Toronto singer/guitarist Joan Smith has released her first solo single as Joan Smith and the Jane Does. “Normalize” is the title track from the soon to be released EP. The track starts with the greatest sound that you could ever experience… an electric guitar… and she’s got it greased right up. Not to mention her pipes as she lets ‘er wail in the chorus. Some say they don’t make ‘em like they used to do but this track rocks like the old days. You can get a copy of the “Normalize” EP prior to it’s May 11^th release at The Dakota Tavern tomorrow for an early show at 7PM. Mikey Manville opening up. – Kris Gies

Head is a brand new 3 piece rock n roll band from Toronto. They have recently released their first single “Runaway” and it absolutely rips. We’re talkin’ straight up rock n roll. Produced by Ian Blurton; the vocals remind me a little bit of Iggy and the music would be right up his alley too.  I can picture an old muscle car firin’ down a gravel road with this song cranked up and smoke bellowing from the windows. Head plays The Red Light (Dundas/Dufferin) on Saturday April 28^th with Shallow Waves. – Kris Gies

Huttch are an indie rock band from Windsor. They just released a new track and music video “Get Up”. It’s got some 70’s funkiness going on alongside the 2000’s indie rock style. The outfits and desert setting in the music video are unreal. The music isn’t exactly what I was expecting upon first seeing the setting of the video but both are great nonetheless. The tune was very well put together. Huttch plays the Dakota Tavern on Thursday April 25^th. – Kris Gies

Formerly known as the Nude Dogs; Bad Waitress are set to release a new EP this Saturday. They describe their tunes as “heavy licks, intense energy and strong satire.” Their first single “Acid Brain” is filthy and smells like an ash tray….and I mean that in a good way. The video of this two minute ripper is about as chaotic as the song itself. Be at the Horseshoe Tavern on Saturday April 21 for Bad Waitress’ Release Party along with Beuller and the legendary Nightseeker featuring Dean Murdoch from FUBAR! – Kris Gies

Two Suns are an aggressive psych band from Toronto. Earlier this year they had their first recorded track appear on a mixtape for Fishbum Records which features many of Toronto’s great garage/pysch bands. “Forlorn Love” starts with a real sludge metal intro before ripping into an all out punk assault. The music is in your face and hectic while the overly-reverbed vocals float along occasionally. It’s an absolute headbanger. Two Suns play the Baby G on Saturday April 21^st with Crazy Bones and Deaf. – Kris Gies

Simeon Ross is a Toronto based singer/songwriter who has been involved in numerous groups and solo projects over the years. He has recently released a brand new single “Arise”. The track sounds like 2000’s British Pop/Rock not too far off from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. The track is well recorded and very radio friendly. Ross shows confidence in the video as he passionately sings in a dark smoky room. Stay tuned for an album announcement from Simeon Ross. – Kris Gies

Bo Welland is the name of a rock band from Toronto…not the name of any person in the band however. Influenced by many early 2000’s indie rock bands such as The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys and the Libertines along with classics like Simon & Garfunkel and The Clash. They have a nice slacker attitude in the track “Thank The Lord”. The lazy vocals and somewhat sloppy guitars float along in endearing fashion. Bo Welland plays Supermarket on May 17^th with Fat Chance, The Jones and Charlie Joy. – Kris Gies

Toronto garage punk band The Killer Wails have released a new track “Shake It” and it’s an absolutely raucous tune. The greasy bass thumps along which really keeps the track moving. The vocals have an excellent “fuck you” tone in ‘em which is always a good thing. You can tell these fellas will put on a rowdy show. This Wednesday (April 11^th) they play Junction City Music Hall with a couple other deadly bands The Thinly Veiled Double Entendres and Johnny 2 Fingers & The Deformities from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. You owe it to yourself to have a wild Wednesday! – Kris Gies

Toronto power-pop quartet First Base have recently released a new LP titled “Not That Bad” on Drunken Sailor Records. This record delivers exactly what you would expect from First Base…catchy hooks, impeccable harmonies and altogether well-crafted songs executed to perfection. Especially as the weather gets warmer you’ll be cranking these tunes as you roll down the windows. The title track sounds like an oldies pop rock tune that’ll put a smile on your face as you take that special someone out for a milkshake at the local diner. “Not That Bad” is available on Drunken Sailor Record’s Bandcamp. First Base will be opening for Patsy’s Rats along with Tough Age and Binos on Wednesday April 4^th at Hard Luck Bar. – Kris Gies

Interesting lo-fi pop group The Tang have a very unique thing goin’ on. It sounds like 60’s pop drenched in shoegaze. Their latest EP “I’ll Try Harder Next Time” opens with a jangly, fun tune called “Deep Space Nine” which sort of takes you on a journey through space…but only if space had sunny afternoons with beautiful green grass. Maybe it does…I have never been there. If you’re into any of the psych influenced tunes that are popular these days then have some Tang. – Kris Gies

Bike Thiefs have been around the Toronto punk scene for a while. They hail from the ‘burbs of Mississauga and play some noisy punk rock. They released a new EP last year titled “Lean Into It.” The opening track is in-your-face and rowdy. The fuzzy bass rumbles along with the drums and the guitars combine for a barrage of hectic noise. Give the album a spin on their bandcamp and even buy it if ya want! Bike Thiefs are touring the USA now and would appreciate the gas money! April 28th they return to the GTA playing the New Grey Goat in Newmarket. – Kris Gies

Here’s a nice blend of alt-country, indie rock and folk. The tune “Invisible Fire” by Lucas Mackenzie reminds me of a down-home Weezer. It has catchy melodies with feel-good feelings. Nice guitar licks complement the overall tone of the song. His latest album “Togetheralone” was released earlier this month. Half of it was recorded in the woods and half in the city which helps attain both rural and urban vibes. Available on his bandcamp page. Mackenzie will be perfoming at Antikka Cafe & Records in Toronto on Friday March 30th. – Kris Gies