Exploring Canadian Beacon: Short Distance to Pluto, Unusual Plants, and New Locally-Sourced Remedies
On the first Friday of the month, the music scene is always bustling — filled with excitement and anticipation for new releases. While many may believe it’s Bandcamp Friday, it’s important to note that it’s not. However, today, the platform is donating its proceeds to California wildfire relief, making it a fantastic time to explore some new music. Amongst the avalanche of emails from artists peddling merchandise like T-shirts and hot sauce, a wave of fresh songs and videos from Canadian artists offered a welcome break. Here are a few standouts from the pack:
A Short Walk To Pluto from Toronto captured attention with their debut album Out of Range, featuring the defiant track “Wouldn’t Recommend”. Known for their genre-blurring sound and captivating live shows, this foursome is making their mark in modern rock. “Wouldn’t Recommend” is described as a high-energy breakup anthem that combines incisive lyrics, powerful guitars, and an authoritative vocal performance. The song, originating from lead vocalist Emma Armstrong’s personal journey, offers an authentic narrative blended with raw emotions and refined artistry, making it a track suitable for both soul-searching moments and raucous car sing-alongs.
Halifax’s Strange Plants break barriers with their debut single “Tell Me All Your Secrets, Pt. 2”, pushing the boundaries of psychedelic rock. Produced by Robbie Crowell (known for his work with artists such as Sturgill Simpson and Deer Tick), the song marries a vintage rhythm with edgy rock vocals, delivering an energetic yet introspective take on fractured relationships and concealed truths. The lush analog production at Creative Workshop Studio in Nashville creates a timeless yet modern aura. Beginning as a personal anecdote, the song evolved into a reflection on the tension between honesty and secrecy.
The Lightning Struck presents “Wrong Tree”, touching on the often comical scenario of unrequited love or attraction towards unattainable individuals, inspired by real-life situations. Fusing ironic lyrics with groove-centered alternative rock, the track showcases the band’s wit and musical dexterity. Taken from their upcoming album Century Storm, featuring new drummer Dan Craig, “Wrong Tree” is a delightful blend of humor and sincerity encapsulated within the tragic irony of longing for the unattainable.
Vancouver’s indie rocker Young Friend announced his debut album Motorcycle Sound Effects, slated for release on April 4. The fourth single, “I Like Girls”, from the album encapsulates a genre-defying blend of influences, drawing inspiration from notable artists like Wilco, Adrienne Lenker, The Strokes, and Porches. Young Friend, also known as Drew Tarves, describes his album as a “genre-bending fever dream”, chronicling the nuances of growing up and the transformative experiences that shape one’s identity.
Alt-country musician Leeroy Stagger shares the acoustic rendition of his latest single, “These Days”, from his album 3 AM Revelations. This deeply personal song touches on his journey to sobriety, recounting the struggles of awakening every night at 3:38 am during his recovery process. The song resonates with Leeroy, serving as a testament to his dedication to staying sober and his ongoing journey towards healing.