Category Archives: Top Five

Top Five

[Top Five] Releases to get you through quarantine

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Declan Mckenna

Declan McKenna – “The Key to Life on Earth.”

Everything McKenna writes is a beautifully dark take on society. It’s even more daunting and appealing coming from someone so young. The 21-year-old released an eerie video for the second single off of his upcoming album Zeros.

July Talk – “Governess Shadow”

The beloved Toronto-based July Talk are back. After four long years fans are treated to two singles “Pray for it” and “Governess Shadow” off of their upcoming album, suitably to be released in July. While the tracks are vastly different, each are lovely and compliment the other.

Dream Wife – “Hasta La Vista”

The trio have been busy prepping their latest album “So When you Gonna…”, beginning a podcast and pumping out singles. Their latest Hasta La Vista is frighteningly from their energy infused first self titled album. That doesn’t mean it’s not wildly lovely.

Dizzy – “The Magician”

The brilliant up and comers make nothing short of beautiful melodies and softly stunning vocals. Don’t let the bands slow nature fool you, each track in always infused with energy and emotion

“The Magician” is yet another beautiful track

Pretty Matty – “Why not Be Something that you Are?”

A rock infused track that makes you long to see live shows. It’s a track you want to enthral yourself in completely as memories of punk’s past pile on.

Festival, Top Five

[Top 5] Tracks to get you pumped for CMW

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"Matt and Kim - Forever"

matt_and_kimBefore the electronic duo headline the CMW kick off party on May 7th, Matt and Kim have released a dazzling new track you need to hear.

Moon King - "In and Out"

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Get ready because Moon King will be taking over The Baby G on May 11th for a headlining set not to miss.

Vallens - "Consent"

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Always a joy to see, Vallens are a step into a dark world you won’t want to leave. Their sets are always a favourite for Toronto locals so mark your calendars.

Starcrawler - I love LA"

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This is a show, HANDS DOWN, not to miss. You probably won’t see these LA darlings in a venue this small, so savour the chance while you can.

Death Valley Girls - "Gettin Hard"

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Another gem from LA has to be the fabulously rowdy Death Valley Girls. They normally find themselves in the audience at some point during the set, so if you’re looking for an up close and personal this is a show for you.

Top Five

[Top 5] Shows you CAN’T miss this week

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The year is almost done and it’s provided some stellar acts. It can be hard to keep up who to see and who’s coming with this much action going on. This week in particular Toronto will be home to some AMAZING acts.

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BAIO – Nov 27th

Starting off the week with a bit of fun BAIO is playing The Garrison. Departing from Vampire Weekend, the bassist takes a step into the spotlight with his version of EDM that melts indie rock into electro. He plays The Garrison at 8 P.M.

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Dec 2nd – Wolf Alice

Always a step outside the boundaries of a genre, Wolf Alice is a band to never miss. Their debut album brought fourth the UK rockers in a blaze of perfected rock, while their latest release, Visions of a Life, solidified their talent as more than a one time wonder. If you’ve never seen them live, you need to get your tickets for their Danforth show while you still can.

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Cold Specks – Nov 30th

A stunning voice with a powerful presence, Cold Specks is a ray of light on any stage. This week she’ll be gracing the MOD Club with her personally enthralling voice. Her latest album is raw, honest and stunning and she is an act to see.

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SWMRS – Dec 2nd

These guys have turned their past venues into all out moshpits. All ages shows are always a bit of a riot, when SWMRS are the headliner it may be best to bring a helmet. This time SWMRS will be taking over The Opera House with their perfectly awkward Californian rock.

 

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Gary Numan – Dec 1st.

An oddity with a sound out of the ’80s, Numan will be bringing his outlandish charm to The Opera House. His albums are all indulged in his quirks but his persona is best to be experienced live.

 

Top Five

[Top five] Tracks not to miss

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Back with a follow up to their debut single, Johnny, Basement Revolver has released the aftermath of a heartbroken teen trying to cling to the remains of a fantasy with Johnny pt. 2.

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After years of silence from the Toronto band, Alvvays have come back on the scene with In Undertow, as well as an album announcement.

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Always sweetly dark and haunting, Emily Haines’ new song is a hymn to chill your bones and awaken that lost teenager inside of us all. Her charm and talent is riddled into each of her tracks and is something that never gets old.

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Shake Smile, off their sophomore album, is no surprise one of the best new songs of summer 2017. Big Thief isn’t new to the love of online communities with their emotional lyrics and honestly sweet tunes that touch a part of you you didn’t know existed.

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An underrated treat, Death Valley Girls are a band to put on your radar immediately.  Dripping with GRL PWR they make a name for strong female leads with their strong tunes and mind blowing shows.

Top Five

[Top 5] albums that helped me find myself in Europe

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Camera, water, good walking shoes, and most importantly, a playlist set for the city….(and maybe bring a map) For two weeks, I’ve been wondering around the streets of Europe with artists in my playlists I hadn’t listened to quite as much back home. Finding the perfect playlist for vacation is basically a necessity, having the familiarity of something from back home to help you along whatever you experience is kinda cool if you think about it. So here are the top five albums that helped me find myself in Europe.

(sidenote, they all happen to be female fronted bands. Grl Pwr.)

Jay Som’s debut album Everybody Works, is the perfect travel album. There are songs that touch you on a level of excitement, comfort and daring. 1 Billion Dogs it the energetic reminder you need to embark on your new adventure each day. a3337164431_10

For walking the brickstone streets and pretty much everywhere else, I’ve noticed that fatigue can sneak up you, but who can nap when there is so much to see? Grab a coffee and turn on this album.

