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: Topanga, "Oceans"

Topanga's full-blooded sound exhilarates in "Oceans", part of a 7-inch the band will release (physically) and celebrate on February 24th at Sneaky Dees. Download a free digital copy here.

Track #2: Evening Hymns, "If I Handle You With Care (Trembling Blue Stars cover)"

While you wait for the new Evening Hymns album Spectral Dusk, listen to the band's earthy and unhurried cover of a Trembling Blue Stars tune. Buy the song here.

Track #3: Lake Forest, "Autumn Skies"

"You cannot light a fire without a spark," sings Will Whitwham in "Autumn Skies". Whitwham's new project, Lake Forest holds your attention with their vivid campfire song, as Whitwham sings about forest critters and pastoral memories.

Track #4: Roads and Boats, "Anaesthetic"

An ensemble of sonic glitches and rolling loops create a vocal black hole in "Anaesthetic", its depth of narcotized sound raising a chill until the track breaks in a haze.

Track #5: The Junction, "Waves"

The Junction releases their third album Grievances March 6. Listen and download their catchy, effortless track "Waves" - a sun-kissed pop tune with whirring riffs and breezy hooks.

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