Big city power pop from Oscar Tango. They have just released a new EP titled “Choice Morsels”. The opening track “London Station” has a very oldies inspired vibe to it with drums that’ll make you tap your toes, a rolling baseline and guitars strumming at just the right time. Very much Sloan inspired – mostly resembling Chris Murphy written tracks but with a sweet solo that Patrick Pentland would enjoy too. You can see Oscar Tango perform at The Piston for Indie Night on April 9^th with Mercy Flight. – Kris Gies

The frontwoman from the now defunct alt-country band Torero is off on her own now playing a similar style but with a more retro rock n’ roll vibe. Lenny Bull’s first solo single “Don’t Talk About It” has a very catchy feel to it with a classic rock sound similar to The Heartbreakers. The solo has some psychedelic licks goin’ on and the vocals are as powerful as the lyrics themselves. According to Bull the song’s she writes “dive into relationships, getting over yourself and not taking any bullshit.” Lenny Bull’s record release party is Thursday April 25^th at The Rivoli with Huttch. – Kris Gies

Pablo Paddy are an indie rock group which began in St.Catharines around 2011 with frontman Patrick Beedling playing solo shows around town before assembling a band to fill out his sound. They were called Barbarosa and eventually based themselves in Toronto. They released two albums and toured throughout Ontario and Eastern Canada however they have undergone a slight makeover in 2019. Now known as Pablo Paddy they will still be rockin’ the same alternative tunes with a unique Spanish flair. Their next show is at the Niagara Oast House Brewers on April 19^th. – Kris Gies

Lennox C.B. is a multi-instrumentalist solo artist who just released a new record “Night Light”. We’re talking dream pop with some psychedelic and folk influences. The track “She Gets Me High” is a very dreamy track that floats along with many different synth noises scattered about the track. It’s certainly a night time track which makes sense considering the title of the album. As per the artist:  “The album is dedicated to all the small lights that guide us through the darkness.” – Kris Gies

Comin’ up this month is the inaugural “Write-On” event where four emerging local songwriters will be on stage together telling their stories and playing their songs for everyone. One of the artists that will be performing at this particular event will be J Best. This multi talented artist not only writes and performs but also works in production and artist development. Learn more about J Best’s many projects along with Kyra Mastro, Trevor Larose and Emily Shultz at Supermarket in Kensington on Wednesday March 27^th for “Write-On”. – Kris Gies

The Actual Goners are a roots-rock duo who now call Toronto home. Originally from Vancouver Island; these two songwriters are influenced by the likes of Wilco and Bruce Springsteen. You can definitely hear the Springsteen in their latest track “Coricidin Bottle Blues” with the subtle synth track that follows along with the rest of the instruments. Also reminds me of The War On Drugs in a way. This track as well as “Wide Awake” were recorded at the Henhouse Studio in Nashville with Steve Dawson. “The Henhouse Sessions” is available now on all platforms. See them live at The Piston on May 16th with Bywater Blues and Sean Pinchin. – Kris Gies

Brand new garage rocker Jay Feelbender has just dropped his debut record “Big Bloom”. The opening track “Nostalgia, That’s The Autumn ft. Luna Li” sounds like the musical score for Napolean Dynamite. Track 2 “Solar” has the guitars come out to play. The riff is fuzzy and somewhat lazy which gives the track a great slacker feel. Put your feet up and blast this Feelbender record then you’ll feel better. – Kris Gies

Easy goin’ indie rock trio Rikashay hail from Markham. They released a double single last fall “Le Hut/Lunaaa”. “Le Hut” opens up with a mellow adult contemporary verse but don’t get sucked in to that world too easily as the song evolves into an all out indie rock attack. “Lunaaa” has a happier tone to the music although I’m not sure the lyrics match that same gleeful tone. The singer’s voice reminds me of Wayne Petti of Cuff the Duke. Rikashay plays Jimmy Jazz in Guelph on March 30^th with The Effens and Pacer before hittin’ Super Wonder Gallery in Toronto on April 4th. – Kris Gies

Rock n’ roll shoegazers Pacer have just released a brand new single. “Bangers” is a bangin’ track with a straight ahead rhythm that’ll make you nod your head to the beat immediately. It reminds me of the band Broncho but with clearer vocals. It’s a night time driving song that you’ll be singing along to by the final chorus. Pacer plays the Monarch Tavern on March 29^th alongside The Good Palms (Australia), The Effens and Bad River. – Kris Gies

Toronto 3 piece garage rockers Faiyaz and the Wasted Chances have just released a brand new single. “Another Crooked Line” kicks off with the fuzz cranked right up but the verse follows with a dreamy pop feel. It all comes together for the big singalong chorus where they mention more wasted chances…so perhaps it’s not just a clever band name. They live the gimmick! So make sure to see these fellas live at the Horseshoe Tavern on March 15^th with The Weather Wild, The Yonge Collective, The Celebration Army and Sophie & the Gentles. – Kris Gies

Hamilton’s wildest performer B.A. Johnston has just released his latest record “The Skid is Hot Tonight” on February 22^nd. Based on the tracklisting alone you should be excited about the tomfoolery he will have lined up for us on this upcoming album. Indie88 recently premiered his latest single “Geddy Lee.” The guitar noodles its way through this song with a very indie-reverby and somewhat silly riff as he offers his opinions on Rush. B.A.’s official album release party goes down on March 16^th at This Ain’t Hollywood in Hamilton. He will be touring all over Canada and the UK from March to June. Don’t ya dare miss it! – Kris Gies

B-17 are a psychedelic garage rock band that’s bringing back that sloppy MC-5 type sound. The guitars are fuzzy and heavy while the drums thump and the vocals drone. Influenced by vintage garage rock like the Stooges but also the heavy space rock like Hawkwind, their latest record “Goodbye” will have you rockin’ out while flying through space. You can witness it all live on March 14^th at The Monarch Tavern with The High Dials (Montreal) and Lacquer. – Kris Gies