The 37th edition of Canadian Music Week is upon us, so goshdarnit let’s get right to celebrating some of the great R-O-C-K that’s being produced in this country and will be on shining display from May 6-12. That’s right I said rock, to hell with that with that deadmau5 rip-off, Chris Brown apologist CMW has on the top line of their poster. That goes for Dave Grohl too; I mean it’s cute how he’s interviewing the woman who gave birth to him right before Mother’s Day, but unless there’s another secret Them Crooked Vultures show at Cherry Cola’s, there are so many options to direct your energies towards.
Yes, I realize this newsletter is out a day after the festival has technically started. I haven’t done my usual conflict-checking due diligence (there are 140+ individual events, after all); this is to be treated less as a planning guide and more as a gateway to exploration, with me as your sherpa. Let’s take in some of the sonic beauty Canada has to offer, eh?
Tokyo Police Club - New Blues
Despite being the most well-known domestic act on the #CMW2019 lineup, Tokyo Police Club’s trajectory to headliners has been anything but conventional. Each of their nine releases has redefined what it means to be alternative, perfectly exemplified again with “New Blues”.
Born Ruffians - Fade to Black
Not sure if performing at the Jim Bean INDIES is a dream come true Born Ruffians talked enough about while growing up in Midland, Ontario like Luke Lalonde sings in “Fade to Black”. Here we are though, and becoming a main draw is a badge of honour that has been well earned.
Black Mountain - Florian Saucer Attack
Speaking of Dave Grohl earlier, remember when he tweeted back in 2016 how “Florian Saucer Attack” by Vancouver psych dealers Black Mountain inspired him? The “Millionaire”-sounding opening no doubt reminded ol’ Dave of his heavier-hitting good times in Queens of the Stone Age.
The Dirty Nil - Pain of Infinity
Flexible frontman Luke Bentham and his Dirty Nil bandmates probably feel as if they’ve been touring for infinity behind Master Volume, arguably 2018’s best album regardless of genre or country of origin. Taking a one-night break of bringing ketchup chip-flavoured rawk to ’Murica.
The King Khan & BBQ Show - I’ll Be Loving You
I’ll make any excuse I need to so as to include this doo-wop-meets-punk duo from Montreal on a playlist. “La ville du péché” (AKA Sin City) has always been known for its loose and liberal attitude regarding sex, which these two (ahem!) often express through onstage S&M getups.
Danko Jones - I’m in a Band
Proud Toronto native Danko Jones just wants to remind everyone that he greatly enjoys being in the music group that bears his name, which has gone on for 23 years by the way. Oh, and his other interests include playing guitar in addition to rock and roll. Simple, but effective!
The Elwins - Hey! Ya, You
Who would’ve thunk the sleepy bedroom community of Newmarket would have given us not one but two lively indie bands? Must be something in the Holland River that makes quirky lyrics and rhythms flow so sappily from the aforementioned TPC and their younger offspring in The Elwins.
The High Dials - Chinese Boxes
Language confusion isn’t an issue when listening to Montreal-reared dream poppers The High Dials. They simply want you to get lost in their diverse, Smiths and Echo & the Bunnymen-reverberating post-punk with nonstop hallucinogenic flights to Uruguay and inside “Chinese Boxes”.
The Standstills – Butcher
Grimy two-piece band repping the ’Shwa who evoke memories of The White Stripes, beginning with a bluesy reference point all the way to Moe Tucker-cool female drummer Renée Couture. First full album on Spotify Badlands is even Wild West themed. Seriously, what’s not to love?
The Black Halos – Some Things Never Fall
Can’t say I never really knew The Black Halos even though they’ve been around since the ’90s, but can definitely see how these No Fun City punkers would have begot everyone from Sum 41 and Simple Plan to PUP. They intend to keep showing us all with their continuing reunion!
Kasador – Come Get Yer Money
The Glorious Sons may have had a head start, but Kasador is quickly catching up as the next big thing out of Kingston. Their debut full-length album is due later in 2019, and fans of The Tragically Hip will love how “Come Get Yer Money” is a subtle nod to Canada’s favourite sons.
Absolutely Free – Currency (feat. U.S. Girls)
Forget highfalutin’ Starbucks; Toronto’s Absolutely Free pulled off a Tim Hortons-worthy double double by recruiting high-pitched Canadian expat Meghan Remy of U.S. Girls fame for brand new single “Currency”, with synths that are creamier than an iced capp from either franchise.