The Five Songs You Must Hear list is 60% Canadian, 20% Irish, and 20% English. It’s a good mix.
1. Gurriers, Waiting for Fisher
Nobody’s Coming to Save You (PIAS)
Recommended If You Like: Whatever is going on in Dublin right now
Gurriers is a new five-piece band out of Dublin with a fierce sound and attitude. This second single has some inspiration from Waiting for Godot (IYKYK) and Mark Fisher, an anti-capitalist writer. Gurriers have been described as “mosh-ready.” That tells you what you need to know going into this song. They’re my favourite new band of the moment.
Les Shirley, Hail Mary
Hail Mary (Duprince)
RIYL: Whatever is going on with all-female rock bands in Canada.
When I’m asked about the future of rock, I always point to the number of incredible female-dominated bands. And when I’m asked to name a few, I always include Montreal’s Les Shirley. They do not play nice when asked. Nor should they.
3. Black Doldrums, Waiting
Single (Fuzz Club Records)
RIYL: Whatever is going on in London these days
Sometimes algorithms will surprise you. This one unexpectedly popped up from the London duo of Kevin Gibbard (vocals, guitars, synth) and Sophie Landers (drums). Formed in 2016, they say they’re all about “gothic post-punk.” If you like what you hear, there are quite a few releases to explore.
4. Delerium, Into the Light
Exaudire (Metropolis Records)
RIYL: The dreamy stuff dusted with sounds of the ancients
Delerium (yes, that’s how you spell it), featuring Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber of Vancouver’s Frontline Assembly, has been around for decades. This track from their 16th album (due in January) once again features a female guest vocalist, this time in the form of Diamanda Galás, a wonderfully avant-garde singer from the US who is now in her 70s.
5. Apricity, Circles of My Mind
Single (Independent)
RIYL: Melodic modern alt-rock
Apricity was born in Scotland but now lives somewhere in Ontario after immigrating with her family as a child. Her name means “the warmth of the sun on your face during a cold winter day” in Latin. Remember that for the upcoming season. She grew up idolizing Shirley Manson of Garbage (a fellow Scot), which comes through in this dark yet hooky song with a great chorus.
© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Ad Choices
