A well-stocked bar is really only half the equation. The other half is a banging soundtrack. We asked our favourite local labels and acts to contribute tracks for free download, and we came away with a feet-moving, head-spinning collection that pairs perfectly with any beverage. It’s NOW’s holiday present to you.
Ode To The Swinger, by Phèdre
The title suggests something out of Eyes Wide Shut, but the loose, woozy psychedelic dance vibe from Toronto’s “three lovers from Monaco” makes an excellent party starter.
Tak, by Beta Frontiers
Nineties hip-hop sampling, synth-heavy retro-futurism from inside T.O.’s fertile electronic underground keeps your party’s energy high as a kite.
Fail To Cry, by Yacht Club
When we asked Ben Cook, known best as the guitarist for progressive hardcore heroes Fucked Up, for an appropriate offering from his Yacht Club side project, he replied, “Bro, they are all party jammers.” We chose this bouncy, kitschy 80-style pop.
America, by Revolvers
Optical Sounds psych-rockers Revolvers chose this druggy, groovy guitar trip – an ultra-cool momentum-propeller.
Leave Us Strong, by Tarantuela
Like a quality blurry night in the back room of the Cameron House, this rootsy, Band-evoking rocker – from the new, rising Cameron House Records – is the perfect soundtrack to sloppily raised pint glasses and whisky shots.
Red Wagon, by Luke Lalonde
Born Ruffians’ hyperactive youth-rock can ignite a room in its own right, but on Red Wagon, lead singer Luke Lalonde steps into the spotlight solo with a slick, soulful bit of electro-pop that, frankly, we didn’t know he had in him.
What You Got, by Digits
This pulse-raising track – the latest single in the ongoing serialized zombie story/album from Toronto-born, Berlin-based Alt Altman – is a little more aggressive than his usual introspective electro-pop.
To My Right, by Prince Innocence
Josh McIntyre of Little Girls has a rep on the local dive bar scene as a lo-fi post-punker, but he started the synth-pop duo Prince Innocence with girlfriend Talvi Faustmann to get people to dance at shows. It still has some of his old band’s moodiness, but it fares much better on a party playlist.
Killed In Action, by Kontravoid
Ex of Crystal Castles, Trust and Parallels, Cam Findlay forges even shadowier terrain under the name (and mask) of Kontravoid. Gothy electro is trendy as all hell – no white makeup required.
Wrath Of God, by Crystal Castles
Though they fancy themselves shit-disturbers, local electro-noise provocateurs Crystal Castles lean more on the “electro” side on their newest album, Crystal Castles III. The perfect soundtrack for dancing in the dark.
She Is The Wave, by Doldrums
The chaotic cut-and-paste mix of club beats, ravey samples and androgynous vocals on this weirdo’s upcoming album, Lesser Evil, should get guests’ heads spinning.
Lamia, by Yamantaka//Sonic Titan
This sludgy, mind-bending track from our favourite Toronto/Montreal psych/prog/Noh-wave collective takes your party home.
