Artist Spotlight
Premiere: Cigar Club Presents Newest Track “COLD”
Cigar Club’s newest track “COLD,” is a raucous thrill ride about loving someone who shows adoration in frigid ways.
The track from the Toronto four-piece has a punk rock energy to it—featuring blistering guitar bends, bombastic drum fills, smooth bass, and vocals that echo The Stooges’ early work. The singer has clearly been hurt and you feel it during the first line—”Maybe it’s true that I’m already your dog” and you immediately feel for the guy trapped in this icy coffin of a relationship. Still, lust rules during this hard alt-rock epic.
The vocals harmonies on “I” and “no” during the chorus are also pretty damn glam rock. Think T.Rex meets a heavy counterpart like Black Sabbath and you’re close.
The drum and bass combo are ridiculously tight allowing the guitar to dive head-first into heavy, chaotic, dimensions of distortion. Also, keep your ears alert for the little two-second bass fill—a highlight of the track.
Then comes the outro guitar solo, which sounds like it was meticulously crafted to bounce off the dark tone of “COLD” perfectly. The solo sounds like it could live on the Era Vulgaris Queens of the Stone Age record and really sends the song home. Yes, “COLD” is a banger of a track and will hauntingly stay with you hours after your first listen.
Though Cigar Club sounds like they have been playing together for nigh on a decade, the young band got its start in 2016 from the mutual interest in guitar maestro John Mayer. The sound quickly shifted into a heavier alt-rock with a bit of blues and soul.
They recorded their debut self-titled EP and started getting traction in Toronto playing live shows in 2019. The EP caught the notice of Billy Talent’s guitarist, Ian D’sa, who invited Cigar Club to play a curated show at the Bovine Sex Club. Cigar Club also recently made it into the semi-finals out of 100+ bands during 97.7 HTZ FM’s 2020 ROCKSEARCH.
“COLD” is the last single, following the previous singles “…Aliens” and “Swimmin’ in Gold,” and “From a Southeast Asian Two Bedroom Condo.” Cigar Club will unleash their highly anticipated full-length, Day, Now, in August. The debut LP promises to be an onslaught of hard rock tunes with a psychedelic, experimental edge.
“It takes the listener through all ends of the music spectrum, from heavy hard rock to soft ambient soundscapes,” Cigar Club says. “We really aimed to display our dynamic ability in this record and I think we managed to pull it off.”
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Heliara unveils a symphony of courage in vulnerability with her new single “Cloak of Fear”
Heliara sings with a commanding and compassionate tone in her new single, “Cloak of Fear.” This stirring pop-rock anthem dives headfirst into the shadows of their anxieties and low self-esteem while extending a hand toward hope and promoting self-discovery. The Ottawa-based singer-songwriter draws upon her extensive musical odyssey to craft this unapologetically candid yet emotive track, effectively merging vulnerability with a powerful message of hope. The song’s lyrics invite a journey of emotional release, encouraging them to trade their “cloak of fear” for something brighter.
Musically, “Cloak of Fear” exemplifies a masterclass, in contrast, with the piano and bold guitar working together to create a fascinating interplay of light and shadow. The juxtaposition of its darker lyrical themes with an uplifting melody is striking, creating a unique sonic landscape that mirrors the journey from struggle to resilience. Heliara’s voice soars as the song builds, conveying strength and tenderness, a reminder that authenticity has power even in our most vulnerable moments.
What sets this track apart is its sincerity. Each word feels like it’s been pulled from the pages of her diary, making “Cloak of Fear” an intimate portrayal of struggle and affirmation of transformation. It’s a celebration of the process of overcoming adversity. Heliara’s willingness to embrace the power and vulnerability within herself inspires others to do the same, pushing audiences to banish negativity, discard their insecurities, and step into their most authentic selves. “Cloak of Fear” emerges as an empowering melodic narrative imbued with an indomitable sense of optimism; it’s a reminder that regardless of the obstacles encountered, we possess the inherent strength to rise.
“Cloak of Fear” by Heliara demonstrates that vulnerability can be a source of superpowers. This track is a must-listen for anyone seeking to embrace their courage and rewrite their story.
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Artist Spotlight
“Wishing on a Star” by Claire Littley evokes a soulful odyssey of timeless classic dreams and optimism
Breathing new life into its familiar melody, Claire Littley’s reimagining of “Wishing on a Star” transcends its origins, transforming a timeless classic into an intimate, deeply personal narrative. Written initially by Billie Rae Calvin and recording popularized by Rose Royce, this song has always been a beacon of hope and dreams. However, Littley’s version delves into uncharted emotional territory, offering a vulnerable and soulful spin that feels like a heartfelt whisper to the universe.
Claire’s vocal performance stands out the most when she starts singing. Her delivery has a distinct emotive softness, a deliberate fragility that underscores the yearning at the song’s heart. Every word feels imbued with intention as if she’s not just singing about wishes but living them, shaping an atmosphere of intimacy that draws you in and holds you close.
Her production choices are equally thoughtful. Stripping the track to its emotional core, Littley creates a chilled, soulful arrangement that complements her vocals without overshadowing them. Delicate layers of instrumentation glide effortlessly, balancing nostalgia with innovation.
This version is unique because Claire connects with the song’s personal yet universal themes of hope, longing, and love in a way that resonates with generations. Her interpretation taps into these emotions, making it feel as relevant today as it did when the song was first released. It reminds listeners that the idea of “Wishing on a Star” is a metaphor we all share, a quiet act of defiance against life’s challenges.
“Wishing on a Star” by Claire Littley is more than a cover single; it’s a reinvention that will linger in the minds of listeners long after the final note fades, inviting everyone on a soul-stirring journey to dream and hope a little bigger. It’s proof that even the most familiar stars can shine in new and beautiful ways.
For more information about Claire Littley, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Claire Littley’s “Wishing on a Star“ on Spotify.
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