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: Del Bel, "Beltone"

A maddening background of strings and guitars shriek as Lisa Conway sings the opening lyric, "How does one fight the dark alone?" Her vocals are spectral and sombre, disappearing and descending deep with the tension of enraged noise.

Track #2: Arkells, "Michigan Left (Young Galaxy Remix)"

Young Galaxy remixes Arkells' willowy and surging title-track "Michigan Left", dressing the psych-rock tune in a disguise of gentle and rich electronic and heavy bass. Download the track for free here (via Paper Bag Records).

Track #3: The Weather Station, "Came So Easy"

Tamara Lindeman's voice, although brittle, is a mighty gift. She strums gently and gracefully while her voice constructs a home, like filling a page with words, tireless, triumphant.

Track #4: Hollow Pigeons, "1996"

"1996" feels personal from the first second, when you hear the icy specks, to the unfolding gleam of hazy electronic ambience that chimes and sparkles. Download the Hollow Pigeons wintry instrumental EP Birthdays for free here.

Track #5: The Weeknd, "Lonely Star"

Abel Tesfaye AKA The Weeknd snatches your attention with his high-pitched vocals, which slither along with a dark chill of bass wobbles and mountainous, helium-like beats.

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