Virtually every single song delivered to me by the majors and the big indie labels this week for New Music Friday were Christmas songs. Almost. Every. Single. One. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but that’s not exactly what we do here unless it’s something really cool and unusual. Let’s instead focus on the exceptions.
Singles
1. Babyshambles, Dandy Hooligan (Independent)
Yes, this is Pete Doherty’s band. They haven’t released anything new in 12 years, but with a UK tour booked (the first in 11 years) and with the state of the world being what it is, they’ve come back with a fascist-basher.
2. Chet Faker, This Time for Real (Frontside)
Chet Faker (Nicholas James Murphy to his mom and to fans who got into the music he released under his real name) is an award-winning indie darling from Australia who is prepping for the release of an album entitled A Love for Strangers (February 13). There will be a concerted attack on North America with a 2026 headline tour with shows in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal next May. If you need a feel good song this weekend, this might be it.
3. Hollerado, What Killed Elvis Presley? (Royal Mountain)
Thought Hollerado had called it quits back in 2019? Me, too. Now, though, they appear to have second thoughts about retiring. To the shock of all fans, they have an EP entitled Start a Band that leads off with a question about who offed The King. A sold-out Canadian tour started last week. Warning: Earworm ahead.
4. New Found Glory, Treat Yourself (Pure Noise Records)
Here’s another set-up for 2026. It’s the third overall single for their next album, which is due on February 20. This will be the band’s first full album in six years. Having a hard time with life these days? This song may help.
5. Papa Roach, Braindead feat. Toby Morse (New Noize/ADA)
Yes, a version of this song came out a while ago, but the band has decided to release a live version featuring Toby Morse from the hardcore band, Hazen Street. This is only being serviced to Canadian radio ahead of a cross-country tour that starts on November 25 in Vancouver.
6. Silversun Pickups, The Wreckage (New Machine Recordings)
Leader Brian Aubert says that the band wanted to write a “bass song in the vein of The Cure or Jane’s Addiction. Trust me, you’ll hear it immediately. This is the first single from their seventh studio album, Tenterhooks (their first on on their own label) on February 6.
Albums
1. Finger Eleven, Last Night On Earth (Better Noise Music)
Yes, it’s been ten years since the last Finger Eleven studio record. We’re not counting the greatest hits record from 2023, but that collection did inject new life into the band and prompted them to start work on new music. Credit their cover of Pink Floyd’s Welcome to the Machine–a new recording-–from that collection. Watch for the collaboration with Filter on one song.
2. Steve Mahabir, Peace Love War & Hate (AMG/Uni/Big Canoe Music)
If you follow my New Music Friday regularly, you’ll have heard the advance singles from Steve Mahabir’s solo record. Ex of Toronto’s Groovy Religion, Steve has turned in a strong record that should reinforce the guy’s ability as a rocker. Steve says, “This album is about the battles we fight — in our homes, in our hearts, and around the world.” It was also the last album recorded and produced by Canadian Grammy winner Peter Moore.
3. Midlake, A Bridge to Far (Bella Union)
In the mood for a little folk rock? Try this five-piece from Denton, Texas, who have been around since 1999. This is their sixth album overall. And no, I didn’t make a typo in the title of the album. It’s supposed to be a play on words, indicating a journey to somewhere (or something) named Far.
4. Sorry, COSPLAY (Domino)
Sorry (formerly known as Fish, which as you might guess, caused some confusion) are from North London. Among the five people in the group, one is dedicated as “vibe manager.” What do they sound like? Impossible to categorize. One minute they’re all grunge-y and then next they fly off on a jazz tangent tinged with trip-hop. An interesting listen.
5. White Lies, Night Light (PIAS America)
I’ve been a fan of the Joy Division-inspired White Lies since their debut single about 15 years ago. The West London trio are now up to their seventh album. This is how the album ends. Stick around for the glorious instrumental extro.
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