Music/Album Reviews

Genre: Rock
If you like: Tragically Hip, Joel Plaskett, Gord Downie
Best track: Desperation Calling
Release: Now
Rating: NNN (out of 5)
Why you should listen: Vulnerable and edgy, Tragically Hip’s Paul Langlois delivers a solid solo effort that yes, is reminiscent of his old band at times — not a bad thing — in its more introspective moments. It’s got that languorous blues rock vibe and, at times, drifts into Neil Young’s On The Beach apocalyptic optimism.

Genre: Hard rock
If you like: Nashville Pussy, Sepultura, Turbonegro
Best track: Good Time
Release: Now
Rating: NNNN (out of 5)
Why you should listen: Punchy power chords and punch-the-wall passion fuel Canadian veteran hard rockers Danko Jones’s latest. Raw, primitive and slightly menacing. Satisfying, hook-filled rock — not for the faint of heart.

Genre: Rock
If you like: Broken Social Scene, Bon Iver, Jason Collett
Best track: Out in the Fields
Release: Now
Rating: NNN (out of 5)
Why you should listen: Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew is having his midlife crisis in public, leaving a vapour trail of edgy, sometimes-ambient music in its wake. As raw as a call for help, Drew faces mortality — his and that of those he loves — on a sprawling release that features gently pounding piano chords and strings that brush across the tracks like recently disturbed cobwebs moving in a breeze. A somehow hopeful contemplation of death.

Genre: Country-infused indie
If you like: The Barr Brothers, Shaky Graves, Nathanial Rateliff
Best track: I’m Still
Release: Now
Rating: NNNN
Why you should listen: Bahamas’ main man Afie Jurvanen is working hard to pretend to be everyone’s dad, but his Nashville recording sessions have led to smart, fresh, country-infused tracks dripping in gentle wisdom. While worldly and realistic in themes, it’s ultimately an uplifting album as comfy as those sweaters Jurvanen is sporting these days.

Genre: Hip hop
Sound: Booming, high-energy rap accompanied by sharp lyrics
If you like: Clairmont the Second, Classified, John River
Best track: WYA
Rating: NNNN (out of 5)
Release: Now
Why you should listen: GTA-born/Ottawa-based rapper Melo Griffith rides high in this versatile project as he preaches motivation and positivity using vivid wordplay. Each track mixes eclectic beats, from funk to alternative rap, with smooth melodies spreading good vibes and uplifting others who are going through tough times.