Some solid Canadian content this week for the Five Songs You Must Hear list, as well as something for lovers of both 90s music and something a little more on the artsy side.
1. Bush, The Land of Milk and Honey
I Beat Loneliness (earMusic)
Recommended If You Like: 90s memories
Gavin Rossdale and the current version of Bush are almost ready with their tenth album, which arrives on July 18. All Gavin asks is that this song be played loud because “it was built to play loud.” The rest of the album (as you can probably guess from the title) explores themes of mental health, isolation, and emotional endurance. Gavin says that if you’re having challenges in these areas, he’s here for you.
2. Danko Jones, Everyday is Saturday Night
Single (Sonic Unyon)
RIYL: Smooth alt-pop
Next year will be the 30th anniversary of one of Canada’s greatest bar bands, but before they get that far, a new album—their 12th—will be released. Danko says this song (with a video filmed in Osaka) is their version of KISS’ Shout It Out Loud. If you’re part of the European contingent of fans, there will be two tours with 30 shows before the end of the year. Canadian fans can look forward to three Ontario gigs in early October.
3. The Trews, Don’t Get Lost in the Dark
The Bloody Light (Known Accomplice/Cadence Must Group)
RIYL: Reliable Cancon
If there’s another band Canadian have counted on for more than 25 years, it’s The Trews. They’re going to spend the summer touring before releasing their eighth studio album on October 24. Yes, we’re already talking about record releases scheduled for deep into the fall. If you feel a little of The National and Bruce Springsteen in this track, that’s purely intentional.
4. Spray Allen, Sugar Sugar Sugar
Single (Independent)
RIYL: Flavours of 90s punk
Spray Allen (there’s gotta be a story behind that name) features Eric Wilson (Sublime), Wade Youngman (Unwritten Law), and two guys from an NYC band called Late Night Episode. Everyone bonded over skateboarding, and went from jamming in the desert to recording a still-untitled double album produced by the Butthole Surfers’ Paul Leary. They call this sound “new psychedelic.” And yes, there’s a touch of Pixies here, too.
Listen on Spotify.
5. Ugly, Next to Die
Single (Independent)
RIYL: Art rock with lots of harmonies
Born in Cambridge and now based out of London, this six-piece features some Radiohead-ish sounds on their new single, which is a lot more down tempo and smooth than its title (and the name of the band) would suggest. If you like what you hear, I recommend checking out their 2024 EP, Twice Around the Sun.
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