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Inspired by the big shiny tunes flooding FM radio airwaves in the 1990s, Toronto trio Motorists go full throttle on their sophomore album Touched by the Stuff (released in May 2024 via We Are Time). Now propelled by powerhouse drummer Nick Mckinlay, guitarist Craig Fahner and bassist Matt Learoyd channel stadium-sized power-pop through the gauzy fuzz of ‘90s alt rock, like Big Star swerving into Hotline TNT. Touched By The Stuff hits the gas with “Decider,” Fahner’s voice adopting a Britpop swagger as he zigzags through strident riffs, sudden key changes, and sweet vocal coos. “Back To The Q” picks up speed as Learoyd sings about sinking with the ship, summoning his strength just to lose. “Embers” is a tender, lovelorn ballad about the breath that ignites flames, while “The Folded Plan” is a verbose, Tom Petty-style rocker, juxtaposing squelching electronics with trilling doo-doo-doos. “L.O.W” cranks up the volume with Siamese Dream-inspired headbanger riffs, while the warbling synths and thunderous drums of “Light Against The Shade” close the record on a sweeter note.•
Sam Langille, Josh Langille, and Daniel Hartinger are Absolute Losers, a rock trio from Charlottetown, PEI. In August of 2023, they released their debut album, At The Mall, a danceable 12-track offering that confronts hardships without taking itself too seriously. The band camouflages pop sensibilities with wiry guitar work, intertwining bass and drum parts, and laid-back vocals. Since releasing At The Mall, Absolute Losers have earned a reputation for their air-tight live shows that deliver one burst of energy after the next. They’ve opened for TUNS, Daniel Romano, Skydiggers, and Holy F*ck and recently performed at Dawson City Music Festival. 2025 festival highlights include Hillside, Paris Drinks, Riverfest Elora, Lawnya Vawnya, and Cloggeroo. The band teamed up with Juno- and Polaris Prize-nominated composer/producer Graham Walsh (Holy F**k, Preoccupations, Alvvays, Sam Roberts Band, Lights) for their unreleased sophomore album. This recording sees the Losers shed their post-punk camouflage and proudly bear their knack for catchy melodies, soaring harmonies, and straight-to-point pop songwriting. Thanks to Walsh’s experimental tendencies, Absolute Losers’ sophomore album breathes new life into the tried-and-true techniques of '60s and '70s power-pop.
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Concocting a blissfully eclectic assemblage of ‘60s garage pop, ‘70s guitar riffage and ‘90s DIY style, The Wesleys are an absolute breath of fresh air. Driving, uptempo rock numbers featuring jangly, fuzzy guitar arpeggios and melodic vocal sweeps are abundant on the 2022 EP Outside Voices. Of the Montreal band's 2024 self-titled full-length, Exclaim! raved that “their surf- and punk-kissed raw energy is channelled into crisp, frenetic riffing and sweeping, arpeggio-led mid-tempo numbers in equal measure, never sacrificing precision for fuzzy, loose-limbed spontaneity.”
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
95 King St. E., Hamilton, ON, Canada, Ontario L8N 1A9
