Today, Lowest of the Low release their sixth studio album, Welcome to the Plunderdome, via Sonic Envy Music. Featuring 12 self-produced tracks from the legendary Canadian Indie Rock Hall of Famers, Welcome to the Plunderdome showcases a revitalized band deeply committed to delivering melodic and thought-provoking rock in a uniquely Lowest of the Low way; with the passion and commitment of punk. Stream Welcome to the Plunderdome HERE.
(October 5, 2023) – Born of pure rage and disdain for his experience in the private catholic school system, lead singer/guitarist Conner Root recounts his time at Loyola High School of Los Angeles in “FATHER JOHN” out today on Indica Records. It took him years to unlearn the toxicity that was ingrained so deeply into him, and it culminates with this – a cathartic cacophony of brutal rage. “FATHER JOHN” is an exposé, a recounting of disgust, but most importantly, it is an apology. Described as a “cesspool of toxic masculinity, archaic Catholic mindsets, blatant racism, and willfully ignorant rich kids,” this institution drove Root to the brink of suicide. After being admitted with financial assistance, Root experienced “otherness” due to his ethnically Jewish identity, and his questioning of Catholic dogma, which ultimately led to him suppressing many aspects of his identity, sexuality, and sense of self for years to come. But this goes so much farther than just being an outcast. One event that always stuck with him was how “hundreds of ego-inflated, jacked up 16 year old boys” would erupt into howling screams and applause whenever a group of young women would enter the campus. It bothered him not only that it happened in the first place, and that the administration did nothing about it, but what truly upset him for years after was the fact that he partook in this “display of masculine shit-spewing.”
Montreal’s Ivytide return with a bilingual bop titled “détours” today, inspired by the feeling of taking many different roads when trying to navigate personal relationships. With 7 million streams worldwide, this new single propels them towards their 2024 debut record with rolling momentum. After touring Europe and selling out venues across Québec and Ontario this summer, the band felt inspired to connect with their audience in both languages by tapping into their francophone and anglophone origins. The latest offering blends their signature indie pop stylings with dancy elements and catchy melodies to create an irresistible groove. It’s accompanied by a video in ode to all of the “détours” signs found across their city.
Approaching the 20-year mark of their storied career, Chromeo will unveil their sixth studio album, Adult Contemporary, on February 16, 2024; pre-save/pre-order it here. The
aptly named LP sees the iconic Canadian duo of Dave 1 (Dave Macklovitch) and P-Thugg (Patrick Gemayel) exploring what it means to be funky in your 30s and 40s. As the riotous early 2000s era that propelled them to indie superstardom becomes the stuff of legends, the Funklordz approach this new chapter with their groove intact.
British singer Jorja Smith has released her highly anticipated second album falling or flying. falling or flying; a sonically vast record – sometimes sleek and shiny R&B, sometimes vibey and heated UK funky, elsewhere intense and raw alternative – is a record which finds an artist stepping into a new chapter. Jorja’s acknowledging the ever-whirring cogs of her brain but also moving through it, growing, respecting herself above everything else. It’s why the defiant lead single “Try Me” – an astute, self-dissecting take on being viewed by the public gaze over bold, intricate beats – is also the opening track of the album. She explains, “It’s kind of ‘BAM!’, you know? It whacks you right in the face, it sounds like an entrance.” She credits the record’s slick and assured musicality to production duo DAMEDAME*. “I feel like making the album brought me back home,” she smiles, warmly. “Where you’re from is where you get your powers, and that’s why I’m so grateful I could make this with DAMEDAME* – they still have their roots in the ground from back home. And we had so much fun making this.”