Penelope Stevens review Hex from Jon Mckiel, a “focused and generous offering” from the New Brunswick songwriter out via You’ve Changed Records.

Chris Lammiman reviews the new live record from British Columbia’s Empanadas Ilegales, Creepy Mambo: Rooftop Sessions.

Clay Geddert reviews Diamond Jubilee from Cindy Lee, an LP that “could land amongst the greatest indie albums of all time”.

Check out Chris Lammiman’s review of METZ new record Up On Gravity Hill, an LP that is “the result of a band that trusts itself enough to evolve”.

Calgary scene staples Sunglaciers have released an album that synthesizes (in more than one sense) the spring-like power of mutability, liminality, and metamorphosis to create something fresh, exciting, and dynamic. 

Penelope Stevens writes about Bizou from Mothland artist Alix Fernz, calling it “music for punks to dance to”.

Jeff MacCallum reviews the seventh record, Eternity Mongers, from Canadian indie mainstay Michael Feuerstack.

Ava Glendinning reviews Toil Boy from Winnipeg band Warming, an album that “transports listeners into a swirling nightlife alight with snapshots of triumph and mishap”.

Sophie Noel reviews the latest “warm and candid” record from Ontario’s Homeshake, the 9-track CD Wallet.

Josiah Snell writes about Scenic Route to Alaska’s new record Lasts Forever, a record that “balances its melancholy and hope with an easy confidence”.

Chris Lammiman writes about the debut record from Ottawa’s Hot Mud, singing the praises of “a very honest and human record that is both witty and cathartic”.

Clay Geddert reviews Too Hot to Sleep from Daniel Romano’s Outfit, calling it a “collection of ferocious, driving tunes that are guaranteed to increase your average speed by at least 10km/h”.

Alex Brassard reviews Altruistic from Edmonton’s own Royal Tusk, admiring the album’s “heavy riffs and colossal drums that necessitate headbanging”.

Harman Burns reviews 8 Tableaux from Cups N Cakes favourite Flore Laurentienne, calling it a “monumental, mesmerizing album”.

Harman Burns reviews Scorpion Deathlock from The Golden Age of Wrestling, calling it “a truly spellbinding listening experience that is one-of-a-kind.”

In lieu of our usual Friday Quick Picks column, this week, we’re highlighting a couple releases that Slipped Through the Cracks in 2023. This week, Harman Burns writes about albums from The Dog Indiana and Test Card.

Ava Glendinning reviews Gold Control from JEEN, calling it “an album that shines with substance, emotion, and classic pop catchiness”.

Harman Burns reviews Soapsud Clown from ACR, praising the EPs “scrappy, do-it-yourself spirit, and a rapidfire Dadaist sense of humor”.

Penelope Stevens reviews Swimming from New Brunswick duo Pallmer, saying it “stands tall as their best release by far, a cohesive and compelling album that can’t help but transport the listener through memory, imagination, and back to the present, quiet moment”.

Ava Glendinning reviews THE PSYCHICS ALBUM from Paige Drobot, saying it is “delivered with impressive musicianship and adventurous songwriting style”.