Frontman for Hamilton indie trio Young Rival, Aron D’alesio is set to release his debut solo record on August 25^th on Paper Bag Records. Young Rival always has interesting music videos so I was excited to see what D’alesio would come up with for the first solo single “Diamond Ring”. This video is actually very in line with the themes of the song as it follows a seemingly lonely man around town in cold weather as he reflects on perhaps some love gone wrong…but one woman’s past could lead to a new woman’s future as we see at the end – loneliness can be cured. The track is a great indie-garage-pop tune with beautiful harmonies and jangly guitar work soaked in reverb. Expect some release party announcements very soon. – Kris Gies

Local pop rockers Naked Wild have released a brand new EP titled “Pocket Whiskey”. This EP contains the previously released single “Stay Girl”. It kicks off with “Funk Yourself” which naturally has a funky guitar lick for an intro. Also contains some nice solo work by lead guitarist Mitch Burton. These boy’s sound is constantly maturing with every tune I hear. They have recently signed with Trouble Town Records located at Polson Pier in Toronto and celebrated this release with a sold out show at the Garrison last weekend. Your next chance to see ‘em is July 29^th at Lee’s Palace. – Kris Gies

One of the most talked about bands in the booming Toronto garage scene has just released a new EP “Electric Pickle”. Possum really rock that California garage sound so well. Right up the same alley as Ty Segall and Thee Oh See’s. The appropriately named opening track “Party Jam” features a really groovy curveball of a breakdown. They got mindspinning bass lines on repeat while a noisy solo noodles you back into the head-knodding meat of the song. Fire up the EP for a quick of blast of deadly psych/garage tunes. Possum’s EP Release Party is Saturday at the Smiling Buddha with Double Date With Death, Vypers and Deaf. – Kris Gies

Really diggin’ these tunes from Beige. Catchy slacker rock that’ll make you feel like you try too hard at whatever you do. Track names stylized in all lower case letters adds credibility to the slackerness. I don’t think they’re posers. But it’s the “don’t really give a shit attitude” that gives these tunes their charm. Definitely some 90’s rock influences as well from early 90’s grunge to mid 90’s alt rock. I recommend buying Beige’s record from their bandcamp page then go do nothing. Their next show is August 3rd at Monarch Tavern with Ducks Unlimited and Triples. – Kris Gies

Small town loud and heavy Canadiana rock…that’s how they describe it. I don’t know if that sounds familiar but they are Familiars. That’s the name and they make some rock n roll that’s nice n’ dirty. They released a new 7” in March and these songs are available to download on their bandcamp page. The first of which is extra bad ass. “As Our Distance Has Grown Further” rips a heavy ass groove at the perfect pace. I compare it to Gordie Johnson’s Texas side project Grady. The vocals come in very hazy which adds a unique flair mixed with the extreme heaviness. See Familiars LIVE at Bovine Sex Club on Friday July 14 with Cross Dog, Ayahuasca and Olde. – Kris Gies

Good Kid formed in 2013 out of a computer science course at the U of T. They’re a throwback to the indie tunes of the early 00’s. Which scares me that we can say that’s throwback now. Bands like The Strokes, Tokyo Police Club or Hot Hot Heat. Get some summer vibes from their latest track “Witches”. Should be playing beer pong outside with Good Kid on. However these guys are all hardcore video gamers so perhaps just stick with PONG…beer on the side is optional. – Kris Gies

After some re-tooling and a couple member changes The Lad Classic are back with a brand new album “Rectifier”. Produced and engineered by Damon de Szegheo and Oak Recording Studio in Toronto. Their third single is a reflective track titled “Halfway to Memphis”. While still keeping up with the vintage arena rock sound that the Lad Classic do so well, this one has a nice loud/quiet dynamic which gives you something to think about while you rock out. The new album is available for purchase on their website and keep an eye out for their return to Toronto following a summer of touring around Ontario and Quebec. – Kris Gies

 Two piece bass n drum rock n roll combo from Hamilton. Watch this video for “Without You” to get a taste of what the Clam Hash is all about. Alabama Clam Hash came together a few years ago from plenty of basement jams. I guess the basement wasn’t big enough for any more members. Sweet bass licks and some of the best drumming in the land combine for this stoner rock pair’s sound. You might even be inspired to throw a freestyle hip hop verse on some tunes. They have two tracks available for FREE on their bandcamp page. These tunes were recorded at Boxo Studio in Hamilton, Ontario (Home of the Barbershop Podcast). See the Clam Hash live at Stop Drop n Roll on Friday June 30 with Wine Lips and Yeomans. – Kris Gies

Originally from New Brunswick, now residing in Windsor, Ontario. Partner is two best friends Lucy Niles and Josee Caron. They are putting together some excellently crafted power pop tunes sounding like some jams from years past. Very catchy melodies with nostalgic crunch on the guitars. They released a new single this March titled "Comfort Zone" and listening to the well done simplicity will surely put you in a very comfortable zone. Partner will be playing in Toronto on June 23rd for Pride Week. – Kris Gies

Former Deli Toronto Band of the Month, current finalist for the 97.7 HTZ FM Rock Search Contest and one of the buzziest bands in the GTA right now; Crown Lands might be wearing a crown soon if they keep moving at this rate. This heavy-prog two piece recently recorded at the legendary Chalet Studios in Ontario and are releasing an episodic documentary of their experiences at this majestic looking studio. Episode 2 takes you into the ideas behind the new record and how it compares to their earlier EP. Plus you hear from a manager of what looks to be the most comfortable recording studio in the world. Enjoy this teaser for "Rise Over Run" from Crown Lands and see them during NXNE at Cherry Cola’s on June 17th along with Blurred Vision, Flamingo Báy, Kill Sid and King Beez. – Kris Gies

Lo-Fi garage pop outfit Boat Culture are back with a new album "Marble". The opening track "Blown Away" has a great summertime sound to it. The kinda tunes you can lay out on the beach to or fire up when it’s time to start gettin’ rowdy. Dreamy reverby vibes help you float along with the thumping drums and jangly guitars. Wait till near the end for the left turn as well! It gives the tune a whole new set of tricks to enjoy. See Boat Culture at Monarch Tavern on June 20 with Nice Try, Mulligrub and Prime Junk. – Kris Gies

Ashes at Dawn are a rock n roll band based in Oshawa. They have an interesting combination of sound as the music is very influenced by classic rock guitar tunes while the vocals have a softer pop punk approach. They have just released a lyric video for their brand new track "Reborn". It’s a catchy tune with enough bad assness from the shredding guitar licks to keep it on the edge. They are celebrating the release of "Reborn" at the Opera House on Friday (June 9) along with Black Collar Union, The Maysides and No King For Countrymen. – Kris Gies