Margaret Howison - Like a Noise (February)

Recorded at the legendary Private Ear, this six-song EP from Howison will hopefully host tunes similar to the intimate, campfire-ready tracks that pepper her soundcloud page (think Ruth Moody, Haley Bonar). Catch her release show at The Good Will on February 5.

Bleed American - Figure It Out (February)

On the nine-song follow up to last year’s self-titled EP the local punkers apparently went with a cleaner guitar sound and included more vocal interplay. Fun! 

Don Amero - Refined (April)

Amero has been running a Kickstarter campaign for his latest, aiming to raise $20,000 (he’s at $14,707 at press time) by January 15. Working with Murray Pulver (Doc Walker) at Signpost Studios, the 10-song LP has a bit of a concept behind it - to work as a piece of healing art for those in need of musical therapy. If he raises more than the goal, Amero’s page notes that his intention is to get it into the hands of people in need - for free - by partnering with schools and community centres. 

KEN mode - Success (June)

Named by Stereogum as one of the 101 most anticipated albums of 2015, I suppose it doesn’t mean much that we are also excited for it, but yeah. Recorded at Empire Recording with Steve Albini (Nirvana, Silkworm), the sixth LP from Winnipeg’s favourite Juno-winning noise rockers is poised to be a classic. Catch KEN mode January 30 at the Sherbrook Hotel. 

Psychics - You Don’t Have To Be Afraid (TBA)

Ambient, demonic, unnatural and gorgeous, The Psychics are one of those bands that gets booked to play a 40 minute set, only plays two songs and then says “but we have five more songs left.” You’ll get lost in the trio’s grooves just as much as its members do. Catch the band January 17 at the Fort Rouge United Church. 

Also, look for releases from ...

Beefdonut

David Brawner

Clipwing 

Dead Ranch

Elder Abuse/Anchorless (Split 7”) 

Figure

Fortress of Insanity

Ghost Hole

Greek Riots

Guerrillas of Soul

Hearing Trees

The Hours

Martin Klatt

Little Black Lungs

The Lousy Lovers

Mal Magorel

Mulligrub

The New Wild

Sierra Noble

AJ Ongenae

Palm Trees

Sibyl

Somebody Language & the Way It Feels

Tin Can Bandits

Unbelievable Bargains

Vampires

White Foxes

Yes We Mystic

Published in Volume 69, Number 16 of The Uniter (January 14, 2015)