In life, we find that the beauty of connection is often shadowed by the pain of loss, and the enduring nature of love is contrasted by the fleeting moments of existence. This duality – the interplay of light and darkness – is at the heart of Sexy Mathematics. Chris Daviduik (guitar, vocals, songwriting) and Matt Aggus (drums) have forged a unique musical bond over the years. Originally formed in 2009, the band began as a synth rock group known for their intense, emotive soundscapes. Over time, their music has evolved, mirroring the complexity of the world around them and their own growth as artists.

The band’s new self-titled album, Sexy Mathematics, is a testament to their evolution. It delves into themes of personal relationships, loneliness, despair, existential crises, and the anxiety about an uncertain future. This record represents a significant leap for the band, who decided to hire producer Stephen Krecklo and mixer Jordon Zadorozny to elevate their music to new heights. The result is a compelling blend of their rock foundations and modern digital synthesizers, creating a rich, atmospheric sound that is both intricate and powerful.

Burgeoning New Brunswick-based singer-songwriter Kylie Fox is happy to be sharing her second studio full-length, Sequoia, that was made with the support of ArtsNB, Music New Brunswick and Canada Council for the Arts. Sequoia has come to life as an 11-track album, developed with her band and six-time ECMA-winning producer, Daniel Ledwell (Jenn Grant, Fortunate Ones, The Good Lovelies).

Sequoia is deeply rooted in folk-Canadiana elements that have characterized Fox‘s career, while also exploring folk-rock and jazz-pop fusion. The album could be described as 70s-Sesame Street-meets-Sharon-Van Etten. “The 11 songs that make up Sequoia are reflections on gratitude in relation to the women in my life, my environment, my relationships, and myself,” says Fox. The title Sequoia refers to the source of inspiration for the project which struck upon a news story that told of firefighters working throughout the night to prevent a Sequoia tree from burning in a forest fire. “It resonated with me how severely nature and time have been taken for granted,” concludes Fox. Like Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” the collection of songs on Sequoia acknowledge moments when something was taken for granted, while also functioning as pieces of gratitude in and of themselves in how they uplift and celebrate love and life.

The record’s title track features an epic, circus chaos climax at the end, that feels like a life montage. In the song, Fox draws comparisons to how nature is neglected to how she sometimes takes the most important people in her life for granted – something that is pretty honest and can be scary to say out loud.

Toronto-based pop singer-songwriter Tara Van’s work gives glimpses of her internal world. She is generous in her self-disclosure. As a textbook ADHD oversharer, you can feel her weather report: sun-soaked, overcast, stormy etc. She lets herself express the mess. Her approach is as gutsy and bold as it is tender and vulnerable. She’s inviting you in. Listen to her diary with care. It’s best enjoyed by an open heart.

Tara’s brand new single, “Glow,” embodies the feeling of vibrancy and joy that you feel when you are living as your most authentic and unguarded self. Though the motivational song seems like it might be talking about someone else bringing out that glow in you, the truth of the song is actually that you are bringing out that glow in yourself and admiring how far you have come and how free you feel after dismantling your walls.

Effusive and thoughtful, without pretense yet still above board, Billie Zizi carves a distinct path marked by sonic abandon and a wild spirit. Now on her third studio album, she continues to prove herself as an exciting emergent voice in modern music. The album dances gently through illusions of kaleidoscopic colour with Zizi‘s masterful vocal prowess in full bloom.

Fans of musical alchemists akin to Khruangbin or Glass Animals can expect melodic charms rife throughout the ten track run time. Listeners are treated to decorative and unpredictable cadences, poetic prowess and tasty mid-tempo rockers, creating an airy atmosphere that feels ethereal and whimsical.

The music of Toronto based band Good Group Thanks For Coming is a dynamic blend of its member’s diverse influences. It’s a music of everything, lovingly curated to share with everyone. They make musical sandwiches, music soup, music pizza; all your favourite music simmered in an indie rock rue and served on a platter from your local dive bar. 

“It’s a Game,” the band’s latest single, is a hard-luck sing-along layered with metaphors and dualistic intentions. An ode to gaming, internet humor and learning to cope, the song likens life to playing games and even has a few little games written into the song itself.