This year, so far, has been one of familiarizing myself with some missed cues, skipped classics and previously unknown gems, so I’ve not been hunting brave new waves as often as I should be. That said, there have been some new albums I’ve come across and added to my collection.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard | Phantom Island
First off, the newest (for now) King Gizzard album, Phantom Island, is quite terrific. I really prefer their poppy, psychedelic or jazzy forays to their metal ones. I put this up there with Changes (2022) and Butterfly 3000 (2021) — with horns! I say “for now” because there’s a decent chance they’ll have two or three more before the snow flies.
Killer track: Aerodynamic
Saya Gray | Saya
The debut full-length album by Toronto’s Saya Gray is a frigging masterpiece. A glorious pop album with intelligence and talent. Infinitely playable. It’s also unbelievably sweet to look her up on social media and find her uncle gushing with pride about her over the past few years.
Killer track: Lie Down
Cameron Winter | Heavy Metal
I believe this technically came out in 2024, but in December, so screw it. It counts. The Geese frontman has a voice like no other — loaded with wobbly, expressive character and immediately identifiable. And the fucker’s just 23 years-old. Outstanding songwriting and an all-around gem. Fond, jealous and spellbound.
Killer track: Love Takes Miles
Dope Lemon | Golden Wolf
I liked the last Dope Record album, Kimosabe, better than the new one, Golden Wolf, but it’s still quite great. Everything Angus Stone does is generally great. In fact, given past experiences, I may well come to rank this album higher as the weeks progress. It happens.
Killer track: John Belushi
Sharp Pins | Radio DDR
Kai Slater‘s Sharp Pins gets described as power pop, but it reminds me of the missing ingredient in Guided By Voices: Tobin Sprout. Oddly, I can also imagine Morrissey singing many of these songs — and ruining them. Maybe I should find a way to have AI recreate my favourite Smiths songs with Kai Slater singing.
Killer track: Every Time I Hear
Valerie June | Owls Omens & Oracles
I recently sold a copy of Valerie June’s album of covers, called Under Cover. Like, it was good but I only bought it because The Order Of Time wasn’t available. Her 2017 sophomore LP is nothing short of R&B perfection. But, just as good it seems is this new LP from this 40-something multi-instrumentalist who seemingly can do whatever kind of music she fancies — soul, pop, psychedelia, bluegrass, country, blues… She just seems like a Hall of Famer.
Killer track: Joy! Joy!
Horsegirl | Phonetics On and On
The Chicago trio of Nora Cheng, Penelope Lowenstein and Gigi Reece are living my teenage dream — they got signed to Matador Records. Unlike me, they deserve it and totally belong there. Their brand of loose, indie pop is naturally infectious but delightfully analog and sticks in simple grooves. It’s put-it-on-and-leave-it-on music. The new record, their second LP, is produced by Cate Le Bon.
Killer track: Rock City
Men I Trust | Equus Asinus / Equus Caballus
I’m including both these new albums from Montreal’s Men I Trust — the first dropped in March and the second in May. As usual, the group made a pair of unspeakably gorgeous dream-pop. I prefer Asinus as it’s a bit softer and slower, which I feel fits the style of Emma Proulx (guitar and vocals), Jessy Caron (guitar and bass), and Dragos Chiriac (keyboards). Incidentally, the first LP bears the scientific name of the common donkey, while the second is the scientific name for the domestic horse.
Killer track: I Come With Mud
Backxwash | Only Dust Remains
So, winning the 2020 Polaris Prize was no fluke. This new album from Montreal’s Backxwash (Ashanti Mutinta) is unlike anything I’ve heard this year. The Zambian-Canadian rapper and record producer has tried to do something a little different to follow up her 2020-2022 trilogy, which I find to have all the impact and lyrical force, but is perhaps a bit more musical. It’s a triumph.
Killer track: History of Violence
Art d’Ecco | Serene Demon
Cool and clever, Art d’Ecco’s latest album is ambitious and intelligent. Think David Bowie, Brian Ferry and Field Music. Suits, cigarettes, Playboy magazines — but don’t forget to dance.
Killer track: The Traveller
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Area Resident is an Ottawa-based journalist, recording artist, music collector and re-seller. Hear (and buy) his music on Bandcamp, email him HERE, follow him on Instagram and check him out on Discogs.
