The Neighbourhood Mixtape: Ponytail

The Neighbourhood Mixtape is a collection of newly-released songs by Toronto musicians. The mixtape is meant to celebrate Toronto's music culture and provide a forum to listen to and discover new local music.

Every Sunday, I post a five-track mixtape (along with my own mini-reflections for each track) that you can download or stream as a soundtrack for the week.

Track #1: Matthew Maaskant, "Fireflies"

"There's only one corner when the lights go out" repeats Matthew Maaskant in his solemn song "Fireflies". Maaskant sings like a deep-sea diver. Motivated by romance, he dredges up mysteries of the abyss and the commonplace. Download Matthew Maaskant's album for free on his Bandcamp page.

Track #2: Bruce Peninsula, "The Swimming Song"

Part of the Bruce Trail Fire Sale series, Bruce Peninsula covers Louden Wainwright III's "The Swimming Song". Guitarist Matt Cully sings the tune like he's on a front porch, weaving Louden's lyrical tale through banjo picks and a gospel-like choral ensemble.

Track #3: Ruby Coast, "Made To Change"

The hazy, sun-shower harmony in "Made to Change" conjures a faraway place, where time-lapsed clouds flutter over water and children run through meadows.

Track #4: Golden Dogs, "As Long As You Like"

Golden Dogs' catchy new track "As Long As You Like" hangs loose like a pair of faded, crumpled jeans. It's a joyous rumpus consisting of old-style girl-group doo-wops, handclaps, piano slides and a rhythm reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days".

Track #5: Sandman Viper Command, "Rough Love"

One of my favourite tracks this week is SVC's "Rough Love". The track sprawls like a thick fog with woozy vocals and drumbeats, the mist disappearing before your eyes when the song switches and the guitar breaks knock you off the path.

If you wish to be a part of The Neighbourhood Mixtape, you can contact Aldrin at aldrin [at] blogto [dotcom]