austin Fannin. “After he recorded his verse I completely changed my vocals and lyrics for my verse in the song. It was a great back and forth, making the song better in a way that is not possible writing alone.”
—-
M’Grasker – “She’s Drugs”
Let me introduce you to my new favourite band – M’Grasker. This is the first song I’ve heard from them, and it caught my attention immediately. Crazy catchy, good amount of edginess, it’s like PUP…on drugs. Get this band on your radar! From The Band: M’Grasker are a coven of humanoid meat sacks forged in the Vats of Creation by Dr. Gorp, himself. Their mission: to Rock. However, they are also permitted to Roll. Human terminology might define them as a “band,” however they would be more accurately described as Biological Property of M’Graskorp Unlimited Enterprises and Subsidiaries of the GlanGlan Group. After a sufficiently long gestation period in Dr. Gorp’s humong creation tanks, the lovable lads from lab 7 were able to record and write the song, “She’s Drugs,” ahead of schedule/budget. “She’s Drugs” is a song about how love is the only drug we need, except for some of the other drugs we still need.
—-
THUNDERCLAP! – “Blank Slate”
A thought-provoking holiday ballad from Niagara’s own THUNDERCLAP – the video for this single is a sneak preview of the artist’s upcoming documentary on the same subject the song touches on. Something to consider as we head right into the holiday season. From The Artist: “5 months before Covid hit us I founded Camp Cataract in Niagara Falls (a northern themed bar/ pizzeria/ performance venue) and in the midst of Covid our downtown saw an unprecedented influx of unhoused individuals inundate the area. Unlike larger city centres, this small town was suddenly (and literally) face to face with this issue and not viewing it from afar as usual. As a store owner I was up close and toeing the line of navigating what’s good for business vs. acknowledging peoples’ problems and their humanity. With all the conflicting emotions that come along with this, I was compelled to write this song that addresses & empathizes with the derelict and downtrodden side of the holidays. ”
—-
