Toronto folk singer/songwriter Merival has released a new track “No Brakes”. It’s a pretty little folk tune with some obscure moments that give the track a very theatrical feel. In her words “It feels messed up to walk that line of mental anguish vs. stability, ‘bad’ art vs. ‘good’ art, but I think we all do it at some point. With this song, I was basically wishing that I was depressed again so I could write ‘better’ music.” Merival’s debut full length album is set for release on June 21^st. – Kris Gies

Retro singer/songwriter Lily Frost has released the lead single from her upcoming album “Retro Moderne”. Produced by Gus Van Go (The Stills, Terra Lightfoot, among others) this first track “I Dodged A Bullet” aligns well with the “Retro Moderne” idea. It has a great 60’s doo wop feel to it but also could be a from an old action movie soundtrack. The new album will be available June 1^st at The Rivoli for the record release party. – Kris Gies

This 4 piece Toronto rock n roll band was born after a few popular local bands dissolved a few years ago. Pink Leather Jackets have been making a name for themselves workin’ the local bar scene playing weekly shows of cover tunes along with some originals. They have now released their debut original track “Shed”. I’m pretty sure the band members get along better than they do in this super hero themed music video. The tune has a nice 90’s alt rock feel to it with a surfy drumbeat carrying the chorus. The vocals sound great and there’s a killer little solo to finish it off. Big tune from their upcoming EP “Good Love” (release date TBA). You have two opportunities to see these fellas perform live on Friday May 17^th. At 6:30 they’ll be playing a set at Yonge/Dundas Square before heading over to Cherry Cola’s for a big night of rock n’roll.  – Kris Gies

Toronto psych band Pink Acid Wash has released a new single “Grinning”. This noise rock track has a lot going on including a deep drawling vocal over top of a thumping drum beat and dirty bassline. The droning guitar will make your head spin which makes the vocals speak directly to your brain. Pink Acid Wash play a CMW Set on Friday May 10^th @ The Monarch Tavern with Brenda, World News and Red Mass. – Kris Gies

Little Magic Sam was born and raised in the town of St.Thomas, Ontario. He grew up on the blues and brings his blues/soul music to the Big Smoke where he now calls home.  His single “Loaded Gun” has an immediately catchy blues riff kickin’ the song off reminiscent of other local Toronto band Flash Lightnin’. This track was recorded at EMAC Studios in London with Moe Berg producing. Catch Little Magic Sam at the Dakota Tavern on May 9^th.  Hopefully he’ll be rockin his Bo Diddley Gretsch! –Kris Gies

Shanika Maria is a singer-songwriter from Hamilton. Her latest album “Subtle Uncertainties” is available now across all platforms and features the single “Mouth Eaters”. This tune has a unique pop beat to it with various synth noises spread across the soundscape. The video is very abstract and might take a few spins to understand the hidden meanings behind the imagery. On this new album Shanika seeks to “blur the lines and refuses to put her music in a box”. So step outside of your norm and let Shanika Maria guide you along a more introspective path. – Kris Gies

The Mooks are a jangly power pop trio from Toronto. Combining old school rhythm & blues influences with current indie rock giving them a fresh vibe that can bring in fans of many different styles. Their new single “So Kind” will have you boppin’ and rockin’ all across the dance floor. Their new EP “I Hope You Feel The Same” is due out later this year and you can catch The Mooks play a CMW set at the Monarch Tavern on May 11^th. – Kris Gies

Hamilton beach rockers The Beach Bats are getting’ set to release their first full length album “Last Resort”. The record opens up with their lead single “How Long” which shows the band slowing down the pace a bit with a Jim Morrison swagger in the vocals. “Tropical Illusions” definitely brings the holiday vibes with a dash of psychedelics mixed with the spacious guitars. “Cursed” has an atmospheric keyboard lick start it off before settling into a head-nodding beat with a really groovy bassline. This track reminds me of some Red Hot Chili Peppers with the way the rhythm section stays together and the guitars float along on their own but still in sync with the rest of the instruments. Singer/Multi-Instrumentalist Tony Doni has certainly expanded his vocal style recently for the Beach Bats along with the aforementioned Morrison influences he is also hitting some lower range Scott Weiland notes which adds a cool dynamic to their surf inspired tunes. The Beach Bats hit the road to show off their new album visiting Hamilton, London, Montreal, Ottawa and the Toronto show kicks it off on Thursday April 25^th at the Piston. "Last Resort" is available everywhere on Friday April 26th! – Kris Gies

The brand new single from Toronto’s Run Coyote features the anti-hero from their upcoming album “In Shadowlands”. Run Coyote blends 2000’s indie rock with old time spaghetti western licks which are very prominent in this single “The Chase”. This tune follows the character as she tries to take justice into her own hands and is pursued by a private eye across the city and desert. “In Shadowlands” is out on April 26^th via So Sorry Records. Run Coyote will be on the road throughout Eastern Canada in April/May and will be performing at their release party in Toronto at the Burdock on June 27^th with Lenny Bull. – Kris Gies

Don’t let the geography of the name fool ya, SoCal Hunnies are a groovy three piece band based in Toronto. Their single “Don’t Ever Leave Your Man or Woman” has a quick beat with a funky bassline that really pushed the track into the soul inspired world where they like to live. The guitar solos are extremely cool in this track going from a spacious, chilled out zone into a hectic shred all while keeping the track  flowing nicely. SoCal Hunnies will be playing the Springtide Music Festival in Uxbridge on April 26^th. – Kris Gies

They call it “Fantasy Rock” and I call it very unique and creative songwriting. Combining indie rock with dream pop and some kind of dark avant-garde mood swings is how I describe Gelax. Their main influences are Depeche Mode and Radiohead and they combine that with some all-around mysticism to put together their latest single “Life”. It’s a powerful track with very interesting instrumentation. It would be intriguing to see this track brought to life with a live performance which you can do on April 21^st at Handlebar in Kensington Market. – Kris Gies

Toronto heavy metal fellas Pale Mare are taking their show on the road. They’ll be rippin’ their loud sludgey grooves out on the East Coast this spring. In 2017 they released their debut EP through Medusa Crush Records which features 3 tracks including “Descolada” which brings the heat right away with deep stoner riffs. Just some real heavy shit all around. Pale Mare have aleady shared the stage with many well-known metal bands and this’ll be your chance to see ‘em up close this spring. They kick off their tour in Toronto at Coalition on April 19^th before heading east in early May. – Kris Gies