The Stanfields – Afraid of the World
There’s no one better at beating a drum than The Stanfields. They’ll tuck any number of apocalyptic warnings into a stomper track. The Stanfields have hit a hot topic in “Afraid of the World” and are proving that the rock genre is still in full force. The track serves as a commentary on the Trump government as well as a fun anthem for anyone to sing along to.
Tachichi – No Comparison
Tachichi chewed up the 90s, along with a bunch of late-night informercials and a neon reversible windbreaker, and then chased it with blue Kool-Aid before mashing this one up over Sinead O’Conner.
Pat LePoidevin – Lucy
Pat LePoidevin‘s Captain Myles & The SPR, is just one of several concept albums this year that’s prepping us to flee the Earth. The catchy chorus, mellow tone and contemplative lyrics in “Lucy” tickled us pink.
Matt Steele & The Corvette Sunset – Handshake Deal
From Matt Steele & the Corvette Sunset‘s newest album, Half Girl Half Ghost, “Handshake Deal” is all about finding companionship in all the wrong places and knowing when to let go, but in a format you can rock out to.
Calm Baretta – Slack Royalty
Tackling the themes of relationships and consumerisms with enough bells and whistles to make a locomotive jealous, Calm Baretta‘s latest is one to remember.
Natalie Lynn – Company
Natalie Lynn‘s “Company” might just be poppiest track on this whole list and gives us that feel-good summer vibe and makes us want to believe we can dance.
StoneHouse – Somebody
Welcome to 1994 all over again! If it ain’t broke, just keep doing it better. StoneHouse show they know how to put together a flannel-powered ballad by releasing an album full of them.
CHIPs – Modern Days
In a year that’s already shown many strong offerings in the pop punk department, Fredericton’s CHIPS has been a standout with “Modern Days,” the first single since their debut EP. The band manage a balance between a heavy hit and the danceability of a radio single.
Hillsburn – Sun Ought to Shine
Where would we be without Hillsburn? They absolutely dominated 2017, and their followup album The Wilder Beyond took the band in a more modern pop direction. Their single “Sun Ought To Shine” bridges the grounds between old and new, but it’s full of those massive harmonies we’ve come to love Hillsburn for.
Miller | McDonald | Cormier – The High Bass Set
Yeah, we’re suckers for fiddles and pipes. What do you expect us to do? We grew up here. The trio of Miller, McDonald, and Cormier showcase some classic celtic sounds and take them someplace fun and fresh. But honestly, it never gets old for us anyway.
The Stanfields – Desperation
Coming at us again with rasp, hard rock and lyrics about the incessant need for validation that social media has created are The Stanfields. This track is not only a catchy rock tune, but it’s one with a good message about much of society’s need to take a step (or two) back from Facebook and Instagram.
Joyful Noise – Bertha
Fredericton’s funky mainstays Joyful Noise finally got around to recording a proper EP. Showing off the range of their skills, “Bertha” is a great example of just how deep the the band can take you in an instrumental track.
Pat LePoidevin – Broadcast
Pat LePoidevin‘s Captain Myles & The SPR continues to blow us away. “Broadcast” is the most hard-hitting example of the album’s overture, and we love it.
Smaller Hearts – Summertime III
Smaller Hearts is a fresh effort from husband-and-wife duo Ron Bates and Kristina Parlee. They’re turning out dancey little synth-pop numbers that are reminiscent of The Postal Service, but without all the shipping.
Rich Aucoin – The Middle
Between having his laptop stolen in Costa Rica and touring via bicycle, we’re amazed that Rich Aucoin still has time to record anything. Despite some setbacks, he’s as catchy as ever with his video single for “The Middle.”
Ben Caplan – Widow Bride
“Widow Bride” was the first big single from Ben Caplan‘s off-Broadway musical about immigrant living. It’s like an updated version of Fiddler On The Roof. And we love it.
Tampa – Belated Love
We knew Tampa would be a problem. Their debut album, Belated Love, has been knocking people’s socks off since it quietly leaked onto the internet. They’ve been quickly winning over audiences across the Maritimes, and those in the know are absolutely hooked.
Ryan Cook – Cult Of My Own
Ryan Cook‘s particular blend of clever country somehow slipped past our defences. Sitting at #3, “Cult Of My Own” is perhaps the best song about the cult lifestyle to ever worm its way into our ears.
Tampa – Hot Minute
You’d think by now we’d have a category for Album of the Year. If we did, Tampa would take it easily. Belated Love is full of singles, and only after thorough testing did we arrive at the conclusion that “Hot Minute” was the best of them. Probably. Don’t make us second guess ourselves.
Jeremy Dutcher – Mehcinut
Without a doubt, topping the list this year is “Mehcinut,” from Jeremy Dutcher‘s album Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa. Performed in the Maliseet language, Mehcinut combines Dutcher’s own powerful vocals with historic recordings of his elders to build a soundscape of remarkable of depth. Comparisons to Sigur Rós come easy, and there’s no surprises this album has been nominated for a Polaris Prize.