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Respire, “Hiraeth”
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Have you ever felt such deep longing for someone or somewhere or something that is no longer there that it consumes everything you do? If you answered yes, you’ve felt what the Welsh refer to as “hiraeth” and you’re going to love Respire’s album of the same name. The Toronto-based collective brings the franticness of punk, the heaviness of metal, the beauty of classical music, and the brightness of horns together to create a sound that brings that feeling to life so strongly that you can feel it in every part of your being. The lyrics are full of imagery and are delivered spectacularly with incredibly deep screams and soaring clean vocals. So much meaning and emotion is held within this album that it cannot be contained to mere words. Hiraeth proves without a doubt that Respire are true experts in delivering catharsis. • Em Moore
Quinton Barnes, “Glory”
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Montréal Hip-Hop artist and producer, Quinton Barnes, impresses again with the release of “Glory”, the second single from his upcoming new album. This slow burn tells the time-old tale of misogyny, with lyrical licks about domestic abuse against women that plague generations: “Family violence taught my mother keep it quiet / You look better when you silent.” This song showcases Barnes’ crisp production and earnest vocal delivery. Prioritizing accountability over the appearance of righteousness, Barnes admits to playing a part in perpetuating cycles of violence: “I’ll admit / There were times of was sick of her / Wished I could be rid of her / I never considered her, now / I too abused my mother / I too used my mother / Welcome to the family.” Barnes is an artist doing an artist’s work; pushing the margins by the grace of honesty. I’ll be listening for that album drop. • Tia Julien
Gulfer, LIGHTS OUT
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2024 has been a big year for Gulfer. The Montreal-based quartet released their excellent fourth album Third Wind, announced they would be disbanding after 13 years, and released their final EP ever aptly titled LIGHTS OUT. The five tracks on LIGHTS OUT pick up right where Third Wind left off as the band continues to explore their sound by introducing more shoegaze-y elements into their signature mathy emo sound along with the use of more effects which are heard most notably on “Crash”’s otherworldly vocal tone. Every aspect of the record sounds crisp from the brightness of the guitars to the beat of the drums keeping everything on track. Lyrically the band touches on the breakdown of relationships, environmental destruction, the existential nature of life, and the impact of capitalism with lyrics full of allusions and imagery. Gulfer shines on all aspects of LIGHTS OUT and while I would have loved for them to stick around a while longer, I’m glad that they wrapped things up on their own terms and gave us one last musical gift as they did so. • Em Moore
Clairmont The Second, “almost got me”
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On his latest single “almost got me”, Clairmont The Second raps about cultural appropriation and exposes the holes in an industry that seems to focus more and more on branding over musicality. The Toronto rapper and producer has been consistently sharing music since (at least) 2013 with the release of his debut album Becoming A GentlemIIn when he was only 15 years old. Though he’s received attention, nominations, and awards for his impressive discography and flow, he is also vastly underrated. Staying true to his vision, he criticizes the optics of success and condemns superficiality: “Don’t care about a placement […] I don’t do this for entertainment.” An artist moving this steadily with integrity is destined for a greatness; the kind he is taking care to define for himself. Let this be your moment to put Clairmont The Second on your radar. • Tia Julien
Chelsea Russell, “Honey”
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If you haven’t heard of Toronto-based, alternative R&B artist, Chelsea Russell, you’re in for a treat. Her latest single, “Honey”, released in November, is a catchy soul-pop production with stirring vocal delivery. Russell’s smooth yet powerful voice soars over catchy rhythms with ease. With only two solo song releases (so far), the multi-talented singer, songwriter, and actor is already making waves in the industry. • Tia Julien
Thunder Queens, Strike One
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London-based Thunder Queens have put out one of the most promising debut albums of the year with Strike One. The trio’s blend of punk rock, grunge, doom, indie, and classic rock is on full display as they kick out eleven tracks full of shredding solos, glorious fuzz, and group vocals that showcase their range as well as their knack for creating infectious vocal harmonies. The band’s lyrics are thoughtful and passionate whether they are discussing the state of the world, reflecting on friendships turned sour, celebrating being in a band, or highlighting the fun of road trips. On “Walking Away” the band says, “I’m running away from the day I become someone I don’t wanna be” and based on what I’ve heard on Strike One I can say with full confidence that that day will never arrive for any of the members. Thunder Queens are incredibly solid within themselves and they will only continue to grow from here. • Em Moore
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