New Music Monday: Fresh Sounds for Cool Nights

AJR, Sloan, The Sheepdogs & More Lead This Week’s Playlist

The mornings are cooler, the nights are longer, and the smell of woodsmoke is starting to drift through the air. But just because the seasons are changing doesn’t mean the new music has slowed down. Welcome back to New Music Monday—your weekly stop for tracks that make the shifting months feel like their own soundtrack.

This week’s lineup spans indie pop, rock grit, bluesy grooves, and a little experimental flair—perfect for a drive through colourful streets or a quiet evening with a cup of something warm. Let’s dive in.

AJR – “The Big Goodbye”

AJR return with “The Big Goodbye,” a soaring indie-pop track that balances upbeat production with introspective lyrics. The band layers shimmering synths, punchy percussion, and their signature vocal harmonies to create a sound that’s both cinematic and intimate. It’s a song about endings and moving on, perfectly capturing that bittersweet feeling when the seasons—and life—shift.

The Last Dinner Party – “Second Best”

Toronto’s The Last Dinner Party offer a punchy, confident indie-rock track with “Second Best.” Jagged guitars and driving drums underscore sharp, witty lyrics about self-worth and rivalry. The chorus is infectious, and the song carries a sense of defiance, perfect for anyone who’s refusing to settle as the leaves start to fall.

Sloan – “No Damn Fears”

Veteran rockers Sloan deliver a reminder of their knack for melodic hooks with “No Damn Fears.” A crisp, guitar-driven track, it’s both nostalgic and fresh, with lyrics encouraging courage in uncertain times. The energy is contagious, the harmonies warm, and it’s the kind of song that makes the cooler nights feel like a soundtrack for possibility.

The Sheepdogs – “Nobody But You”

The Sheepdogs return with a soulful, blues-rock groove on “Nobody But You.” Fuzzy guitars, twangy riffs, and a laid-back rhythm section give the song a classic feel, while the heartfelt vocals make it intimate and immediate. It’s a perfect track for cozy evenings by a fire, echoing the warmth of the season even as the temperatures drop.

Finger Eleven – “Last Night on Earth”

Finger Eleven close out this week with the atmospheric “Last Night on Earth,” a brooding yet anthemic rock track. Layers of textured guitars and powerful drums build a cinematic sense of urgency, while the vocals carry a weighty, reflective tone. It’s a song that asks big questions, fitting for nights that stretch longer and feel full of possibility.

And that’s your New Music Monday playlist. From AJR’s reflective pop to Finger Eleven’s expansive rock, these tracks provide the perfect soundtrack for the turn of the season—moments of nostalgia, bursts of energy, and a reminder that change can feel thrilling.

So whether you’re watching the smoke curl from your chimney or heading out for an evening drive, let these songs carry you through the week ahead.

Sources:

• ajrbrothers.com
• thelastdinnerparty.com
• exclaim.ca
• sloanmusic.com
• CBC Music
• thesheepdogs.com
• Rolling Stone Canada
• fingereleven.com
• Pitchfork
• NME