Birthday Squirrel / "Marc Maron"

  

The Skinny Review:
Birthday Squirrel’s first full-length album, Higher, Warmer, confidently weaves together alt-rock, folk, and psychedelic sounds with a cozy, offbeat spirit all its own. The record feels playful and inventive, embracing a warm, DIY charm that’s easy to love. The album's focus single is a fun, hooky tribute inspired by one of Frolick’s favorite entertainers, the inimitable Marc Maron.

In Their Own Words:
“I discovered the WTF podcast during the pandemic and immediately fell in love with it,” he says. “MM is a great interviewer and because he's so honest about his myriad of personal issues, he has the rare ability to get people to open up about theirs. He doesn't pretend to be perfect and he's funny to boot. That honesty is what hooked me -- you just feel like he's giving you everything, warts and all which is such a beautiful thing. In a world where 'empathy' has become a bit of a dirty word, Maron is a champion of the underdog. I listened to a lot of episodes while out for "pandemic walks" and after a while, it just felt like he was a pal I hung out with a couple times a week. When the podcast ended, I needed to do something to express my gratitude.”

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Desiree Dorion / "Red Wine"

 

The Skinny Review:
“Red Wine” is a warm, witty country song that finds humour and honesty in loneliness, inspired by quiet nights spent in familiar company. Built on classic country sounds like steel guitar and fiddle, the track feels timeless. With shared vocals and a strong sense of togetherness, it comes across as a heartfelt tribute to the small comforts that help us get through.

In Their Own Words:
“‘Red Wine” is a love song to wine being my best friend during COVID, and the boring lonely nights red wine got me through. It’s a classic Country song, shaped by the influence of the legendary Country greats like Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton.”

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Gatlin Black / "When You Come Down"

  

The Skinny Review:
Gatlin Black returns with “When You Come Down,” a recent track from their forthcoming EP Modern Spirit that blends rock, blues, and roots-driven influences. Written during a moment of personal transition, the song carries a reflective tone while pushing forward with purpose and grit. It's a reminder to stay open to change, because new perspectives can lead to something better when you least expect it.

In Their Own Words:
“”When You Come Down” was written at the turnaround period of my life,” says Jake Weckwerth, front man and songwriter for Gatlin Black. “A time of reflection. A brief moment on that last helicopter out of the war zone where you catch the full glimpse of the carnage below you burning. This song is acknowledgement, reflection, sheer will, and action behind the desire for a better quality of life.” 

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Cut Flowers / "Until It's Time"

  

The Skinny Review:
“Until It’s Time” is a warm, energetic song that reflects on change, regret, and moving forward. Blending folky harmonies with driving guitars, it has a memorable sound shaped by an unusual guitar tuning and a stand-out melodica line. Recorded with a minimal approach, the track feels intimate, as though you're seeing the band live at a small venue.

In Their Own Words:
“It’s a song about regretting not being there for people you love when they need you,” says vocalist Kevan Byrne. “And sort of trying to make amends before we die — saying this time I’ll be there for you, and will stay there until it’s time for me to go.”

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Matthew Ryan Jacobs / "Peace of Mind"

  

The Skinny Review:
Matthew Ryan Jacobs’ new self-titled EP features five songs that showcase a moodier side to the artist. He weaves together folk, Americana, indie rock, and a hint of country, moving fluidly between gritty, fuzzed-out textures and quieter, acoustic stretches. The focus track “Peace of Mind” grows from a delicate folk tune into a sweeping, harmony-rich release, with lyrics that anyone can connect with. While the focus track is a stand out by itself, the entire EP is well worth a full listen.

In Their Own Words:
“I actually told my producer Ben Kempel that this one was for me, so if I want the song to be six minutes long with an extended guitar solo, it will be,” he says of the new collection of songs. “Not that we were trying to create something radio friendly or pop in the past, but we would try to keep the songs tighter in time and the playing more concise. Lyrically I tried to push a little deeper, which is always the goal, but it is strange to put that all out there for anyone to hear and probably misinterpret. 
But overall, I think this is my favourite group of songs yet.”

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Jeremy Voltz / "Feel It All"

   

The Skinny Review:
Jeremy Voltz’s new single “Feel It All” dives into the messy, emotional work of caring for someone even when frustration and distance try to pull you apart. Emotionally laid bare and relatable, his soulful sound shines through. It’s a poignant highlight of his recent releases, capturing the delicate mix of tension and tenderness that shapes real relationships.

In Their Own Words:
“The song came from a rocky relationship with a friend,” Voltz shares. “I tried for almost a year to distance myself and keep safe at arm’s length. But I realized that no matter how hard I tried not to care about my friend, I couldn’t stop. My anger had dried up without me noticing, and I even tried to cling to it so I wouldn't have to care, because caring is hard. But ultimately, care blooms in spite of our best efforts.”

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Tickles / Sugar & Plastic Plates

   

The Skinny Review:
Tickles expand on their noise-punk beginnings with a debut album that feels darker, heavier, and more intense than previous releases. Fierce guitars, pounding bass, frantic drums, and stark lyrics drive songs about isolation, anxiety, abandonment, and old emotional wounds. The album becomes a chaotic yet cleansing blast of sound, celebrating noise and full-throttle release.

In Their Own Words:
 “Recording with Chris Hoggomat flowed effortlessly as we’ve spent a long time refining these nine tracks and knew exactly what we wanted. The connection with Chris allowed us to experiment freely, exploring noise, unusual sounds, and even techno-inspired textures, pushing each song to its limits while keeping its core intact. The result is a record that captures both our chaotic power and the careful thought behind each arrangement, offering a vivid experience of our new incarnation. The album title, subject matter and its artwork capture the bittersweet feeling of birthdays, moments filled with joy, yet sometimes tinged with solitude as connections slowly fade and loneliness quietly settles in.”


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