#joshboniferro — Public Fediverse posts

THE LOCALIST: APRIL 2026 WRAP-UP

A Horse Named Friday—The Marriage of Loneliness and Continental Bliss

(LP)

Release Date: Apr. 14, 2026

City: Kitchener

Genre: Chamber Folk

The long-awaited debut album from A Horse Named Friday is the product of their gradual evolution over the last two years. The band experiments with a wide variety of instruments such as banjo, mandolin, violin, cello and harmonica, fulfilling a […]

THE LOCALIST: MARCH

Avalon Stone—Meant to Break (EP) 

Release Date: Feb. 27, 2026

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Alternative Rock, Grunge

The six-song debut EP from singer-songwriter, Avalon Stone draws clear inspiration from 1990s alternative and grunge rock but with a polished, modern influence. Produced by Juno Award winner Kevin Dietz (Glorious Sons, Billy Talent), the project features heavy alt-rock anthems that distinctively compliment the gritty vocal performance.

Nothing We Do Matters—Kinematics of Machinery

(EP) 

Release Date: Feb.28, 2026

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Experimental, Noise

The entirety of the band’s biography simply states “emo rhythm noise nonsense” which, while brief, perfectly encapsulates the experimental sound the band has concocted on their debut EP. The three tracks collectively present a challenging listening experience that melds layers of harsh noise, abrasive screams and unsettling electronic soundscapes.

I, the Mountain— Body (LP) 

Release Date: Mar. 6, 2026

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Indie Folk

Four-piece folk rockers I, the Mountain return with an emotional new five-song EP which is comprised of recent single releases, with the most recent and final addition being the title track “Body”. The collection of songs is raw and personal, exploring themes of self-worth and acceptance, while featuring some of the band’s tightest vocal harmonies to date.

Thorns—Closed Casket Burial 

(Singles) 

Release Date: Mar. 13, 2026

City: Waterloo

Genre: Metalcore

Thorns’ newest release consists of two singles, “Closed Casket” and “Burial”. Across both songs, the vocals are impressively dynamic, transitioning from deathly growls to aggressive shouting seamlessly. The band blends these vocals with heavy hardcore inspired breakdowns and intense metallic guitar riffs to create a unique sound.

Eric Folino—Hours for the Taking (EP) 

Release Date: Mar. 13, 2026

City: Waterloo

Genre: Acoustic, Indie Pop

Originally recorded in 2024, this eleven-song project was gradually released as singles and has ultimately culminated in Eric Folino’s debut album. With acoustic guitar and poetic lyricism at the forefront of each song, Folino presents a refreshing take on contemporary indie pop. The track “The World Began This Morning” is an impressively notable highlight from the album.

Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp. 

THE LOCALIST: FEBRUARY 2026 WRAP UP

Softcult—When A Flower Doesn’t Grow  (LP) 

Release Date: Jan. 30, 2026

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Grunge, Shoegaze

After delivering four exciting EPs between 2021 and 2024 and touring extensively during that same time, the sibling duo of Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn have finally released their fantastically hazy debut full-length album. The project explores challenging and sometimes taboo themes such as mental health and misogyny through creatively contemplative and unapologetically honest song writing. 

CHURCH FIGHT— Self-Titled EP (EP)

Release Date: Feb. 13, 2026

City: Cambridge 

Genre: Skate Punk

This brand new five-piece punk rock band comprised of veteran musicians has come hot out of the gate with a high octane three-track debut EP that is guaranteed to incite a brawl. With a blisteringly high tempo consistent across the entire project, the band has put together a collection of aggressively catchy punk songs with intricate melodic guitar riffs as a key focal point. 

Daphne—Jeepers (EP) 

Release Date: Feb. 13, 2026

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Instrumental Pop, R&B

The exciting debut EP release from Daphne is fully instrumental and irresistibly groovy. Blending smooth R&B instrumentation with accessible melodies from popular contemporary music makes for an easy and enjoyable listen. The track list includes four covers: Dua Lipa’s “Levitating”, SZA’s “Snooze”, Justin Bieber’s “SPEED DEMON” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Tears”.

