Every Friday Mixtape likes to help kickstart your weekend with a playlist of five songs carefully collected around a theme. We’ve done geographic themes, festival themes and everything in between. But here’s one trend we’ve all noticed while building these playlists – a lot of Canadian bands sure do like the word “young” and it pops up in band names over and over again. So this week, we salute these “young” bands.
First up in your playlist is Montreal band Young Galaxy. Currently out on tour showcasing their latest album Ultramarine, this band puts the dance back into dance party. Known for their pop beats and catchy tunes, the band got a little extra surprise this year when Ultramarine was shortlisted for the 2013 Polaris Prize.
Originally known as The Ride Theory, this Hamilton band changed their name, their sound and their style to Young Rival in 2007. Since then they’ve managed to cultivate mild successes in the industry and have toured with bands like The Sadies and Born Ruffians. The band mulches a gritty low-fi sound with intricate time signatures and witty lyrics that makes anyone over 30 fondly remember the indie rock scene of the 90s.
Halifax band Young River have been mixing their folk rock sounds since 2009. Having become a regular name in the east coast music scene, they’ve had the opportunity to share stages with some of Canada’s most beloved indie rockers such as Hawksley Workman and the Novaks. Playing music that is surely radio friendly, their three chord power-pop tunes are pretty damn catchy.
In 2008, these Vancouver friends got together, formed Young Liars and started making music that can only be described as alt-pop-techno. One of the band’s major goals, with respects to their music, is to “ignite dance floors” without sounding too pretentious or cheesy. A goal they seemingly achieve with great ease.
The Toronto band Poor Young Things will be playing the Halifax Pop Explosion this year alongside indie rockers Hollerado, where they will most likely get the crowd moving with their pop rock tunes. Using their talents to the fullest, these dudes create tunes that are pure fun and pure rock.
To listen to the entire play list, check out our YouTube Channel.
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