One of the best things about September is that so many bands and musicians share the fruits of their summer adventures with new albums, single releases and brand new sounds. And this week seems to be a true harvest of some wicked music from some of Canada’s best bands.
To kick things off, Toronto-based alt-country rockers The Sadies released a new album today called Internal Sounds. This 11-track album adds another notch to their extended discography and while it continues to show off that lo-fi sound the band is well known for, it also has them serving up some of their musical maturity with intricate rhythms and peppy lyrics.
Also releasing an album today are B.C. rockers Said The Whale. Having released a teaser EP just in time for summer, the band is now releasing the full album titled Hawaiii , pushing a freshly tested sound that exudes more pop than the band has ever really experimented with. The first single “I Love You” got a lot of radio play this summer – check out the very hilarious and creative video for it below.
And as if that wasn’t awesome enough, The Darcys also have a new album out today. Calling it Warring, these indie rockers maintain their reputation for doing things with a little extra creative flair as this is supposed to be the final installment of a musical trilogy that started with their 2011 self-titled album and was followed up with their 2012 interpretation of Steely Dan’s Aja. The album itself was written over three years and is the total sum of six long and dedicated months of recording. Check out the song “The Haunting” below.
Keeping with the trend of new albums for this fine Tuesday, Kayo Guevarra’s S.L.A.V.E. dropped today. The MC/singer/producer collaborated with a number of hip hop artists – most notably Haligonians Quake, Chris Noxx and Cam Smith (or is that “Smiff”?). A passionate, diverse and revealing look into Kayo’s struggles at the start of his career, S.L.A.V.E. takes listeners into the psychic depths of a performing artist. For a sample, peep the track “Rich Already”, during which Kayo expresses frustration at his mentor – who remains nameless but who can only be Canada’s hardest working rapper/producer: Classified, who toured with Kayo earlier this year. And if you want to read a full review of the album, we’ve got one in our upcoming issue – join the mailing list here.
As Kingston, Ontario rockers The Gertrudes are releasing their album Neighbourhood today seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. With diverse arrangements, rich harmonies and punchy lyrics the album is a whole lot more than your mom’s old folk albums. For a full album review, make sure to check out the first issue of Mixtape, due out in just a few short weeks!
And for an extra treat, we will leave with this new video from Victoria, B.C. folksy indie rockers Aidan Knight. The song, “A Mirror”, is from the U.S. debut album Small Reveal and was recorded in Toronto.
Photo: Supplied/Sadies Facebook Page