New Music Monday: Five tracks setting the tone for the week ahead

New music from The Black Crowes, Black Label Society, U2, Everlast, and Sublime

The shift from early spring into something that finally feels like the real thing is starting to take hold across Muskoka. The snowbanks are shrinking, the lakes are loosening, and there’s that sense that everything is just about to wake up. It’s the kind of in-between moment that calls for a soundtrack with a bit of edge, a bit of reflection, and a lot of forward motion. This week’s New Music Monday lineup leans into that feeling, with a mix of veteran voices and familiar names returning with something new to say.

Here are five tracks worth your time this week:

The Black Crowes – "Cruel Streak"

There’s a certain swagger you expect from The Black Crowes, and "Cruel Streak" delivers it without feeling like a throwback for the sake of nostalgia. Built on a greasy, blues-rock groove, the track leans into the band’s roots while still sounding sharp and present. Chris Robinson’s vocal has that familiar mix of grit and looseness, riding over a riff that feels like it could stretch out for ten minutes on stage. It’s a reminder that when this band locks into a groove, few do it better, and it fits perfectly with that restless, in-between energy of the season.

Black Label Society – "Ozzy’s Song"

Zakk Wylde has never been shy about wearing his influences on his sleeve, and "Ozzy’s Song" is exactly what it sounds like, a heavy, heartfelt nod to his long history with Ozzy Osbourne. The track blends thick, chugging guitars with a surprisingly reflective tone, balancing muscle with melody. There’s a sense of respect running through it, but it never loses that signature Black Label weight. It’s the kind of song that feels built for both late-night listens and full-volume drives.

U2 – "In a Life"

U2 continues to evolve, and "In a Life" finds the band leaning into a more restrained, atmospheric sound. The track builds slowly, layering guitar textures and understated rhythm while Bono delivers a reflective, almost conversational vocal. It’s less about stadium-sized hooks and more about mood and space, showing a band that’s still willing to pull things back and explore quieter territory. There’s a sense of looking backward and forward at the same time, which gives the song a quiet weight.

Everlast – "Stones"

Everlast has always had a way of blending genres without forcing it, and "Stones" continues that approach. There’s a stripped-down, almost dusty feel to the track, built around acoustic elements and a steady, head-nodding rhythm. His vocal delivery carries that lived-in quality, somewhere between a rap cadence and a blues storyteller. Lyrically, it leans into themes of resilience and consequence, making it one of those songs that settles in more the longer you sit with it.

Sublime – "Until the Sun Explodes"

Sublime’s legacy has always been tied to that laid-back, sun-soaked California sound, and "Until the Sun Explodes" taps into that spirit while pushing it forward. The track blends reggae rhythms, punk energy, and a modern polish that keeps it from feeling stuck in the past. It’s bright, a little chaotic, and built for warmer days that are just starting to feel within reach. There’s a sense of release in it, like the first real stretch of good weather after a long winter.

As the season starts to turn and the days stretch out just a little longer, these tracks offer a solid mix of reflection and momentum. Whether you’re easing into spring or just looking for something new to cut through the last of the cold, this week’s lineup has you covered.

Sources:

• * Billboard
• * Rolling Stone
• * NME
• * Consequence
• * Loudwire
• * AllMusic
• Hunters Bay Radio