It just so happens that all of the Five Songs You Must Hear This Week that survived this feature’s rigorous screening protocols are all from Canadian acts. How about that?
1. Finger Eleven, Last Night on Earth
Last Night on Earth (Better Noise Music)
Recommended If You Like: Apocalyptic views
It’s been ten years since the last Finger Eleven studio record, but that will be rectified on November 7 when the Burlington, Ontario (now based in Toronto), band releases their eighth album. The title track came out of an acoustic campfire-style jam that finally came together during the last hour of their booked studio time. An American tour starts in about a month before they trek across Canada in November.
2. Yukon Blonde, My Girl
Friendship & Rock ‘N’ Roll (Dine Alone)
RIYL: Friendship and rock’n’roll, obviously
They say, “This album is a loud thank-you to the music that made us.” Released about ten days ago, the album was cowritten and produced by all four members. Drummer Graham Jones gets to sing lead for the first time. The lead single features musician/actress Taylor Hickson. The band is currently on a cross-Canada tour.
3. Envy of None, The Thrill
The Thrill EP (Kscope)
RIYL: Rush, for sure
Envy of None, featuring Alex Lifeson (Rush), Andy Curran (Coney Catch), Alfio Annibalii, and American singer Maiah Wynne first appeared at the tail-end of COVID. Two albums in, they’ve just released a three-track EP (well, three-track single, according to them) featuring material didn’t fit on the second album. All proceeds will go to UNHCR and their Ukrainian relief projects.
4. GUS, I Think We’re Worth Saving
Single (Errant Records)
RIYL: Fierce females
GUS is a 24-year-old singer from Toronto who has just released this single from a new transgender-owned and LGBTQ-operated record label founded by entertainment lawyer Dani Oliva. GUS has been making music since he was 14. He then moved to LA to work on his songwriting, resulting in a bunch of singles and EPs starting in 2018. This someone to watch.
5. Sumo Cyco, Boring
Neon Void (Independent)
RIYL: A hidden Canadian gem
If you grew up watching Disney programs, you’ll know Skye Sweetnam. She sang on a ton of Disney songs, which eventually parlayed into an opening gig for Britney Spears. All that teeny-bopper stuff is behind her now and now fronts Toronto’s Sumo Cyco, one of Toronto’s best metal bands. I quote: “The neon void is temptation and escape. It’s both maze and mirror. This record was written when I felt trapped in darkness and needed to build my way back toward something vibrant and alive.”
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