This week only features two tracks. But, two amazing tracks.

I like to stay ahead of the music curb, so call me a music snob if you will. But let the record show I am showing you this band before they are big. Kaleo are going to be huge, and I am so looking to see their success. Indie folk band from Iceland. Some songs give off a Lumineers feel, others remind me of Bon Iver. They are without a doubt, musically talented. VOCALS are very pleasing.

One of my favourite memories is seeing these cuties at the Opera House two years ago! The small venue made their sound even bigger and more intimate. The crowd that was also there were truly there for the music, so it was a nice scene. KONGOS are a group of brothers, who have lived in South Africa for most of their life. However, were born in London, and are now based in Phoenix, Arizona! They have a good, alt sound, and aren’t afraid to bring the accordion into play. One of my fave songs off Lunatic is “I Want to Know.” Because, who doesn’t want to know?

I’ve been trying to figure out the direction I wanted E26 to take. I’ve decided, like always, indie alternative was the way to go, with a focus on Canadian musicians (#CanCon represent).

I’ve heard “Oh Cecilia” on the radio a few times, and kept meaning to write the band down as I could never find it when I searched later on. Man oh man is this song catchy and has a great sound to it. Like Kathy Byers, this song is a good tune to dance to. It has a smooth sound to it, and has an intoxicating feel too.

What adds to the fun? Kathy Byers is a dancing crossing guard in Toronto, and Born Ruffians are from MIDLAND. That’s right, Midland, Ontario. Some good ‘ol Canadian boys, no wonder I love their sound.

The Zolas are another favourite Canadian band, and I always find comfort in their music. This is a nice track that brings homage to Toronto. The Zolas always have strong lyrics with multiple meanings.

Down for getting dark cause the dark gets me//And all the other lovers make it so heavy//Takes a little emptiness to feel complete//When crowds come ever-thicker and liquor it comes free

You may have already heard “Swooner” on the radio, I know Indie88 has been playing it. It’s the title track off the album, and it’s also pretty swooooonish. Don’t you just hate it when someone swoons you? Swoon, what a good word.

Ahhh I have a mild crush on Half Moon Run. Their guitar strumming and plucking is seriously so in line with their tight drumming. Like The Zolas, Half Moon Run also has solid lyrics with deep meaning. I just can’t help but be in love with their second album.

Thank God for good music, eh? It really does keep me going, which is why I share it so often.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

This is what it is.

Andrew Belle. Your lyrics are magically, and let me space out. Thank you kind sir. Your voice is so soothing.

May come off as a pretentious band, but I like their sounds. Their new single “Love Me” is also a good song to check out. It’s 1975 meeting the 80s.

Bloc Party will always have a place in my heart and playlist. They are without a doubt, a great band. Sad to see changes to who’s in the band currently, but I’m sure they’ll come out with new great stuff. Intimacy is one of my favourite albums. Each song flows into the next, and Kele Okereke has a great voice.

Music is going in a new direction this week (but of course). More of an updated scene selection, because why not?

I never really appreciated Brendon Urie until recently revisiting Panic! At the Disco music. One: Great vocal range. Two: Look at his facial expression. Three: Look at Brendon. Song is super catchy.

Whooo can deny their love for Fall Out Boy?

I really don’t understand why I find these guys catchy.

Going for a slower pace this week given that I’ve had one PSL drink this September, and just want to wear sweaters on the daily. These songs are great to replay while processing and thinking things over.

Nathaniel Rateliff is just so vocally talented. This song made me emotional first time I listened to it, because it’s just so powerful; he has such raw emotion in his voice. It’s a softer song that just, just listen to it to understand it. Really, I’m so moved I can’t write.

I always thought this should be a single from The Lumineers but it never reached that level. I haven’t heard much from them in the last year or two, they seemed to have peak in 2013. That was in fact the year I had the pleasure of seeing them at Osheaga. “Dead Sea” what a great, sad expression.

This is another hauntingly beautiful song. “Medicine” by Daughter is just, oh so lyrically magical. And my god her voice. I love how the piano and background noise is not overpowering. Her voice stands out, and the piano acts as a great accent. Ya know what I mean?

x victoria.

Fourth installment of Wednesday Listens underway. Going to present you with some newer sounds this week that you should DEFINITELY give a listen to.

Our lovely lead singer of Killers is going solo (again). I debated whether posting “Can’t Deny my Love” but settled on “Still Want You.” Brandon Flowers presents us with an albeit Killers sounding song that uses a great mixture of vocals, beats, and synth sounds. The vocals remind me of “Read My Mind” but the female back-up singers gives it a new 60s twist. Keep in mind, this isn’t the first time Flowers has gone solo. In 2010 he came out with his album Flamingo. It just seems – at least to me – that his solo career is more pronounced five years later.

Two underexposed artists, STS & RJD2, collaborate together to create beautiful sounds. Throughout the album RJD2 lays down a nice electronic base to STS’ rapping skills. Decided to share “Doin’ It Right” because I simply love the beat and whistling. Prepare to head bop to this one.

Lastly I decided on some Tame Impala even though this song has been around for a few months now. “Let It Happen” is a great single that doesn’t disappoint. Tame Impala uses their familiar sounds of psychedelic beats, synths and scary John Lennon vocals. Sometimes you just gotta let it happen.