A Horse Named Friday—Dana & Evelyn (Demo)

Release Date: Feb. 21, 2026

City: Kitchener

Genre: Chamber Folk

Eight raw and emotional live recordings preceded by six carefully delicate studio versions make up the collection of songs on A Horse Named Friday’s latest demo project. This listening experience breathes a sense of fresh perspective into the songs with the addition of the band’s stage banter and audience noise helping the listener to truly connect with the intimacy of the performances. 

KROKA— Have You Lost Your Mind? (Single) 

Release Date: Feb. 26, 2025

City: Kitchener

Genre: Desert Rock

Kroka is a three-piece rock band with a sound that is significantly heavier than expected based on their limited roster size. Their newest single features slow, heavy and fuzz-laden guitars as well as a gritty yet soulful performance from lead vocalist Richard Fenna. The song explores the idea of indulging in our distractions as an act of avoidance and the inevitability that we all must eventually address our problems.

Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp. 

THE LOCALIST: JANUARY 2026

Local Goblin—“Write My Story” (Single) 

Release Date: Jan. 9, 2026

City: Waterloo 

Genre: Metal

Local Goblin’s newest song comes on the heels of their debut single, “Forklift Certified”, which was released on Dec. 12, 2025. With the entirety of the band consisting of University of Waterloo students, there is a refreshing, youthful energy to their sound. Both of Local Goblin’s singles incorporate inspiration from a variety of genres such as nu metal, death metal and grunge.  

FRANKIE FLOWER—”VELVET COLLAPSE” 

(Single) 

Release Date: Jan. 21, 2026

City: Waterloo 

Genre: Alternative

Beginning with only jangly guitars and a soft vocal delivery, “VELVET COLLAPSE” showcases a lofi pop sound that feels like floating through a nostalgic daydream. FRANKIE FLOWERS makes the decision to boldly withhold any percussion until halfway through the song, leaving space for the vocals and lyrics to truly shine.  

Red Orkestra—Letters From Afar (LP) 

Release Date: Feb. 2, 2026

City: Waterloo 

Genre: Alternative, Folk

Originally formed by singer-songwriter Johnny Charmer in 2003, Red Orkestra returns with their seventh album, Letters From Afar, where they explore themes of love, longing, hope and resistance. Packed full of thoughtful and poignant lyricism, the band injects feelings of intimacy and political passion across the entirety of the ten-song track list. 

Living Room for Small—“wastemytwenties.3AM” 

(Single) 

Release Date: Jan. 15, 2026

City: Waterloo

Genre: Alternative, Pop

The alt-pop trio Living Room For Small have reimagined their song “WASTE MY TWENTIES”, which was originally released as part of their 2024 album PRETTY LITTLE DROP DEAD GORGEOUS. This new version is gentler and slower, and spacey by comparison. The production changes more clearly highlight the feelings of introspection and existentialism within the lyrics. 

Red Output—“Mud Wit Burz” (Single) 

Release Date: Dec. 21, 2025

City: Kitchener

Genre: Indie Rock, Post Punk

The first single from Red Output’s forthcoming EP, “Mud Wit Burz” is a high-tempo vocal tongue twister with an infectious energy that necessitates getting up and dancing. The band describes their song as a “big celebration of Love” that is meant to evoke the feeling of dancing at a concert with your friends.  

Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp. 

THE LOCALIST: JANUARY 2026

Local Goblin—“Write My Story” (Single) 

Release Date: Jan. 9, 2026

City: Waterloo 

Genre: Metal

Local Goblin’s newest song comes on the heels of their debut single, “Forklift Certified”, which was released on Dec. 12, 2025. With the entirety of the band consisting of University of Waterloo students, there is a refreshing, youthful energy to their sound. Both of Local Goblin’s singles incorporate inspiration from a variety of genres such as nu metal, death metal and grunge.  

FRANKIE FLOWER—”VELVET COLLAPSE” 

(Single) 

Release Date: Jan. 21, 2026

City: Waterloo 

Genre: Alternative

Beginning with only jangly guitars and a soft vocal delivery, “VELVET COLLAPSE” showcases a lofi pop sound that feels like floating through a nostalgic daydream. FRANKIE FLOWERS makes the decision to boldly withhold any percussion until halfway through the song, leaving space for the vocals and lyrics to truly shine.  

