Single Servings, Dec. 20, 2021

By Jason Schneider

We’ve showcased a ton of great Canadian music since launching Single Servings back in March. Here are 10 of our favourite rock and roll songs during that span, proving that the genre is alive and well.

Art d’Ecco – Desires

Release Date: April 9

Label: Paper Bag Records

What we wrote then: The Victoria, B.C. glam rock revivalist returns with this stomping beauty, powered by a ton of Marc Bolan-esque swagger. If the rest of d’Ecco’s soon-to-arrive In Standard Definition LP sounds this good, it will be a boost that Canadian rock could certainly use right now.

Stream/Purchase

Crown Lands – White Buffalo

Release Date: July 8

Label: Spinefarm/Universal Music Canada

What we wrote then: Coming off a well-deserved Juno win for Rock Album of the Year, Cody Bowles and Kevin Comeau have completed their trilogy of songs promoting Indigenous rights with White Buffalo, which they say points toward the future of overcoming oppression. Although more straightforward than some of their proggier work (check out the other new track they’ve just dropped, the 13-minute The Oracle as an example), White Buffalo still ticks many classic rock boxes for the Rush-obsessed duo.

Stream/Purchase

Daniel Romano’s Outfit – Nocturne Child

Release Date: July 15

Label: You’ve Changed Records

What we wrote then: After a ridiculous 2020 during which he released 10 records in almost every genre imaginable, Daniel Romano has taken his foot off the gas a bit, with his focus seemingly on the forthcoming album Cobra Poems. If Nocturne Child is any indication, it promises to be a throwback rock record full of gritty, Stones-esque swagger and Romano’s now standard Dylan-inspired lyricism.

Bandcamp

SATE – The Fool

Release Date: Nov. 5

Label: CLK Creative Works

What we wrote then: Toronto’s SATE has finally followed up her acclaimed 2016 debut album RedBlack&Blue with The Fool, another suitably raging collection of grungy, blues rockers. The title track displays some more sonic ambition, which should go far in separating her from her more conventional competition.

Stream/Purchase

Rick White – Underneath

Release Date: June 16

Label: Blue Fog Recordings

What we wrote then: The reclusive co-founder of Eric’s Trip and Elevator To Hell makes an unexpected but highly welcome return with this fuzz-drenched, psychedelic nugget that’s on White’s new solo album, Where It’s Fine. Underneath, is sure to conjure up some ‘90s flashbacks, but simply having White back in action again should be enough cause for celebration.

Website

Danko Jones – Saturday

Release Date: July 16

Label: Sonic Unyon

What we wrote then: We’ve heard Elton John, the Bay City Rollers and Stompin’ Tom Connors immortalize Saturday night in song, and now Danko Jones joins their ranks with this second single from the forthcoming Power Trio album. As expected, Saturday is a blistering ode to the best part of the week and proof that it’s still possible to make great, pure rock and roll. Why Danko Jones still isn’t a household name in Canada remains a mystery.

Stream/Purchase

The Beaches – Let’s Go

Release Date: April 29

Label: Universal Music Canada

What we wrote then: Toronto’s The Beaches have definitely been one of the bright spots on the CanRock landscape in recent years, and they’re returning May 14 with a new five-song EP entitled Future Lovers. Produced by Jacknife Lee (U2, R.E.M.), it promises more taut and spiky power pop with immediately catchy choruses—if the first single Let’s Go is any indication.

Stream/Purchase

The Sadies – Stop And Start

Release Date: Nov. 9

Label: Dine Alone Records

What we wrote then: Canada’s finest roots/psych unit has been getting increasingly weirder with each record they’ve put out, and this first taste of their upcoming, as-yet-untitled collection, produced by Arcade Fire’s Richard Reed Parry, suggests it could be their most brain-melting yet. At the very least, Stop And Start could have been in high rotation at the Manson Family ranch.

Stream/Purchase

NOBRO – Better Each Day

Release Date: Oct. 13

Label: Dine Alone Records

What we wrote then: Montreal punk act Nobro is definitely a band to keep a close eye on. With their seven-song EP Live Your Truth Shred Some Gnar on the horizon, they’ve shared this catchy preview in advance of tour dates in support of Billy Talent, PUP and Rise Against. Produced by Thomas D’Arcy, Better Each Day is celebratory rock and roll at its finest.

Stream/Purchase

Art Bergmann – Christo-Fascists (feat. Wayne Kramer)

Release Date: May 27

Label: Weewerk Recordings

What we wrote then: With anticipation building for the Canadian legend’s new album Late Stage Empire Dementia, he’s shared one of its harder tracks that takes direct aim at how evangelical Christians are eroding democracy. Featuring a rare guest appearance by MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer, Christ-Fascists addresses plenty of uncomfortable truths. Powerful, to put it mildly.

Bandcamp