This week’s Five Songs You Must Hear list features two Canadian acts, two from the UK, and the return of an American band after 14 years.
1. All-American Rejects, King Kong
Sandbox (Epitaph)
Recommended If You Like: The end of a long hiatus
The last time All-American Rejects released an album, Barack Obama was still president. Fourteen years after Kids in the Street, they’re back with Sandbox and seem to be filled with a new energy. The group just wrapped up their Mike’s Dirty Lemon Presents The All-American Reject House Party Tour (hey, sponsorship helps pay the touring bills). Next up is Europe with the RECESS TOUR.
2. Madlands, Armageddon
Symphony For the End of Time (Independent)
RIYL: The end of the world, apparently
This is the first official radio single from Madlands, a Toronto-based group that channels the rawness and power of 90s alt-rock. So yeah, more evidence of a strong alternative revival. And given the state of the world today, I think we can identify with the bleakness of their point of view.
3. Cameron Whitcomb, Kingdom of Fear
Deep Water (Atlantic Outpost)
RIYL: Canadians invading the United States
A couple of weeks ago, this song by Peace River native/Nanaimo-based Cameron Whitcomb, was the most-added single at American alternative radio. You might remember him from season 20 of American Idol after he was recruited when a producer saw a clip of him on Reddit. Since then, there have been three albums and five JUNO awards. This is set to be his biggest hit yet.
4. Pigeon, Black James Dean
OUTTANATIONAL (Memphis Industries)
RIYL: Montana traffic hazards
Pigeon, from the Margate area of London, are Afro-funk futurists who may be one of the most talked-about bands in the UK right now. They first turned heads with an EP entitled Backslider, which whetted appetites for this debut album, which appeared back on March 31. The frontman, Falle Nioke, performs with a fierceness that might scare you at first, but that’s the point. Go with it.
5. Little Granddad, Sleepwalking
Single (Communion)
RIYL: Dramatic darkness
More talked about music from London. Little Grandad. This four-piece has been playing around the UK for a while, opening for bands like Man/Woman/Chainsaw, and other dark-sounding groups. This introduction to the band has plenty of people freaking out in a good way.
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