THE LOCALIST: FEBRUARY 2026 WRAP UP

Softcult—When A Flower Doesn’t Grow  (LP) 

Release Date: Jan. 30, 2026

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Grunge, Shoegaze

After delivering four exciting EPs between 2021 and 2024 and touring extensively during that same time, the sibling duo of Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn have finally released their fantastically hazy debut full-length album. The project explores challenging and sometimes taboo themes such as mental health and misogyny through creatively contemplative and unapologetically honest song writing. 

CHURCH FIGHT— Self-Titled EP (EP)

Release Date: Feb. 13, 2026

City: Cambridge 

Genre: Skate Punk

This brand new five-piece punk rock band comprised of veteran musicians has come hot out of the gate with a high octane three-track debut EP that is guaranteed to incite a brawl. With a blisteringly high tempo consistent across the entire project, the band has put together a collection of aggressively catchy punk songs with intricate melodic guitar riffs as a key focal point. 

Daphne—Jeepers (EP) 

Release Date: Feb. 13, 2026

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Instrumental Pop, R&B

The exciting debut EP release from Daphne is fully instrumental and irresistibly groovy. Blending smooth R&B instrumentation with accessible melodies from popular contemporary music makes for an easy and enjoyable listen. The track list includes four covers: Dua Lipa’s “Levitating”, SZA’s “Snooze”, Justin Bieber’s “SPEED DEMON” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Tears”.

A Horse Named Friday—Dana & Evelyn (Demo)

Release Date: Feb. 21, 2026

City: Kitchener

Genre: Chamber Folk

Eight raw and emotional live recordings preceded by six carefully delicate studio versions make up the collection of songs on A Horse Named Friday’s latest demo project. This listening experience breathes a sense of fresh perspective into the songs with the addition of the band’s stage banter and audience noise helping the listener to truly connect with the intimacy of the performances. 

KROKA— Have You Lost Your Mind? (Single) 

Release Date: Feb. 26, 2025

City: Kitchener

Genre: Desert Rock

Kroka is a three-piece rock band with a sound that is significantly heavier than expected based on their limited roster size. Their newest single features slow, heavy and fuzz-laden guitars as well as a gritty yet soulful performance from lead vocalist Richard Fenna. The song explores the idea of indulging in our distractions as an act of avoidance and the inevitability that we all must eventually address our problems.

Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp. 

THE LOCALIST: JANUARY 2026

Local Goblin—“Write My Story” (Single) 

Release Date: Jan. 9, 2026

City: Waterloo 

Genre: Metal

Local Goblin’s newest song comes on the heels of their debut single, “Forklift Certified”, which was released on Dec. 12, 2025. With the entirety of the band consisting of University of Waterloo students, there is a refreshing, youthful energy to their sound. Both of Local Goblin’s singles incorporate inspiration from a variety of genres such as nu metal, death metal and grunge.  

FRANKIE FLOWER—”VELVET COLLAPSE” 

(Single) 

Release Date: Jan. 21, 2026

City: Waterloo 

Genre: Alternative

Beginning with only jangly guitars and a soft vocal delivery, “VELVET COLLAPSE” showcases a lofi pop sound that feels like floating through a nostalgic daydream. FRANKIE FLOWERS makes the decision to boldly withhold any percussion until halfway through the song, leaving space for the vocals and lyrics to truly shine.  

Red Orkestra—Letters From Afar (LP) 

Release Date: Feb. 2, 2026

City: Waterloo 

Genre: Alternative, Folk

Originally formed by singer-songwriter Johnny Charmer in 2003, Red Orkestra returns with their seventh album, Letters From Afar, where they explore themes of love, longing, hope and resistance. Packed full of thoughtful and poignant lyricism, the band injects feelings of intimacy and political passion across the entirety of the ten-song track list. 

Living Room for Small—“wastemytwenties.3AM” 

(Single) 

Release Date: Jan. 15, 2026

City: Waterloo

Genre: Alternative, Pop

The alt-pop trio Living Room For Small have reimagined their song “WASTE MY TWENTIES”, which was originally released as part of their 2024 album PRETTY LITTLE DROP DEAD GORGEOUS. This new version is gentler and slower, and spacey by comparison. The production changes more clearly highlight the feelings of introspection and existentialism within the lyrics. 

Red Output—“Mud Wit Burz” (Single) 

Release Date: Dec. 21, 2025

City: Kitchener

Genre: Indie Rock, Post Punk

The first single from Red Output’s forthcoming EP, “Mud Wit Burz” is a high-tempo vocal tongue twister with an infectious energy that necessitates getting up and dancing. The band describes their song as a “big celebration of Love” that is meant to evoke the feeling of dancing at a concert with your friends.  

Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp. 

