Negative Charge, Sunforger, Karma Glider, and Long Branch
Negative Charge - Negative Charge
Negative Charge come out of the gate swinging with a blast of pummelling hardcore punk on “Horrible Future”, setting the stage for the following 10 tracks on their debut self-titled album and leaving no doubt that when you talk about hardcore punk in Canada, Winnipeg had better be firmly in that conversation. The band is made up of seasoned punk musicians and when they come together, magic happens. The songs are heavy, fast, and endlessly moshable. There is no way to stay still when you’re listening to Negative Charge; even if you don’t have the space to fully open a pit, you will find yourself banging your head and itching to scream along with the vocals. Negative Charge is one of the strongest and most energetic debut albums of the year that cements Negative Charge as a band to keep an eye on. Winnipeg hardcore forever.
Sunforger - Auspices
It is easy to become lost in the four songs that make up Sunforger’s EP Auspices. The Montreal-based band effortlessly combines elements from emo, grunge, and post-punk to create immersive soundscapes that are downright hypnotic. From the ethereal and almost mathy emo of “Get It Right” to the driving and emotive “Billie”, Sunforger holds your attention from start to finish and leaves you wanting more after the final note has faded away. It also must be said that the art for the record (which was created by Jono Currier) fits the vibe of the songs perfectly. It adds another layer to the transportive power of the music and hammers home that there is always light to be found in the darkness.
Karma Glider - From the Haze of a Revved Up Youth
One minute into “Rock and Roll”, the opening track of From the Haze of a Revved Up Youth, I was in love with this album. With melodic vocals, fuzzy yet bright instrumentation, and infectious claps, Karma Glider had me dancing and very excited to hear what was to come. The following eleven tracks find the Montreal-based rockers creating lush sample-heavy instrumentals like “Sun Beats” (which features a sample of Peter Falk in Wings of Desire), shining pop-infused gems like “Fall Into You”, psychedelic-inspired tracks like “Love Bleeds”, and introspective rockers like “The Breaking Light”. Karma Glider's musical range and knack for storytelling in their lyrics makes From the Haze of a Revved Up Youth essential listening.
Long Branch - Arc of the Sun
Arc of the Sun is not just an album you listen to; it is something you feel deep in your soul. The Toronto-based band, made up of Sally Lee, Lisa Myers, Laura Pitkanen, and Don Pyle, creates songs chock full of mesmerizing instrumentation and poetic, visual lyrics. Four of the most visual tracks are “Do Tell”, “Fields of Clover”, “Towering Diamonds”, and “How It Is”. Cello from Anne Bourne complements and adds to the haunting feeling of “Do Tell,” while Laura’s vocal delivery in “Towering Diamonds” draws you closer to the music. I found myself leaning into my computer during the line “come closer”, enveloped by the story. Listening to Long Branch’s unique blend of indie rock, psychedelia, and shoegaze is like being surrounded by the rays of the sun.
