THE LOCALIST: APRIL 2026 WRAP-UP
A Horse Named Friday—The Marriage of Loneliness and Continental Bliss
(LP)
Release Date: Apr. 14, 2026
City: Kitchener
Genre: Chamber Folk
The long-awaited debut album from A Horse Named Friday is the product of their gradual evolution over the last two years. The band experiments with a wide variety of instruments such as banjo, mandolin, violin, cello and harmonica, fulfilling a […]
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THE LOCALIST: MARCH
Avalon Stone—Meant to Break (EP)
Release Date: Feb. 27, 2026
City: Kitchener
Genre: Alternative Rock, Grunge
The six-song debut EP from singer-songwriter, Avalon Stone draws clear inspiration from 1990s alternative and grunge rock but with a polished, modern influence. Produced by Juno Award winner Kevin Dietz (Glorious Sons, Billy Talent), the project features heavy alt-rock anthems that distinctively compliment the gritty vocal performance.
Nothing We Do Matters—Kinematics of Machinery
(EP)
Release Date: Feb.28, 2026
City: Kitchener
Genre: Experimental, Noise
The entirety of the band’s biography simply states “emo rhythm noise nonsense” which, while brief, perfectly encapsulates the experimental sound the band has concocted on their debut EP. The three tracks collectively present a challenging listening experience that melds layers of harsh noise, abrasive screams and unsettling electronic soundscapes.
I, the Mountain— Body (LP)
Release Date: Mar. 6, 2026
City: Kitchener
Genre: Indie Folk
Four-piece folk rockers I, the Mountain return with an emotional new five-song EP which is comprised of recent single releases, with the most recent and final addition being the title track “Body”. The collection of songs is raw and personal, exploring themes of self-worth and acceptance, while featuring some of the band’s tightest vocal harmonies to date.
Thorns—Closed Casket Burial
(Singles)
Release Date: Mar. 13, 2026
City: Waterloo
Genre: Metalcore
Thorns’ newest release consists of two singles, “Closed Casket” and “Burial”. Across both songs, the vocals are impressively dynamic, transitioning from deathly growls to aggressive shouting seamlessly. The band blends these vocals with heavy hardcore inspired breakdowns and intense metallic guitar riffs to create a unique sound.
Eric Folino—Hours for the Taking (EP)
Release Date: Mar. 13, 2026
City: Waterloo
Genre: Acoustic, Indie Pop
Originally recorded in 2024, this eleven-song project was gradually released as singles and has ultimately culminated in Eric Folino’s debut album. With acoustic guitar and poetic lyricism at the forefront of each song, Folino presents a refreshing take on contemporary indie pop. The track “The World Began This Morning” is an impressively notable highlight from the album.
Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp.
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THE LOCALIST: FEBRUARY 2026 WRAP UP
Softcult—When A Flower Doesn’t Grow (LP)
Release Date: Jan. 30, 2026
City: Kitchener
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
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.
Release Date: Feb. 13, 2026
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
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
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.
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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.
#Accessible #alternativeRock #altnerative #Bandcamp #BirdDaniels #Column #emoFolk #ep #folkPop #GarageRock #indieRock #JoshBoniferro #kitchener #LocalArt #localArtists #localMusic #localMusicians #Localist #lp #newReleases #postPunk #Punk #single #ska #theLocalist
OCTOBER 2025 WRAP UP
3boats— shoot (LP)
Release Date: Oct. 1, 2025
City: Cambridge
Genre: Folk
3boats’ debut album shoot is a collection of lo-fi songs and recordings that are quaint and intimate. Listening through the project from beginning to end feels like floating through a dream, with many of the songs intertwining modest acoustic guitar, soft blurry soundscapes and the occasional charming sound bite.
Space Kitchen— “It’s My Passion” (Single)
Release Date: Oct. 8, 2025
City: Kitchener
Genre: Art Rock
Drawing inspiration from 1970s art and progressive rock icons such as Rush, Yes, King Crimson and Electric Light Orchestra, Space Kitchen presents a familiar sound infused with their own unique DIY aesthetic. “It’s My Passion” features both keys and lead guitars that work playfully together to create a captivating theatrical performance.
Arcade Allstars—“Fare Thee Well” (Single)
Release Date: Oct. 17, 2025
City: Kitchener
Genre: Ska, Punk
With a blisteringly fast pace, an infectious groove and some spotlight-stealing brass and saxophone, “Fare Thee Well” is guaranteed to get listeners up and dancing. This is the latest single off Arcade Allstars’ forthcoming sophomore full length album Destined 4 Disaster which is set to release Nov. 7, 2025, on Pink Lemonade Records.
Frank Dux—“She Said, He Said” (Single)
Release Date: Oct. 22, 2025
City: Kitchener
Genre: Grunge, Shoegaze
Deeply personal and unapologetically vulnerable, “She Said, He Said” is a song about believing survivors of assault. The chaotically hazy and loud distorted instrumentation perfectly complements the band’s lyrical message which attempts to raise awareness about the problematic culture of misogynistic skepticism.
Courtney Wolfe—“Wild Card “(Singles)
Release Date: Oct. 24, 2025
City: Kitchener
Genre: Singer-Songwriter, Indie Pop
Delicately balancing on the line between airy pop and bold indie rock, “Wild Card” is a captivating lyrical exploration of temptation inspired by Courtney Wolfe’s personal experiences while remaining deliberately ambiguous. Wolfe puts forth a message of ownership and hopes for her listeners regardless of the vice they may be struggling with.
Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp.
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THE LOCALIST: JUNE 2025 WRAP UP
I, THE MOUNTAIN-PRIMROSE (SINGLE)
Release Date: May 30, 2025
City: Kitchener
Genre: Indie Folk, Pop
Primrose is the first installment of an upcoming EP slated for later this year that was assembled over the course of the last six months.
The catchy singalongs, four-part harmonies and overall grittier sound on the track feel simultaneously like a continuation of what I, The Mountain fans have come to expect while explicitly establishing a fresh and exciting direction for the band.
NATE SAVOY— WILD ROSES(SINGLE)
Release Date: June 6, 2025
City: Waterloo
Genre: Folk
The vocalist and guitarist of local indie rock outfit Avro Arrows, Nate Savoy, has taken his first steps towards exploring a self-titled project with his debut single “Wild Roses.” Savoy’s storytelling is heartfelt and emotionally gripping, featuring vocals, piano and acoustic guitar that are all reminiscent of familiar folk classics. The song culminates with an unexpected yet welcome harmonica solo..
CAPRICE SOLEIL— F&F (SINGLE)
Release Date: June 11, 2025
City: Waterloo
Genre: Hip-hop
Caprice Soleil, also known as ONE16GOAT, continues to expand his experimental genre-defying sound with his fifth single of 2025.
F&F, an abbreviation of ‘forgive-and-forget,’ is the thematic focus of the song which highlights somber lyricism paired comfortably alongside dark and intense electronic hip-hop instrumentation.
MASON SMYTH & JEREMY CAR— PAINTING FLOWERS (SINGLE)
Release Date: June 27, 2025
City: Kitchener
Genre: Pop
Since beginning their musical partnership, Mason Smyth and Jeremy Car have covered significant musical ground across their discography. Their newest release is an infectious foray into bossa nova- inspired pop and is a captivating listen from beginning to end. The lyrics read, “there’s a million simple things that bring me joy in June”—and Painting Flowers is one of them.
MILHOWSE—E IS FOR EXISTENTIAL CRISIS (LP)
Release Date: June 27, 2025
City: Kitchener
Genre: Pop Punk
Having spent the last several years playing live gigs across the Waterloo Region, Milhowse have finally delivered their hard-hitting debut album. The album sees the band continue to delve into themes of heartbreak and existentialism, finding inspiration from bands like blink-182 and Modern Baseball. Jam-packed full of early 2000s pop punk angst, this is the perfect soundtrack for high school hallways or suburban backyards.
Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp.
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THE LOCALIST: MAY 2025
BODY MINUS HEAD-AN EXERCISE IN SELF-SUFFICIENCY (LP)
Release Date: May 31, 2025
City: Kitchener
Genre: Hardcore Punk
Featuring members from other Ontario bands such as Basque, Exalt, Mockingbird Wish Me Luck and Wayfarer, the debut album from Body Minus Head has immediately caught the attention of hardcore scenes across Ontario. With a total runtime of just under 20 minutes, the band delivers an absolutely scorching 10 track performance packed full of vicious guitar riffs and intense vocals. Physical copies are available via No Funeral Records.
PETROCHEMICALS— STEAL FROM OLD PEOPLE (SINGLE)
Release Date: May. 9, 2025
City: Kitchener
Genre: Synth Punk
Operating as a three-piece, Petrochemicals are one of the most exciting youth-led bands in the Region of Waterloo right now. The band’s latest single, Steal From Old People, is a crowd favourite aton their live shows and sounds as rebellious and provocative as the title suggests. Featuring haunting synths and pulsing drum machines soaked in 80s nostalgia, the band has continued to craft their own unique sound by incorporating elements of post-punk, garage rock and industrial music.
BREE BARTHA— FLIGHT RISK (LP)
Release Date: May 25, 2025
City: Kitchener
Genre: Folk Pop
Having released six singles over the course of the last year and a half,; Bree Bartha’s efforts have finally culminated in her debut album, Flight Risk. Describing her writing style as “live from her bedroom floor,” Bartha’s captivating voice and intimate storytelling are front and centre.
The album contrasts familiar and accessible folk pop production with the vulnerable, complicated and bittersweet theme of homesickness.
BURNABY— FRANKLY, WE’RE FUCKED (SINGLE)
Release Date: May 16, 2025
City: Kitchener
Genre: Emo Punk
Frankly, We’re Fucked is the perfect soundtrack for a late-night skate down King St. Nestled comfortably at the intersection of pop punk and indie emo is where you’ll find Burnaby—returning with their first EP release since 2019. This five-song project is chock-full of angst and authenticity, featuring melodic guitar riffs and catchy choruses that are guaranteed to get stuck in your head for the rest of the summer.
CONOR GAINS—GOOD TIME BUDDIES (LP)
Release Date: May 1, 2025
City: Cambridge
Genre: Alt Rock, Blues, Soul
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. With thousands of shows and festivals now under his belt, Conor Gains’ undeniable musical growth and experience continue to shine through in his songwriting. Gains have an exceptional voice, delivering a simultaneously laid back yet impressively passionate performance across the album.
Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp.
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