Residential Urbanity Brings Triangle Skate Photography to Downtown Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh’s First Friday for February spotlights skate culture and visual storytelling with Residential Urbanity, a modern showcase of Triangle skate photographers presented in partnership with the City of Raleigh Museum and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance.

The exhibition highlights the people, places, and moments that shape skateboarding across the Triangle—captured through photography that documents movement, community, and the evolving urban landscape.

Three Photographers, One Community Story

Residential Urbanity features selected works and personal backstories from three local photographers whose images go beyond action shots to reflect culture and connection:

Zorah Olivia
Chris Facey
Clinton Perry

Each artist shares favorite photographs from recent years, offering insight into the environments and communities that influence their work.

Live Q&A and First Friday Energy

Beginning at 6:00 PM, attendees will experience a live Q&A hosted by Miguel Magallanes of Endless Grind. The conversation explores creative process, skate culture in the Triangle, and the role photography plays in preserving local stories.

Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum will be on site selling drinks, adding to the social atmosphere that defines First Friday downtown.

Why It Matters

By bringing contemporary skate photography into a historic civic space, Residential Urbanity reflects Raleigh’s growing commitment to inclusive, community-driven arts programming. The sold-out response underscores strong local interest in authentic creative experiences rooted in place and culture.

Event Snapshot

What: Residential Urbanity – A Modern Showcase of Triangle Skate Photographers
When: Thursday, February 6 | 6–9 PM
Where: City of Raleigh Museum, Downtown Raleigh
Part of: February First Friday
Status: SOLD OUT

Follow DoRaleigh for First Friday recaps and more coverage of Raleigh’s arts, culture, and community events.

THE LOCALIST: 2025 Year in Review

DEW— Gorilla Secret (LP)

Release Date: Feb. 8, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Rock, Punk

The debut LP from DEW is a collection of loud, lo-fi, DIY basement punk recordings. The members of DEW are part of a growing youth movement within the local music scene and lead the call for more all-ages venues and events. The band announced their final show was played in September at The Union. 

PAPERHATS — DEMAND MORE (EP) 

Release Date: Mar. 14, 2025

City: Toronto 

Genre: Post Punk

PAPERHATS is a two-piece band formed by the drummer of Toronto band Your Grandad and the guitarist/backing vocalist of local noise band Karloff. DEMAND MORE is an emotional rollercoaster both in its lyrics and sound, resulting in a listening experience that is abrasive, turbulent and uniquely captivating. 

SOLSIC—Who Will You Blame (LP) 

Release Date: Mar. 19, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Alternative, Hardcore

SOLSIC embraces a combination of hardcore and alternative emo influences on their electric six-track EP. With a relentless pace, the band highlights melodic vocals and harsh screaming layered  over a thrashing instrumental performance. The band released a music video to accompany the track “No Loss to Mourn” in October. 

Liral — Mooncalf (LP) 

Release Date: May 1, 2025

City: Kitchener

Genre: Emo,Folk

Mooncalf is the sophomore album and second full length release from Liral in 2025. This newest installment in the band’s quickly growing discography explicitly contrasts their first release, which featured an experimental exploration of industrial and harsh noise. Throughout Mooncalf, the band’s poignant lyricism intersects with minimalistic acoustic guitars, resulting in an album that is raw and emotionally honest.  

Connor Gains — Good Time Buddies (LP) 

Release Date: May 1, 2025

City: Cambridge

Genre: Alternative Rock, Blues, Soul

Conor Gains’ musical growth and experience continue to shine through his songwriting. Gains delivers a simultaneously laid back yet impressively passionate performance across the album. Drawing comparisons to The Allman Brothers Band and Nathaniel Rateliff, Good Time Buddies covers significant musical ground while exploring themes of friendship and personal change. 

Bree Bartha— Flight Risk (LP)

Release Date: May 25, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Folk Pop

Bree Bartha’s captivating voice and intimate storytelling are front and centre on her album Flight Risk. Bartha’s BandCamp bio describes her writing style as “live from her bedroom floor”. The project contrasts familiar and accessible folk pop production with the complicated and bittersweet theme of homesickness. 

BODY MINUS HEAD — An Exercise in Self-Sufficiency (LP) 

Release Date: May 30, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Hardcore Punk

Body Minus Head features members from other notable Ontario bands such as Basque, Exalt, Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck and Wayfarer. Their debut album has a total runtime of just under twenty minutes, where the band rips through an absolutely scorching ten track performance packed full of vicious guitar riffs and intense vocals. Physical copies are available via No Funeral Records. 

