When I first saw Shade live I was taking a leak after the set when the singer walked in. I said hey what was the fourth song you played? He said “Combat Rave”. I knew that was the tune. This riff is top notch. The whole song and video oozes 90’s. It hits the spot for sure. This is the title track of their debut LP which is set for release May 1^st. Stay safe, clean and tuned into Shade for details on the eventual LP Release Party. – Kris Gies

I, the Mountain are a 5 piece indie folk band based in Kitchener. Their new album “Little Wild” is due out March 31^st and they have released a music video for the title track.  Not gonna lie…the up close image of a vertical suplex had me clicking the link instantly. The video features the band inside the squared circle perhaps being a “little wild”. The track itself was written as an ode to the day-to-day things we all do that may or may not be considered a little wild. They will be hosting the “Little Wild” Release Party at Junction City Music Hall on April 3^rd. – Kris Gies

Mountain Head have hit the ground runnin’ here on the Toronto scene. These two brothers aren’t new to the scene but after spending some time in the mountains…Mountain Head was born. Their first single “We Stole Your Head” is a heavy dream rock tune. The drums have a hip hop vibe to them and the rhythm hits hard with the bass and synth combo. See these mysterious bearded brothers this Friday March 13^th at The Rivoli along with F.Scott & the Nighthawks as well as Joan Smith & the Jane Does. Excellent lineup! – Kris Gies

Sleepless Record’s rock n’ roll stars Shade have released a brand new single. "Brain Suck" is not a new tune for them however as it was one of their oldest tunes that has evolved from a basement demo into the rocker you hear now. The chorus is a heavy mid 90’s banger with an extra dose of fuzz. Always nice to hear a track from these guys. Even better to hear the official release date for their debut LP “Combat Rave” will be May 1^st. The release party will be that night in Hamilton at This Ain’t Hollywood. – Kris Gies

Pop-Rock Trio James Blonde are back with a groovy, inspirational tune “Hundred Bucks”. This track is their personal explanation on money not buying happiness. In their words the story goes through “different situations in which you may find yourself looking for fun or comfort.” Their excellent harmonies are in full effect in this one as well. James Blonde will be playing The Garrison on March 11^th along with Courage My Love. – Kris Gies

In another lifetime these 4 four fellas were known as The Kents. It was an important move to make the switch according to lead singer Warren Frank “Heaps is necessary change. A process of determining that. A space. A freedom to create without inhibition.” Their new single “Softly” has an uplifting feel to it. The consummate mix of 80’s synth pop and 2010’s indie rock. Hear this powerful track live in Toronto on April 3^rd at The Horseshoe. – Kris Gies

Long haired dudes from Hamilton. This power trio play serious rock n’ roll that ranges from glam rock to the blues. You can hear this on their debut single “Up Jumped The Devil” which features a harmonica intro, a KISS inspired party rockin’ verse, shredding interludes and a thrash solo. Crank it up! Their next gig is at Stonewalls in Hamilton on February 29^th. – Kris Gies

Earlier this month I was lucky enough to be at the jam packed Lee’s Palace for Danko Jones featuring the garage rockin’ Enchanters as the openers. This power trio, fronted by Craig Daniels, play great throwback 60’s garage rock with a heavy brit-rock influence from bands like The Kinks. Daniels’ fashion sense is second to none with the vintage striped pants he dawned as they took the stage. They opened up with a tune called “Backstabbers UK” which set the tone nicely. However they really kicked it into high gear on their third tune “Torture Chamber” which actually gives off some early KISS vibes. The guitar solo in particular ripped especially hard. “Too Late” showed off some psych rock elements but the highlight of the set was the gritty rocker “Firetruck”. The crowd popped huge as they finished the tune at a frenetic pace. The rhythm section were able to show off some of their chops during the final tune “High Heel Roller Skates”. Overall great set by Enchanters who would have certainly been hard to follow. Your next opportunity to rock out with them would be Saturday January 25^th at This Ain’t Hollywood in Hamilton or Saturday February 15^th at Bovine Sex Club. – Kris Gies

Toronto rockers The Rickaneers have released a brand new EP “Leave it All on the Floor” which is an aptly named title seeing as how this record was recorded live off the floor onto reel-to-reel tape. One standout track on the album is “The Dancer”.  This tune has a rippin’ stoner rock riff and hollering vocals. The sustaining lead guitar licks give the track a great desert feel. The lyrical content also touched on the relatable topic of whether or not to pursue a greater goal in our lives or stick with what is in front of us. Next gig for The Rickaneers is at Junction City Music Hall on February 22nd with The Manvils, Babyshades and The Sarandons. – Kris Gies

Little Misty are a progressive folk band based in Montreal. Their latest single “Keeper” is a slow rollin’ folk tune equipped with a dark feel and some jazz influences. The inspiration for the track comes from the events of a sleepless night for singer Kathryn while caring for an ill, new born child. The self-titled album was recorded this past spring in Montreal at Mixart Studios with Joe Grass in the producer chair and will be available on Valentine’s Day 2020. – Kris Gies

Nick Ferrio is a singer/songwriter based in Peterborough. Often compared to the likes of Blue Rodeo; Ferrio makes solid roots rock tunes but adds a modern indie twist. You can hear this on “Anxiety” from his 2018 album “Have A Nice Day”. It’s a mellow folk rock tune with jangly guitars and relatable lyrics in today’s world. Ferrio will be in Toronto at the Rivoli on December 14^th with Lenny Bull and Side Hustle. – Kris Gies