New Music Monday - Five New Tracks Shifting Muskoka Into Summer

Monday, 1 June 2026 00:05

New music from The Revivalists, Bedouin Soundclash, The Smashing Pumpkins, Tim Hicks, and Kurt Vile

As May draws to a close, a subtle transformation washes over the local waterways and granite shorelines. The crisp early hours have softened, waterfront properties are buzzing with preparation, and the entire region is eagerly sliding into the relaxed tempo of the warmer months ahead. This week’s edition embraces that exact feeling of transition, taking the stellar lineup highlighted on The Countdown with Aaron Hall this past Friday and bringing it directly to the page. We are officially leaving the messy, unpredictable early days of the season behind and settling into a confident, sun-drenched stride. Featuring a mix of introspective southern soul, breezy island-inspired rhythms, heavy-hitting rock icons, and rugged Canadian country, these five standout releases are ready to serve as the ultimate backdrop for your open-window travels across the northern landscape.

The Revivalists – "Razorblades and Runways"

Stepping forward with an incredibly raw and intimate offering from their upcoming studio album Get It Honest (hitting shelves July 24 via Concord Records), New Orleans heavyweights The Revivalists deliver pure magic with "Razorblades and Runways." This track sees frontman David Shaw trading in his massive rock-anthem energy for a vulnerable, soul-stirring look in the mirror. Co-penned alongside Andriu Yanovski and PJ Howard, the song serves as an honest confession about walking away from a chaotic, fast-paced lifestyle to embrace the grounding peace of family and real appreciation. Propelled by a tight, infectious groove and Shaw's unmistakable, emotionally charged vocal range, it’s a beautifully crafted tune that offers the perfect, mellow backdrop for a quiet dusk over the waters of Lake Vernon.

Bedouin Soundclash & Collie Buddz – "Bang-a-lang"

Delivering an instant burst of pure summer energy right when we need it most, Canadian reggae-rock mainstays Bedouin Soundclash have teamed up with dancehall/reggae heavyweight Collie Buddz for their vibrant new single, "Bang-a-lang." Released via Dine Alone Music, the track is a masterclass in feel-good syncopation, blending Bedouin’s signature indie-pop-infused roots rhythms with Buddz’s smooth, melodic vocal delivery. Built on an infectious, driving bassline and bright, crisp brass punches, the song radiates an effortless, sun-soaked optimism. It’s an undeniable, high-energy groove that practically commands you to roll the windows down, making it the ultimate addition to the playlist for your first weekend boat cruises of the year.

The Smashing Pumpkins – "Excelsior"

Diving deep into the atmospheric, synth-driven rock landscapes of their expansive album Zodeon at Crystal Hall, alt-rock royalty The Smashing Pumpkins deliver a hypnotic journey with "Excelsior." Written entirely by Billy Corgan, the track masterfully contrasts a driving, propulsive rhythm section with layers of vintage, swirling keyboard arrangements and biting, textured guitar accents. Corgan’s distinctive, enigmatic vocal delivery cuts through the sonic fog with a tense, poetic urgency, capturing a bittersweet sense of defiance and dreamlike reflection. It’s an expansive, cinematic piece of alternative rock that builds with a brooding momentum—hitting like a brilliant lightning bolt and matching a gritty, late-night energy that resonates perfectly as the fog rolls in over the dark pines of Highway 11.

Tim Hicks – "The Pilot"

Representing the roaring heart of contemporary Canadian country music, chart-topping anthem-maker Tim Hicks delivers a powerhouse piece of storytelling with his latest single, "The Pilot." Serving as a standout track from his brand-new studio album Going Somewhere (released via Open Road Recordings), the song expertly pairs a driving, foot-stomping acoustic rhythm with a massive, arena-ready electric guitar swell. Driven by Hicks’ signature soulful, gravelly vocal delivery, the track perfectly captures the blue-collar grit and emotional vulnerability of finding direction amidst life’s turbulent storms. It’s a proud, high-energy country anthem packed with massive hooks and an undeniable, boot-stomping groove that is tailor-made for rowdy cottage bonfires and long highway drives across the backroads of Huntsville.

Kurt Vile – "Chance to Bleed"

In a beautifully hazy showcase of lo-fi rock craftsmanship, indie-folk troubadour Kurt Vile delivers a gorgeous, hypnotic piece of songwriting with "Chance to Bleed." Serving as a stellar highlight from his brand-new album Philadelphia's Been Good to Me (released via Verve Forecast), the track effortlessly introduces a warm, easygoing tone packed with hazy acoustic guitar chords and laid-back vocal phrasings. Moving at its own unhurried, hypnotic pace, Vile blends earnest, DIY rock-and-roll romanticism with sharp, vivid lyricism about finding beauty inside everyday chaos. It’s a timeless, drifting track that carries a strange sense of comfort, wrapping up this week’s lineup with a relaxed, melodic vibe that feels as natural and comforting as a quiet Sunday evening watching the mist rise off the river.

As the maples fully leaf out to catch the late May sun, these five tracks perfectly mirror the steady growth and vibrant energy sweeping across our backyard. Whether you are looking for the introspective soul of southern rock favorites or the timeless, easygoing rhythms of indie icons, this week’s print lineup ensures your transition into the heart of the season is loud, soulful, and full of life.

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