SPARKLE BLOOD, knitting, Taxi Girls, and Void Comp
ZIP ZAP - SPARKLE BLOOD
Lethbridge power trio SPARKLE BLOOD proves their knack for writing anthemic riffs on their new album ZIP ZAP. This is brought to life by dual vocals from bassist Bailey Kate and guitarist Tyler Stewart, showing how well their voices work together and urging you to join in. With a mix of garage rock, power pop, and surf punk, the trio strikes the perfect balance between rage and celebration musically and lyrically, reminding us that we cannot pour from an empty cup and that fostering community is one of the strongest acts of resistance we can do.
Souvenir - knitting
knitting’s sophomore album Souvenir finds the Montreal-based trio kicking out some of their most impactful, and existential, songs to date. The band blends together elements from indie rock, grungegaze, and garage pop to create a sound uniquely their own that captures the emotional depth of the lyrics perfectly, whether they are talking about mental health, identity, or reflecting on growth. While serving as a snapshot in time, Souvenir is also timeless; the emotions that knitting expresses never failing to strike a chord.
Static - Taxi Girls
Taxi Girls’ debut full-length album Static was one of my most-anticipated records of the year and it was well worth the wait. The Montreal-based punk rock quartet come out swinging with thirteen of their strongest and most vibrant songs to date. With propulsive instrumentation drawing from punk, garage rock, and power pop and lyrics that cut straight to the heart of the matter, Taxi Girls prove that true strength comes from vulnerability and there is a wealth of catharsis to be found by turning these songs up loud.
Passerby - Void Comp
On Passerby Edmonton’s Void Comp welcomes you into a fully realized sonic world that echoes the surreal reality of the photo of a train station that serves as the record’s cover. The lights and anonymous bustle of the city infuse each track, bringing an additional sense of place to David Julé’s introspective electronic indie pop. Once you press play, you are surrounded by evocative instrumentals and contemplative lyrics, not only making Passerby one of the most visual albums of the year, but also giving you space for self-reflection of your own.
