As pop-punk storms back into the forefront of culture, nobody did it better this year than this 20-year-old Torontonian. Though modern-day figurehead Travis Barker does appear on one track, the combination of renforshort’s blunt songwriting and bouncier Strokes-esque pop-rock sound makes her work stand out from the pack of seemingly increasingly samey tunes in the mainstream.
With an overarching concept of a self-help column and lyrics examining struggling to stay true to herself amid various social pressures, her idolization of the genre contributes to some truly anthemic choruses and heart wrenching imagery delivered by a strikingly emotive voice.
By Hannah Harlacher
The UK group returns with a bold, cheeky sophomore album that deepens their indie-rock identity.
By Megan Magdalena
A story of nostalgia, community, and the magic of never outgrowing your favourite band.
By Liam Dawe
Through grief, groove, and lo-fi soul, the Calgary duo deliver the first of a two-part muse on self-actualization.