New Music for the New Year

Having bid our farewells to 2018, and the wonderful music that was a part of it, the time has come to look at some of the upcoming releases heading our way here in 2019.  Here are some new albums that we are very excited about here at Great Dark Wonder:

Julian Taylor Band, “Avalanche”

Following up from his successful “Desert Star” (2016) and “Tech Noir” (2014) albums, singer-songwriter Julian Taylor returns with a brand new album in early 2019.  Having shared new tracks “Sweeter” and “Take What You Need” over the last few months, Taylor recently signed with GypsySoul Records, who shall release and distribute “Avalanche.”  Known for their smooth fusion of the rock and soul genres, expect plenty more exceptional original music from this Toronto band.

Amanda Rheaume, “The Skin I’m In”

Touring extensively since her 2016 “Holding Patterns” album, Ottawa based and JUNO nominated singer-songwriter Amanda Rheaume shall officially launch her brand new album at the iconic Cadillac Lounge in Toronto on February 21^st.  Teaming with acclaimed musician and producer Colin Cripps (Blue Rodeo, Crash Vegas), and recorded at the legendary Bathouse Studio (Tragically Hip), expect plenty of Rheaume’s signature upbeat Canadiana music and (hopefully) plenty more live adventures.

The Dyadics, “Love’s Devolution”

Hailing from London, ON, alternative-rock duo The Dyadics (Kevin Kennedy/guitars/vocals and Matt Weston/drums) shall launch their brand new album on March 1^st.  Following their 2015 “Deus Ex Machina” album, Kennedy and Weston are joined now by backing vocalists, The Cedar Sisters (Jane Carmichael and Elle Hermansen), adding a new dimension to the band’s established sound and alt-rock aura. Per Kennedy, expect this album to showcase the band streamlining their sound to its core – riffs, rocks, heavy dance grooves, and with the Cedar Sisters, some dark, haunting melodies.

Laura Cole, “Piece Of Paradise”

Following the success of her 2014 debut “Dirty Cheat” album, Ancaster, ON singer-songwriter Laura Cole returns with her latest solo album this Spring.  Sharing the new material last summer at a pre-release show in Hamilton, a limited number of vinyl pressings were circulated, with one makings its way here to PA for our enjoyment.  Firmly rooted in the blues-soul genre, Laura Cole shall once again deliver some stunning music that draws comparisons to many of her own musical heroes; Etta James, Billie Holiday, and Amy Winehouse.  Trust us – this is an album that you shall not want to ignore this year.

Abigail Lapell, “Getaway”

Call it prairie noir, or Canadiana desert rock: Abigail Lapell sings haunting, gorgeous modern folk songs, mapping epic natural landscapes and deeply intimate, personal territory. The Toronto vocalist, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist has released two acclaimed solo albums. “Hide Nor Hair,” her Chris Stringer-produced sophomore LP, won a Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Album of the Year in 2017.

“Getaway,” Lapell’s ambitious third release, is due out February 1, 2019 via Coax Records / Outside, and is bookended by songs about leaving. LP opener and first single “Gonna Be Leaving” echoes with the irony of someone who threatens to leave yet never goes—and the certainty that, sooner or later, every relationship will end.

Jan Lisiecki, Mendelssohn Piano Concertos No. 1 in g minor and No. 2 in d minor

We’re also eagerly anticipating the new release (1 February) from Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki of an all-Mendelssohn disc featuring both of the composer’s piano concerti.  Lisiecki has been championing a higher profile for these works in the canon of frequently performed works for piano and orchestra, and we’re confident this recording will help in that regard.

Other Rumors, Murmurs, and Albums in the works

While there may have been a few official statements about upcoming albums, online chatter across the social networks also brings hints and allegations surrounding possible 2019 releases.  Here are a selection of artists that have openly discussed having new projects in the pipeline:

• The Lowest of the Low
• Trent Severn
• Hannah Georgas
• Terence Jack
• Justin Rutledge
• Lee Harvey Osmond
• Harrow Fair
• Over The Moon
• Jeremie Albino

Yes, 2019 looks set to be another monumental year for great Canadian music.  We look forward to hearing these, and sharing our thoughts about them with you.

Photo credit: Markus Spiske [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Martin Noakes

The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.

Lesley Carter

Exposed to the wonders of CBC and Montréal Canadiens hockey as a teenager thanks to a satellite dish in rural Kansas, I have been an unabashed lover of all things Canadian ever since. I am a lifelong collector of esoteric and varied music, a teacher of piano, an avid reader, and a stamp/coin collector. In real life, I work in the field of technology.

Come find me on Goodreads.