New Music

“Between Us is about connection –– not the hollow online kind we get when we’re scrolling –– but about the feeling we get in a shared space, appreciating the little gifts we offer one another, simply by existing with others, explains frontman Max Kerman. “Friends or strangers. A band and an audience. It’s a call to remember that connection.”

Arkells’ most recent tour dates previewing Between Us have largely gotten up-close and personal, striving to create unique experiences in a variety of settings. Win-to-get-in fan-forward experiences have seen shows in an alley-way garage, a fallsview-suite overlooking one of nature’s greatest wonders, and a neighbourhood ice cream shop. Upcoming tour dates have scaled into wide ranging and nostalgic venues that bring the band and audience that much closer.

Arkells’ most recent tour dates previewing Between Us have largely gotten up-close and personal, striving to create unique experiences in a variety of settings. Win-to-get-in fan-forward experiences have seen shows in an alley-way garage, a fallsview-suite overlooking one of nature’s greatest wonders, and a neighbourhood ice cream shop. Upcoming tour dates have scaled into wide ranging and nostalgic venues that bring the band and audience that much closer.

Arkells’ new album Between Us is produced by LA based John Congleton (St. Vincent, Death Cab for Cutie, Wallows). Comprised of 11 tracks, Between Us includes the previously released collaborative standouts, including the latest release, “What’s On Your Mind?,” the disco-esque track is a synth-heavy, indie pop-rock gem, enhanced even further with the distinct sound of San Francisco’s chill-wave kings Poolside. Additional collaborative tracks include the politically charged radio single, “Money” (featuring Portugal. The Man), and the breezy tune, “Ride” (featuring GROUPLOVE) which they took to the stage at last month’s JUNO Awards in the group’s hometown of Hamiton, ON at the TD Coliseum. The band performed the upbeat track amidst a hyper-realistic viewer engaged set that integrated greenery and Truman-esque break in the fourth wall bike riding.

Montreal-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Cédric Dind-Lavoie releases his new album Collages (2019–2022), featuring “Lignes,” a serene, gently motional instrumental piece. Rooted in folktronica, krautrock, and acoustic exploration, the track offers a moment of calm and resolution within a broader body of work defined by texture, spontaneity, and immersive listening.

Built from reimagined compositions originally created for contemporary dance performances and documentary film, Collages (2019–2022) marks a shift in Cédric’s creative process. Rather than composing fully formed pieces in advance, the album was shaped directly in the studio, embracing experimentation and chance. Modified guitars, Mexican guitarrón, toy synthesizers, and handcrafted samples made from materials like cardboard and paper form a tactile, unexpected sonic palette.

“This album taught me to trust in serendipity,” Cédric explains. “Unlike my previous albums, where everything was composed in advance, the pieces here were shaped through the recording process itself.”

The Mosfets return with “Radio, Turn Me On,” an electric and frenetic garage rock track and the second single to be shared from the band’s upcoming self-titled EP (out May 29th, 2026), following the release of “Take A Chance” on March 6th. Driven by pounding drums, fuzz-drenched guitars, and a euphoric sense of chaos, the track captures the band’s love for playful storytelling while channeling the raw spirit of classic garage punk. It’s a call to action to turn the radio on while also being a sexual innuendo.

The idea for the song arrived at an unexpected moment. While riding to a gig with the band, frontman Keith Mosfet casually asked his bandmate Ilari to “turn the radio on.” The phrase instantly sparked an idea. “I remember laughing because it sounded like a sexual innuendo,” Keith explains. “I’m always looking for interesting concepts to write about, and I liked the idea of blending humour with romanticism.” Inspired in part by the surreal charm of The Who’s “Pinball Wizard,” The Mosfets leaned into the playful absurdity of the concept, leaving listeners free to interpret the title however they like.

Montreal alt-rock veterans GrimSkunk return with “United & Strong,” a high-energy, chant-driven punk anthem that puts unity, resistance, and community front and centre. Arriving as part of a double single release alongside the hard-hitting companion track “Nice Dice,” the band’s latest offering captures both the power of collective action and the consequences of losing sight of it.

“United & Strong” came together in a burst of inspiration, rooted in the spirit of classic New York hardcore. “This song was written within 30 minutes of watching the Agnostic Front documentary,” shares guitarist/vocalist Franz Schuller. “It’s inspired by NYC hardcore, Vinnie Stigma’s life, and that connection to the streets and community.” Built around a driving rhythm and a unifying, chant-along core, the track channels an East Coast hardcore energy reminiscent of Dropkick Murphys, evolving into a rallying cry for standing shoulder to shoulder in the face of division.