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

Toronto garage/pysch band BBQ Pope have released a new two song…thing. It’s the “Winters of my Youth” single. This tune is very catchy and still rambunctious as you would expect from BBQ Pope. This 5 minute rocker has many layers that’ll keep you interested the whole time. The accompanying track “Before and After” kind of begins like “I Got You” by Split Enz. This tune has a more relaxed attitude. It’s the kind of tune that makes you feel sad but happy at the same time. Know what I mean? See BBQ Pope at the Rec Room on March 30^th with Nobunny and Vypers. – Kris Gies

Jimbo is a solid band name and I was excited to have a listen to this psych-rock band from Kingston. “Thunderbird” opens their debut EP with a thumping pace before the guitars kick in with a classic blues driven lick. It’s a nice mix of 70’s hard rock and 90’s stoner tunes. There’s also a real face melter of a solo in this track as well. Grab this EP when ya got 15 minutes available to rock out. – Kris Gies

Brand new melodic punk band from right here in Toronto. Service Delay is throwin’ back to the early 2000’s pop punk. Post-Enema of the State Blink 182 and American Idiot Green Day era tunes. This 5 piece keep their tunes tight and rockin’ with some really good energy all while not losing the melodies. Their debut EP “Koda” was released in January and features 5 slammin’ pop punk tunes. Friday March 30^th they’ll be playing Sneaky Dees with Rivaltown, Weigh the Anchor and Minority 905. – Kris Gies

Camaromance is the musical work of Martine Groulx of Montreal. She has just announced her new album “Chasing Clouds” will be due out April 6^th and has released the first single “Audrey”. Groulx says about the track – “The song is about the potential of the evening to come when friends make their way out on the town with high spirits in search of love and new adventures.” Her soft voice and relaxed attitude in the song doesn’t exactly seem like an anthem for hittin’ the streets but the desire to potentially find “Mr.Right” is there. Sometimes hope is all you need for a good time. – Kris Gies

Brand new single from garage/psych band Vypers. “Deepsave” begins at a slithering pace with heavy drums and exotic noises filling the air. The energy is a more subdued than other recent releases from these guys. The change of pace is nice though as it makes you wonder what might be around the corner. This tune is still proves to be complete chaos like you would expect from Vypers. They are having an EP Release Party on March 9^th at The Baby G with a stacked undercard featuring Brenda and Jean Daddy. – Kris Gies

Classic roadhouse rock n roll right here in Toronto. F.Scott & The Nighthawks are “northern boys steeped southwestern sounds”. Long hair and beards. These good ol’ boys have an EP on the way this year while releasing their first single “Kiss The Sun” this month. Definitely a summer tune that would go best with a beer in hand. You could even go full redneck and throw it in a koozie! Springsteen/Seger vibes all the way. The Nighthawks play The Horseshoe Tavern on March 8^th. – Kris Gies

Eerie synthpop with an alternative tinge is what I gather from Cherry Blaster. The tune “Modern Dance” kicks off with some very deep bassy synth that would rattle your brain when listened to at a loud decibel. It would be the best way to hear it. The song is composed very uniquely with interestingly different parts that flow together in somewhat unusual ways. Cherry Blaster will be performing at Handlebar on February 24^th with ZOO OWL and Bad Passion. – Kris Gies

This Toronto 4 piece band is getting ready to release their latest record “Basic Behaviour” this Friday February 23^rd. You can have an early listen to FRIGS’ few tunes on their bandcamp page. The record opens with a wild track “Doghead” that might have you a little bit puzzled as to what the record is all about. It acts as a great hook though as the next track “Talking Pictures” settles into a dark alt-rock setting with some 80’s vibes to it. They have a calm yet frantic energy about them. These guys and gal will be heading through the States including a stop in Austin for SXSW in the next couple months. Their tour finishes up right here in Toronto at the Garrison on April 7^th. – Kris Gies

Toronto indie rockers Josh Mover & The Shakers just dropped their latest EP on Friday February 16^th. The first single “When I Steal Your Heart” is an alt-rock love tune with catchy melodies and a healthy dose of 90’s throwback energy.  The main inspirations for this record were an unfortunate end to a relationship and anything by Tom Lehrer. Mover & The Shakers are celebrating the release of “Into a Ghost” at The Monach Tavern on February 23rd with Dante Matas and Locomotive 8. – Kris Gies

Interesting avante-garde indie rock from Tongue Patrol. Their latest release is a single called “God B With You.” It’s jangly and makes you feel like you can’t see in focus. The chorus section takes a complete left turn with a hectic loud/quiet dynamic. If you’re tired of what you usually listen to then Tongue Patrol will give you a shot of what you need. They are having a double release party with Mother Tongues on Friday February 16^th. Nikki Fierce is also the bill. – Kris Gies

Grand Analog band leader Odario Williams describes their sound as “A beautiful mess of rap n’ roll, dub and soul.” Personally I find most new hip hop to be hard to listen to but these guys are a true band who have the skill to play instruments, write smart tunes and lay down a bouncin’ beat when that’s what needs to be done. Their latest video “Mutations” takes you through a day in the life of a 14 year old boy as he searches for manhood. This sounds like a classic hip hop tune. The beat is old school and quite honestly its bang on. The De La Soul influence is obvious as it features Posdnuos. Really diggin’ these fellas. They will be heading to SXSW this year. Go see em before they go at The Drake Underground on February 23^rd. – Kris Gies