Red Orkestra—Letters From Afar (LP) 

Release Date: Feb. 2, 2026

City: Waterloo 

Genre: Alternative, Folk

Originally formed by singer-songwriter Johnny Charmer in 2003, Red Orkestra returns with their seventh album, Letters From Afar, where they explore themes of love, longing, hope and resistance. Packed full of thoughtful and poignant lyricism, the band injects feelings of intimacy and political passion across the entirety of the ten-song track list. 

Living Room for Small—“wastemytwenties.3AM” 

(Single) 

Release Date: Jan. 15, 2026

City: Waterloo

Genre: Alternative, Pop

The alt-pop trio Living Room For Small have reimagined their song “WASTE MY TWENTIES”, which was originally released as part of their 2024 album PRETTY LITTLE DROP DEAD GORGEOUS. This new version is gentler and slower, and spacey by comparison. The production changes more clearly highlight the feelings of introspection and existentialism within the lyrics. 

Red Output—“Mud Wit Burz” (Single) 

Release Date: Dec. 21, 2025

City: Kitchener

Genre: Indie Rock, Post Punk

The first single from Red Output’s forthcoming EP, “Mud Wit Burz” is a high-tempo vocal tongue twister with an infectious energy that necessitates getting up and dancing. The band describes their song as a “big celebration of Love” that is meant to evoke the feeling of dancing at a concert with your friends.  

Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp. 

THE LOCALIST: NEW MUSIC RELEASES FROM ACROSS THE REGION OF WATERLOO

New music releases and November 2024 wrap-up 

Curated by Josh Boniferro A.K.A Bird Daniels 

Feral Minks – Young Desire (EP) 

Release Date: Oct. 30, 2024 

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Folk, Rock 

What originally began as the solo project of guitarist Kent Merriam has since blossomed into a full rock band with a folk tinge. Young Desire is the Feral Minks’ third EP release since 2021 and includes four new rock songs liable to induce foot tapping or perhaps even stomping! 

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Heir Loom—spell spill spoil (EP) 

Release Date: Nov. 8, 2024 

City: Waterloo 

Genre: Dream Folk, Shoegaze 

This debut EP from Heir Loom has been greatly anticipated as the band has spent much of 2024 performing the songs featured on this project at live performances across the Waterloo Region. With five different string instruments and every member contributing vocals, the band can create a dreamy soundscape that is uniquely their own. 

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I, the Mountain—Wildflowers (LP) 

Release Date: Nov. 8, 2024 

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Indie Folk, Pop 

Following several recent appearances at Ontario music festivals such as Belmont Village Bestival and Gussapolooza, the four-piece band has put together a fantastic follow-up to their 2020 debut album Little Wild. The songs on Wildflowers were recorded between 2020 and 2024, showcasing the band’s exploration of their sound over this time and resulting in an exciting and eclectic listen.  

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SOLSIC —Grungetown (Single) 

Release Date: Nov. 13, 2024 

City: Kitchener-Waterloo 

Genre: Alternative, Hardcore 

SOLSIC’s second single release of the year, Grungetown, presents a blend of shouting and melodic vocals alongside thrashing hardcore instrumentation that brings the best of both hardcore and alternative emo to the forefront. SOLSIC will be playing at Revive Karaoke in Waterloo on Dec. 7 as part of Srsly Productions’ Emo Christmas event. SOLS

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A Horse Named Friday – Mad Scientist/Feel (Demo) 

Release Date: Nov. 13, 2024 

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Chamber Folk 

A Horse Named Friday began as the solo project of local singer-songwriter Jo El-deek. They are now joined on their debut demo release by Emma Thorne on bass, Soren Stokholm on mandolin and Shak Hens on violin. This eccentric combination of instruments beautifully compliments El-deek’s lyricism on this intimately introspective pair of songs. 

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Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp. 

#AHorseNamedFriday #alternative #FeralMinks #folk #HeirLoom #ITheMountain #IndieFolk #JoshBoniferro #localMusic #NewMusic #Pop #Rock #Solsic