Brock Geiger’s latest single, “Early August Rain,” is an introspective meditation on acceptance in the face of uncertainty. Inspired by both personal upheaval and the devastating Canadian wildfires of recent summers, the track transforms struggle into optimism, creating a literate  ballad wrapped in immersive production. With its alternative and indie rock sensibilities, the song blends organic instrumentation with intricate electronic textures, offering a glimpse into Geiger’s forthcoming album, Some Nights, set for release on March 18th, 2025.

Produced at the legendary Sound City Studios in Los Angeles by Geiger and Grammy Award–winning collaborator Will Maclellan (Phoebe Bridgers, Boygenius), “Early August Rain” showcases a unique sonic approach. The song’s foundation was laid with a reverb-soaked drum recording captured in the studio lobby, an unconventional choice that resulted in one of many uniquely captivating tones on the record. Layered with speaker-tearing guitar tones and atmospheric sequenced percussion, the track finds beauty in both its rawness and its refinement.

Los Angeles-based dream pop band Nightjacket unveil their latest single, “My Only Heart,” an intimate and soaring love song that encapsulates the glow of devotion. A shimmering blend of ethereal guitars, lush synths, and heartfelt vocals, the track is a sonic love letter, exuding warmth, nostalgia, and undeniable romance.

Written by guitarist/vocalist Jordan Wiggins for his now-wife, Danielle, “My Only Heart” captures the exhilarating feeling of being completely known and loved by another person. With vocalist Andrea Wasse’s expressive voice at the helm, the song marries a grooving rhythm section with rich, swirling guitar textures, embodying both the brightness and grounding nature of true love.

I was trying to capture a glimpse of how Danielle makes me feel. She’s so bright, which I think “My Only Heart” conjures with its resonant, swirling guitars and grooving rhythm section. At the same time, she’s down to earth and comforting, which Andrea’s vocals really drive home. The song got faster and faster in tempo the more we worked on it. The demo was significantly slower, and I think the version you hear is maybe the third iteration of recording. Louie [Schultz] (multi-instrumentalist) brought some beautiful strings to the track late in the recording process, partially inspired by the Eurythmics’ “Here Comes the Rain Again.” – Jordan Wiggins

I think what makes “My Only Heart” unique is that out of our current batch of songs together, this one was born in Jordan’s brain and doesn’t immediately sound like something that came from mine. This is totally Danielle’s song. Even her friends know it as her song. – Andrea Wasse

Hamilton-based punk trio Takes an Army returns with their electrifying new single, “You and Me.” A high-energy track packed with emotional depth, “You and Me” blends melodic punk and ska influences to create a song that’s as introspective as it is infectious.

Inspired by personal hardship and the power of connection, “You and Me” reflects on unexpected moments in life that bring people together. Originally written in a slower ska style, the band reworked it into a driving, anthemic punk song with a chorus made to be shouted back at live shows.

The beginning line of the chorus, “We’re not perfect, even though it seems,” really resonates with us. People assume everything looks perfect from the outside, but life is about overcoming struggles. That’s what Takes an Army is all about. – Tyler Gelderman (bass/vocals)

With M@GIC W*RDS, Toronto-based rock outfit Jordan Venn and the Slizneys pay tribute to the golden era of 90s alternative rock, crafting an album that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. At the heart of the record is the dynamic and lyrically profound focus track “♡WWI>SPQR♡,” a high-energy, grunge-infused exploration of mortality and the weight of history.

Inspired by the viral discussion of how often men think about the Roman Empire, “♡WWI>SPQR♡” flips the script—Jordan Venn realized he thinks about World War I even more. The song captures the inescapable human tendency to reflect on the past, drawing connections between historical moments and personal mortality.

Driven by shifting dynamics—from clean, melodic passages to gritty, full-throttle rock—“♡WWI>SPQR♡” balances weighty themes with the sheer fun of rock ‘n’ roll.

We Found a Lovebird celebrates the release of their latest album, With Friends Like These, featuring the angular and biting focus track, “Details.” Since 2009, the band has been crafting trance-like, chiming rock, earning critical acclaim with four albums, one EP, and ten singles to date – including a Polaris Music Prize nomination and steady airplay from CBC and KEXP.

“Details” is a grouchy plea to be spared unnecessary information, set to an angular chord progression and a raw, “warts and all” sound. The track features a completely off-the-cuff guitar solo that, while in the wrong key, perfectly suits the song’s cranky energy.

With Friends Like These highlights themes of enduring love, friendship, and the transformative power of music. The album embraces a raw, live-off-the-floor recording approach, capturing the spirit of timeless rock and roll.

Zanski’s latest single, “Canines,” is a haunting exploration of memory and self-doubt. With its melancholic mood and driving indie energy, the track captures the feeling of being caught in between moments—reminiscing on the past, but unsure whether those memories are truly accurate. The song’s lush instrumentation and experimental production reflect Zanski’s ability to blend indie, alternative, and emotional undertones in a captivating way.

The title, “Canines,” plays on the imagery of baring teeth, a symbolic representation of confronting emotions and memories. With its raw, questioning tone, the song contemplates the idea of remembering an event or feeling with uncertainty—like a cliffhanger that leaves you wondering whether the memory is truly complete.

A standout element of the track is Zanski’s unique mixing choices—quiet, intimate vocals pushed through tape saturation to create a warm, almost whispered sound. The song’s pulsating guitar riffs, which were processed through an array of pedals, add to the track’s layered, textured feel. Zanski also employed an alternate guitar tuning created by a close friend, which provided an unconventional foundation for the song’s composition.