SIN COLA—demo 2025 (Demo) 

Release Date: Jun. 30, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Emo Folk

The sophomore demo release from SIN COLA is a compelling two-track installment featuring only vocals, acoustic guitar and the soft buzz of ambient noise filling the background. The recordings immediately establish a warm lo-fi charm that pairs thoughtfully alongside the intimate lyricism and delicate vocal delivery of Nicolas Couture.   

Curbside — A Lifetime to Outgrow (LP) 

Release Date: Aug. 8, 2025

City: Cambridge

Genre: Skate Punk

Curbside’s sophomore return is a fourteen-track high speed album that is an absolute blur in the best way. Consisting of members from other familiar local bands such as Handheld and Frank Dux, this long-awaited album comes thirteen years after their debut and is faster and heavier than ever! Expect blistering drumming, relentless guitars and intense vocal performances. 

Vox Confidential — Journey to the Core of the Earth (EP) 

Release Date: Aug. 16, 2025

City: Kitchener

Genre: Psychedelic, Surf Rock

Kitchener’s self-proclaimed “best espionage garage rock band” makes their introduction with a three-track EP which is the perfect soundtrack to the grooviest spy film you can imagine. With vibrant 1960s organ, fuzz-laden guitar and overall surfy vibes, the band manages to sound vintage and familiar while remaining fresh and exciting. 

A HORSE NAMED FRIDAY— Feeding (LP)

Release Date: Aug. 21, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Chamber Folk

This album was originally released on BandCamp as a direct fundraiser for Rama, a friend of the band, and her family, who currently reside in Gaza and require immediate support. Feeding is a beautifully somber collection of recordings and songs that were created using a phone. The process with which these songs came to fruition causes the collective project to feel innately delicate and vulnerable. 

MAIDEN LANE — DEMAND Bedouin Medicine (LP) 

Release Date: Nov. 7, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Garage Rock, Punk

Two years in the making, Maiden Lane presents their loudest and most intense performance to date. BEDOUIN MEDICINE draws its thematic inspiration from the band’s attempt to capture the feeling of modern-day chaos in an album. Blending the raw energy of punk with the simplicity of garage rock and the sonic experimentation of psychedelia, the band has truly hit their stride.  

ARCADE ALLSTARS—Destined for Disaster (LP) 

Release Date: Nov. 7, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Ska, Punk

Arcade Allstars follow up their 2023 EP Insert Coin with their first full length album Destined for Disaster. Originally formed during the tail end of the pandemic, the group sounds more cohesive than ever. Their project is loaded with catchy, energetic hooks that will invoke an irresistible urge to get up and dance. 

FRANKIE TEARDROP — Black Grasshopper Stew (EP) 

Release Date: Nov. 28, 2025

City: Kitchener

Genre: No Wave

The experimental no-wave duo Frankie Teardrop, known for their unique live performances, have recorded their thought-provoking sound on their debut EP Black Grasshopper Stew. Driven by hypnotizing metronomic drum machines paired alongside guitars and vocals soaked in noise, distortion and feedback, the album is abrasive and anarchic, prioritizing an exploration of musical texture in exchange for traditional melodies. The album is available exclusively on Bandcamp. 

CARRY ON — Where’d It All Go? (EP) 

Release Date: Dec. 5, 2025

City: Waterloo

Genre: Indie Rock

Carry On is the solo project of Anthony Maracek whose sound combines folk storytelling with indie rock’s energy and experimentation. The highlight of the project is Mareck’s songwriting, often finding inspiration from his own stories and life experiences while explicitly leaving room for the audience to create their own interpretations. 

Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp. 

Featured collage made with contributions by Sangjun Han, Keegan Gingrich, Matt Andrew Lewis, Jo El-Deek, Erica Rippon and Harleen Kaur Dhillon.

Monday. In dire need of #EQUILIBRIUM

On another note: Organize with like-minded people and attend concerts! Support smoll artist 

#MetalMonday #Metal #localartists

https://youtu.be/trGgFDXI5kc?si=W5N7m4JzQnJn-G4q

#VictoriaBC - #ArtShow event happening tomorrow evening at Gage Gallery, in #BastionSquare.

Long-time collaborator and friend of GWAS(Gorge Waterway Action Society), Anna Bigland-Pritachrd, is participating in a #FreeEvent featuring #LiveMusic and #ArtistTalks. Spend a cozy evening surrounded by #art and #peace 🖼☮️

🗓Tuesday December 16, 2025
🕰 7:00pm - 8:30pm
📍#GageGallery #ArtsCollective

“An Evening of Art and Song”, featuring performances by Anna Bigland-Pritchard and talks by three Gage #artists.
#FreeRefreshments will be served.

#ArtGallery #MeetArtists #YYJArt #LocalArtists #VisualArt #ArtEvents #YYJEvents #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #PNW #ArtHappenings #CreativeArt