It’s the first 8 Tracks collection of summer – did we pack it full of summer songs? Not necessarily. But are they all great tracks? Damn right they are! Check out the mini reviews, words from the artists, and then turn these songs up!
Tucana – “Sun’s Coming Up”
This is the first single from Tucana, and it immediately put them on my list of bands to watch out for – great alt rock/punk hybrid here, with intense vocals and driving rhythm. Sort of like if you mixed Pup and IDLES, but turned the heaviness up. Already looking forward to hearing more from these guys. From The Band: Tucana’s debut single, “Sun’s Coming Up,” vividly captures the overwhelming sense of dread and shame that accompanies the journey home after a night of indulgence, surrounded by people embarking on a productive day. This song pairs fuzzed out, aggressive rock riffs with emotionally raw vocals that have drawn comparisons to bands such as Idles, Pup, and Queens of The Stone Age. It was produced by Juno nominated producer/mixer Dave Traina of The Damn Truth and mastered by Harry Hess, who has previously mastered Pup’s highly successful album “Morbid Stuff”
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Garland Kelley – “Give It All Away”
The latest offering from Nashville artist Garland Kelly is an introspective track with a compelling mix of styles, punctuated by stellar guitar riffs and his impeccable vocals. From The Artist: Garland Kelley has recently announced the release of his newest single “Give It All Away” which addresses materialism and overconsumption. “Give It All Away” is an excellent representation of Garland’s artistry and what makes his work stand out. The quality of the production is remarkable with an ambitious scope that remains rich in the intuitive immediacy that makes rock music so timeless and special. Further, the sound is pristine and punchy yet not overly polished, giving listeners an organic taste of Garland’s musicianship and performance skills.
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Friendship Commanders – “High Sun”
A mix of melodic vocals and grungy, fuzzy guitar riffs make “High Sun” a stand out track, mixing genres and styles to create something different and compelling. From The Band: “The video for HIGH SUN was made by shooting parts of the song with a vintage Super 8 camera and then shooting the rest with a high-res digital camera. I wanted the film texture to represent how memory is an imperfect imprint of an experience while still capturing it; memory also decays and ages with time like film. By having the two types of footage, two perspectives are reflected. One bleached by years, and one current, clear, and resilient. But both are valid. In some ways, I’m not who I was when I lived in Massachusetts, and in other ways, I’m exactly who I was. But here are two lenses to look through.”
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Dear Sherlock – “Bluecat” –
Imagine Radiohead-style vocals over heavy riffs and hard-hitting drums – that’s what Dear Sherlock’s latest single brings to mind, in the best way possible. Really compelling sound, mixing killer melodies and a heavier rock style. Plus, some surprise changes along the way! From The Band: A retro-Disney-like scene morphs into a heavy, driving guitar riff, before the vocals wail, ‘Losing… after all this time I’m losing…’ in the anthemic and memorable chorus. ‘Bluecat’ is the lead single from the upcoming debut album, Object of Ridicule, by the multi-million streamed rock duo, Dear Sherlock. The duo were last seen performing at Rock in Rio, Lisbon. Expect a big finish to the year!
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SECOS – “Encounters”
Bright and catchy guitar riffs paired with passionate melodies – this song will grab you from the get-go. A great indie sound with some garage rock appeal. From The Band: Recorded at the iconic 11th St. Records in Las Vegas, Nevada. Same studio where hometown favorites “The Killers” recorded their album “Wonderful Wonderful” in ’17. This is a song about casual encounters, quick, disposable love. This song embodies the highs and lows of the topic in usual SECOS fashion with a bridge that provides a sense of change in the piece only to end up back where we started.
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Souls Worn Thin – “Treason”
The new track from Souls Worn Thin is high energy punk that’ll have your toes tappin’ and head banging along. Catchy and intense, this is one that needs to be heard at high volumes. From The Band: “Treason is the title track off Souls Worn Thin’s new album – full album release date July 1, 2023.”
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Wide Mouth Mason – “You Pushed Me”
We played this track on our last episode of The Music Jerks Radio Show, and I’ll just reiterate what I said on there – I dig this tune. A lot. There’s a great bluesy rock vibe, stellar hooks, and a good amount of grit. Ahead of their new album out on the 28th, and their Canadian tour, this single is a must-listen. From The Band: “We are incredibly excited to hit the road and reconnect with our fans across Canada,” says Shaun Verreault, lead vocalist and guitarist of Wide Mouth Mason. “It’s been too long since we’ve had the opportunity to perform live and share the stage with our dedicated supporters. This tour is going to be special, and we can’t wait to create unforgettable memories together.” “We’ve been hard at work in the studio, crafting new songs that we can’t wait to share with everyone,” shared Safwan Javed, the band’s drummer. “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.”
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Cold Weather Captains – “Venom”
Toronto-based Cold Weather Captains are set to release a brand new album this September, including this catchy tune. Big chorus, moody melodies and stellar guitar riffs make for a memorable track! From The Band: CWC’s music is characterized by their ability to seamlessly blend various genres including psychedelic rock, funk, disco, rap, and hip-hop. Their catchy and original tunes keep the audience dancing on their toes, never knowing what’s coming next. There’s a little something for everyone and a guaranteed groove to move you.
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