Single Servings, Sept. 20, 2021
On this week’s Single Servings, Elliot Page gets into music, Myles Goodwyn and Madison Violet seek justice, Spectres turn back the clock to the early ‘80s, and much more!
By Jason Schneider
In this week’s Single Servings column, Elliot Page gets into music, Myles Goodwyn and Madison Violet seek justice, Spectres turn back the clock to the early ‘80s, and much more!
Hubert Lenoir – Octembre (feat. Bonnie Banane)
Release Date: Sept. 13
Label: Terrible Records/Simone Records
Francophone alt-pop phenom Lenoir nearly sank his career both in Quebec and France after revealing a controversial tattoo on his derriere during an appearance on La Voix a few years ago. However, the backlash only fuelled his creative drive, and his new album PICTURA DE IPSE: Musique directe, is, ironically, poised to grow his English fan base around the world. Its latest single Octembre once again illustrates Lenoir’s carefree, oddball style, and eagerness to push sonic boundaries.
Stream/Purchase here
Haviah Mighty – Tesla
Release Date: Sept. 9
Label: Foundation Media
Coming off her triumphant performances opening for Arkells at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage in August, Haviah Mighty is offering another preview of her next collection, Stock Exchange, due to arrive Nov. 12. Tesla shows again why she’s dominating the Canadian hip-hop game with her take-no-prisoners approach.
Stream/Purchase here
Casper Skulls – Tommy
Release Date: Sept. 15
Label: Next Door Records
These highly touted Toronto indie rockers are set to release their sophomore album Knows No Kindness on Nov. 12, and this new single shows off their empathetic side. Inspired by a mysterious elderly neighbour, Tommy is a soaring ballad reminding us that we are never actually able to truly know people.
Stream/Purchase here
Gordie Tentrees – Wind Walker
Release Date: Sept. 14
Label: Independent
Following in the footsteps of his mentor Fred Eaglesmith, Gordie Tentrees’s music captures the rough edges of life in much of Canada, in particular the Yukon, where he’s lived for over two decades. Tentrees’ new album Mean Old World is another stellar effort, highlighted by opening track Wind Walker. An added bonus for us city dwellers is the video’s breathtaking Yukon scenery.
Spectres – Tell Me
Release Date: Sept. 15
Label: Artoffact
Vancouver’s Spectres have been keeping the ‘80s post-punk sound alive over the course of several albums, with their fifth, entitled Hindsight, due on Nov. 5. Tell Me shows that they’re digging in deeper with that approach, driven home by the song’s moody black and white video that feels like traveling back in time to the early day of MuchMusic. Fans of New Order, The Cure and The Smiths should definitely take note.
Myles Goodwyn – Some Of These Children (They Never Grew Up)
Release Date: Aug. 12
Label: Independent
After taking a recent detour into the blues, April Wine creative force Goodwyn is returning soon with an all-original album called Long Pants. The latest preview is this stirring track that acknowledges the tragedy of the residential school system and demands justice. Kudos to Goodwyn for taking a decisive stand, and setting an example for other artists to follow.
More Info: mylesgoodwyn.com
Tarbox – Vulnerable
Release Date: Sept. 15
Label: Artifice
Montreal hard rockers Tarbox have come out of the gate swinging with their debut album Saviors, produced by Dave Traina of fellow Montrealers The Damn Truth. Latest single Vulnerable is a post-grunge sonic assault that still maintains a sense of melody, a formula that will likely carry Tarbox far in the heavy music world.
Stream/Purchase here
Madison Violet – Time To Right The Wrong
Release Date: Sept. 2
Label: Passenger Sounds/Fontana North
Originally appearing on the duo’s 2019 album Everything’s Shifting, their choice to now share Time To Right The Wrong carries on the mission implied in its title. It stems from the tragic experience of co-leader Brenley MacEachearn’s brother Stevie who suffered a period of childhood abuse from a Catholic priest and was murdered at the age of 45. It’s a heartbreakingly beautiful song that hopefully will further the conversation of bringing abusive priests to justice.
Stream/Purchase here
Mark And Elliot – One Way Track
Release Date: Aug. 27
Label: Independent
Although actor Elliot Page is known worldwide, he’s never lost the connection to his Halifax roots and the general Canadian DIY scene. Page is now taking a tentative step into music alongside old friend and fellow actor Mark Rendell. Their first self-titled three-song EP is a charming bedroom project that should appeal to fans of twee pop, as evidenced by One Way Track’s sing-along harmonies and ample use of the Omnichord.
Jaclyn Reinhart – Takes A Little Time
Release Date: Sept. 17
Label: Independent
As New Brunswick Americana artist Reinhart gears up to release her new EP Sleep With Ghosts, she’s providing another preview with the funky, guitar-driven Takes A Little Time. Staying true to the five-song collection’s overall theme of finding the strength to turn the page on the past, it’s a song that once again displays Reinhart’s positive energy.
