This fuzz trio out of Toronto has one of the biggest buzzes goin on right now. Hot Lips consists of synth, fuzz bass and drums. The female vocals give it an extra bad ass vibe as it fits in perfectly with the thumping drums and noisy fuzz. “American Hardcore” is their first single and it won’t be long until its included in a thriller or horror movie soundtrack. Very loud with some elements from industrial and electronic music. Their EP release show is Friday September 8^th at the Baby G. The Crooked, Rue Bella and Mad Machines playing in support. – Kris Gies

Earlier this year The Rickaneers released their first full length record.  The self titled LP contains 10 tracks, juiced up with some greasy garage vibes. Along with the dirt however they find ways to mix in some 90’s alt rock influences which is very prominent in “Garden of Eden”. Speaking of 90’s, they also have another pop-rocker on this LP called “90’s”. Very groovy. The Rickaneers LP is part dirty, part catchy, fun for the whole family. They will be featured on Y108 in Hamilton on Monday September 11 at 11PM ahead of their show at This Ain’t Hollywood on September 15^th along with Flamingo Bay, Quarter in the Bag and The Beach Bats. – Kris Gies

Rock n Roll like it used to be back in the day. 70’s guitar rock with big vocals and lots of energy. That’s the Do Good Badlies. “Atlantic Ocean” from their most recent record “Electric Nights” has a laid-back southern rock feel. It would be great to crank up out by the lake….or ocean I guess if we were close enough to that. Very beer drinkable. That’s what it’s all about…especially if you’re rockin’ with em live. Which you can do on Thursday (Sept 7) at the Bovine Sex Club with Goodnight Sunrise, Rynheart and Hudson Say for TIFF Opening Night. – Kris Gies

Chladny is a solo bedroom project that describes itself as “pretty funny and pretty sad”. They released an EP this past June called “The Boy Is Dead” which is available digitally or on cassette through their bandcamp page. The tune “Drugs” is a very chilled out track. Folk rock mixed with some slacker rock vibes. The melody is easy to grasp and the lead guitar licks over top really add a gentle aura to the song. Fire these tunes up one day when you want to relax and feel good about whatever you’re up to. – Kris Gies

Get Off The Cop is a noise rock band based in Hamilton. Their latest EP “Lipstick Tim” was released last year. The title track opens up with a thumping bass line reminiscent of 90’s punk rock while the singer lazily mumbles through the verses. The guitar comes in heavy for the choruses while the vocals dig deep into the gut to unleash a furious growl. Maybe not the best tunes for a slow drive to work on Monday morning but after work when you’re ready to rage you might really enjoy Get Off The Cop. – Kris Gies

Gloin is the extra lo-fi side project of John Watson who also leads the local garage band Brenda. Gloin has released a new EP titled “Silly Man”. If you’re into DIY bedroom recordings this will probably be your favorite release of the year so far. The guitar has surfy vibes to it and is drenched in reverb while being recording on tape with a shitload of echo. Similar to some of the earliest Ty Segall stuff you can find. It’s very experimental which might not be your cup of tea but if you are into it then you’ll love it. Listen to “Spring Chicken” and go from there. – Kris Gies

4 piece hard rock from Toronto, Scarlett’s Hand originally formed in late 2013 and have been honing their craft ever since. It’s true riff rock with “laser beam solos” as they describe it. After listening to the track “Scarlett’s Hand” you’re able to figure out what they mean by that almost immediately. They’ve played everywhere from the smallest dive bars to a packed Mod Club. You can see them up close and personal for yourself at the Piston on August 30^th. – Kris Gies

Garage Doo-Wop from right here in Toronto. Interesting combo from Zorton & The Cannibals. They bring in the sounds of old school garage rock from the 60’s era along with the pop/doo-wop jingles from about the same timeframe and smash em together for a super catchy yet still greasy sounding record. Their latest album “Unfavourable Offerings” was just released last month. Along with 6 sweet tunes it contains some really cool album artwork. Available digitally or on cassette on their bandcamp page. See ’em live at the Shameful Tiki Room on August 31st. – Kris Gies

Brand new single from two piece garage band Rooftop Love Club…“Oscillate”. It starts with a heavy guitar lick along with thumpin’ drums. The duo stays tight on all the stops n’ starts throughout the song and as the song progresses all the licks and fills increase in intensity. Part way through the track they break down and the guitar gets really bluesy until the drums hammer back in and they both continue to raise hell. Their new album “Jejune” is available now. The release party goes down Friday August 18^th at the Horseshoe Tavern alongside Brenda, The Mercy Now, The Two Times and Electric Spoonful. – Kris Gies

Here is some indie-surf rock from St.Catharines. Know will have you thinking about the beach very quickly. “Doesn’t Mean (I Like You)” is a very easy going track with clever lyrics. The music itself could almost pass for a Jimmy Buffett tune with the beach vibes and laid back attitude. The female vocals are very easy going and slip into the mix quite nicely. The backing vocals add a great dynamic during the choruses and the lyrics will really get you questioning whether or not she really likes you. I’m sure they will like you if you head to their bandcamp page and purchase their EP or a t-shirt! – Kris Gies

Toronto based hard rock band Return for Refund have released a brand new video for the title track from their latest release “Lift You Up”. This tune kicks off with some nice guitar licks that remind me of some Jerry Cantrell moves. The whole tune goes in that direction with its heavy riffs and controlled pace. Add in a fiery solo and you got yourself a rock tune. Sweaty noisy rock like the way it used to be. Your next chance to see Return for Refund is August 26^th at the Horseshoe Tavern – Kris Gies

4 piece indie rock band from Hamilton The Bandicoots have released a new EP “Zolly”. The first single “Rocky Horror” is a chilled out indie tune. They have a big British influence to me. Some Kasabian and Arctic Monkeys similarities. Very well put together track and well recorded. The Bandicoots have been on their way up for a few years now and they continue to go on that same path to success. See the poster above for their summer tour dates and see the Bandicoots in a town near you! -Kris Gies