For mindless wondering in Scotland, amid the castles and gorgeous sights, Middle Kids self-titled EP, pairs nicely with, well, anything by Angel Olsen. middle-kids-ep-1487173885

Middle Kids’ star track Edge of Town  is the perfect song to listen to while finding yourself abroad. Burn Your Fire for No Witness, by Olsen stick out due to the range on the album. The album is a sweetly, dark, romantic, and spirited collection that will match any mood. Similar to Jay Som’s Everybody Works, in the sense that you can find a song that will get you riled by the rhythmic guitar and a catchy beat you’ll keep hitting repeat on, as well as, those hauntingly beautiful songs to match the disbelief of the beauty Europe posses. a0472423704_10

And along with Europe comes some rowdy times, which means you’ll need some amp up music. That’s when you need to turn to The Coathangers. Being an avid fan myself, I’m biased when I say you can’t go wrong with whatever album, however Nosebleed Weekend is an endearingly odd cluster of punk rock that will make you jump around and good and ready to hit the pints.

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Keeping the grrl riot sound going, Tacocat’s Lost Time album is essential to pass the time on those plan rides, street wonderings and all the new adventures bound to happen. The pop-punk has an upbeat dynamic as the perfect soundtrack to daily exploring, or even for tuning out the weird guy at the hostel. 99ef3a88
Top Five

[Top 5] New Albums not miss

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Splashh – Waiting a lifetime

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Brilliantly odd, Splashh are an acquired taste of rock that plays on the outskirts of experimental sounds. Never sounding a thing like their previous work, Splashh has once again mastered how to capture themselves while fully changing their sound.

Bishop Briggs – Bishop Briggs EP

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Exceeding huge expectations built up after she released her single, River, Bishop Briggs set-forth an EP to be reckoned with.

Hollerado – Born Yesterday

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The Canadian darlings are all set for a tour to follow up their newest album. If you loved the rowdy youthful Hollerado, prepare to be a little surprised. They capture the same energy as their three previous albums, but Born Yesterday is definitely a more mature sound.

Timber Timbre – Sincerely, Future Solution

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Like a nightmare you don’t want to wake up from, Timber Timbre are back with their hollow, creeping eerily perfect sounds. The newest album features more of an toned back darkness, than their previous releases.

Diet Cig -Swear I’m Good at This

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A the smallest bundle, with a big sound and energy, Diet Cig is a band to keep on your radar. The newest album is full of the same endearingly sweet and cheeky pop-rock with indie influences.

Top Five

[Top Five] Have You Heard?

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Timber Timber - "Sewer Blues"

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From the depths of nightmare’s and the heart of sadness, Timber Timber are back with a new track that is a much more tame take on their normal sound. Off of their upcoming album, Sincerely, Future Pollution (out in April), Sewer Blues is a slow rock ballad that is slightly off centre of the band’s core.

Declan McKenna - "The Kids Don't Wanna Come 
Home"

13267807_521860821355628_163281485034362623_nHeartwarmingly honest and sweetly raw, The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home, is the latest single from UK darling Declan McKenna. The 18-year-old masks his youth by writing truthful songs from an artistic perspective.

Said the Whale - "Step into the Darkness"

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A recent loss of members didn’t stop the band from moving on as a trio. Step into Darkness is the first single put forth by the new set up. Each album after the last Said the Whale seems to reinvent themselves with a new sound and feel and this single does the same. A slow ballad is a step back from the heavy pop sound in their last album hawaii, yet still unlike anything they’ve produced in the past.

Cage the Elephant - "Cold Cold Cold"

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There is something simply addicting about Cage the Elephant. Their newest video adds a dramatic element to track, with a minute-long into the theatrical song.

 

Muuy Biien - "Moral Compass"

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A cluster of odd, dark and enthralling rock Muuy Biien unleashed a new view off of their debut album Age of Uncertainty.  Featuring Even Peters, the video is a mind boggling look into the dark oddities that make the band so enticing.

Top Five

[Top five] Albums not to forget in 2017

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2017 is sure to bring some exciting and much anticipated albums forth. Along the way we need to recall some of the greats that last year  gave us. This week’s top five is dedicated to those we fell in love with last year.

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SWMRS – Drive North 

You could say they’re following in the footsteps on bands like Fidlar, but it would be unfair. SWMRS are paving their way one rowdy show at a time. Beneath the thrashing guitar and sweaty shows, Drive North  is an overwhelming note of positivity much needed in 2016.

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Basement Revolver

The indie darlings produced one of the most underrated catchy songs of the year. Johnny, the first single off of their debut album, will make you fall in love with the softly sweet voice of Christy Hurn. Each song on the album is a mirage covering the confessions and meanings riddled into each track.

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Mothers – When You Walk a Long Distance You Are Tired

Full of confessions straight from the soul Mothers debut EP is a frighteningly honest look into heartbreak, happiness and sadness. Listen to it with a box of tissues near your side, or if you need a lift. a1362186964_10

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Angel Olsen – My Woman

Shut Up Kiss Me was undoubtably one of the best singles to shout along to. It won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, and neither with Olsen. My Women is a slightly different direction showing the growth and triumphs an artist overcome. The album is a wondrous ride no matter what mood.

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Casper Skulls – Lips and Skull 

The debut album from the Toronto-based band was six songs full of addicting pulse accelerating rock. Devotion is the most catching track on the album and the title track is a gem of it’s own. The time and effort put into the album is apparent with each perfected track. The polish on the debut is a strong step into the music scene for the band we’ll be seeing a lot more of.