Ottawa music fans always have an ear out for what is worth adding to the playlist, and this week's crop of new releases gives listeners plenty to dig into. Three very different records landed recently: a rock comeback from Weezer, a jangly indie effort from Kiwi Jr., and a haunting turn from Chelsea Wolfe. Here is a quick rundown of what is worth your time.
Weezer, The Gold Album (Los Angeles)
After a stretch of albums that leaned heavily into goofy, glossy pop, Weezer has been steadily steering back toward the intense, hook-driven rock that made the band a household name in the first place. The new record, sometimes referred to as The Gold Album, keeps one foot in familiar territory while still finding room for a handful of subtle and unexpected pop flourishes. Longtime fans who felt burned by the band's more experimental detours will likely find this one a welcome return to form, even if it does not break entirely new ground.
For Ottawa listeners who grew up on the band's mid 2000s radio staples, this is the kind of release that is easy to queue up on a walk along the Rideau Canal or during a drive out to the Gatineau Hills.
Kiwi Jr.
Kiwi Jr. continues to carve out a niche in the crowded indie rock landscape with wry lyrics and guitar tones that recall classic college radio. It is the kind of record that rewards a close listen, with lines that sneak up on you a second or third time through. Ottawa has a strong appetite for this style of guitar pop, and local record shops and campus radio stations tend to pick up on bands like this quickly.
Chelsea Wolfe
On the heavier and more atmospheric end of the spectrum, Chelsea Wolfe delivers another record steeped in doom-laden textures and haunting vocals. It is a mood piece more than a collection of singles, best experienced start to finish, ideally with the lights low. Wolfe has built a devoted following among fans of darker, heavier sounds, and this release should only add to that.
Where to Hear It in Ottawa
Ottawa's music scene has long supported the kind of independent and alternative acts featured in this roundup. Venues like House of TARG, Live on Elgin and Bronson Centre regularly book touring acts in these same lanes, and local record stores such as Vertigo Records and Birdman Sound are reliable spots to track down physical copies or get a recommendation from staff who know the genre well. Campus and community radio, including CHUO 89.1FM out of the University of Ottawa, is also a good bet for catching these tracks in rotation.
Whether your taste runs toward Weezer's polished rock hooks, Kiwi Jr.'s wry indie charm, or Chelsea Wolfe's brooding atmosphere, there is something in this week's releases worth adding to the queue.
Source: Ottawa Life Magazine
