It’s an all-Canadian affair this week for the Five Songs You Must Hear list, consisting of five up-and-comers. Remember these names.
1. Hayaenas, Party On
Human Nature (Independent)
Recommended If You Like: The space between The Go-Go’s and The Beaches.
They’ve been called “The Lesbian ABBA,” because the group consists of two married couples. (They’re okay with that label, by the way.) Formed in Vancouver in 2021, released a debut EP in 2023 and are ready with a 10-track album. Another example of how so much of the future of rock and Canada will be female. Watch for more dates this summer, including at a lot of Pride events.
2. Madlands, Witching Hour
Symphony for the End of Time (Independent)
RIYL: When rock was art
Coming from Toronto, Madlands channels bits of the 90s with a more than a dash of Goth, this reminds me of some of the darker guitar-based stuff out of the UK. To put it another way, I can imagine a universe where these guys open tours for Sisters of Mercy and The Mercy. The album is due July 30. Cool video, too.
3. Big Fuzz, Fears
Single (Independent)
RIYL: Big fuzz, obviously
Big Fuzz got off to a fast start playing a bunch of gigs, including some big festivals, but then frontman Anthony Cenerini suffered an injury, following by an eviction. This forced a relocation back to his hometown of Winnipeg. The good news is that even though he’s had to start from scratch, he’d clawing his way back. I’m looking forward to hearing more.
4. Ace of Wands, Uncanny
Single (Independent)
RIYL: Women to the rescue
Back to the subject of women being the future of roc: Ace of Wands is from Toronto—they’ve been featured in this space before—and specialize in a form of dream rock. Lee Rose, the leader of the outfit, is honing a style that’s somewhere between PJ Harvey and Kate Bush. How many rock bands use a violin this way?
5. Baby’s First Pistol, Affirmation Celebration
Single (Indepdendent)
RIYL: Walls of sound
Another Toronto band. Alex, the singer, used to be a bouncer at Cherry Cola’s and Bovine Sex Club for years.If you’re into British bands like Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, Pigs and Sleaford Mods or Sweden’s Viagra Boys, then you need to give this a listen.
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