The Ape-Ettes - Simply The Ape-Ettes

Out today on two most excellent labels (Reta Records and Snappy Little Numbers) is the first vinyl release from Sudbury, Ontario's The Ape-Ettes. The Ape-Ettes are Julie (guitar, vocals), Melanie (drums), and Andrée (bass). They released a really fantastic album back in 2017 which I'm just now discovering and totally loving. The new 7", titled Simply The Ape-Ettes, is an absolute treat for anyone who enjoys punk-influenced garage rock (that's just about all of you reading this, right?). It delivers four songs that are all equally good in different ways. "Trampoline" is a straight-ahead rocker and a good, old-fashioned breakup song. With its punchy guitars, clever lyrics, and bad-ass vocal, it has the feel of a song that would be a radio hit if they still played real rock and roll on the radio. "Rémi" is more of a high energy power pop rock and roll number. It's a real toe-tapper and a super fun song in general — with lyrics that are an affirmation for cool moms everywhere. "Inner Child" is a groovy psychedelic pop song about the importance of self-love. Who can argue with that? Bringing it all home is "Hearing Protection," a punky garage pop anthem pondering the importance of aging gracefully and the literal hearing risks of playing in a punk rock band. What a delight this record is! These are thoughtful, profound songs, and they'll get you dancing to boot! Simply The Ape-Etttes is simply a smash! The 7" is extremely limited and comes in two gorgeous variants: sky blue vinyl and clear vinyl with red and sky blue splatter. Get yourself a copy while the getting's good!

-L.R.

https://retarecords.bandcamp.com/album/simply-the-ape-ettes

https://theape-ettes.bandcamp.com/

https://snappylittlenumbers.bandcamp.com/album/simply

http://snappylittlenumbers.limitedrun.com/products/744407-the-ape-ettes-simply-7-digital
https://www.facebook.com/theapeettes
https://www.facebook.com/reta.records/
https://www.instagram.com/reta.records/
https://www.facebook.com/snappylittlenumbers

Miesha and The Spanks - "I Can't Wait"/"Dig Me Out"

The latest in an on-going string of smash hits from the illustrious Reta Records is a brand-new 7" which collects a pair of fantastic digital singles released earlier this year by Calgary duo Miesha & The Spanks. I can rarely type the words "double A-side" with a straight face, but in this case it would be a slight to not invoke that very description. Miesha and The Spanks are Miesha Louie and Sean Hamilton. Together they rock harder than any two people have a right to. Their sound is hard to pigeonhole. It's anthemic rock and impassioned punk and infectious power pop all at the same time. Influences from punk's past lay a bedrock foundation, but all in all this band sounds super fresh and totally "now" in 2022. And without a doubt, Miesha Louie is one of the best singers I've heard in today's music scene. She's got an incredible vocal tone which she uses like a force of nature. 

Produced by the Buzzcocks' Danny Farrant along with Paul Rawson, both of this single's tracks sound like they could revive alternative rock radio in all its glory. Originally released in July, "I Can't Wait" is the ultimate feelgood summer song. Its re-release in the middle of November feels like a gift from the music gods. Forget those winter blahs  — they've been canceled! Coming on with massive hooks and an unstoppable, contagious energy, this is a summer jam that hits the spot any day of the year. From the killer riff to the knockout vocal to the explosive chorus, this song is three minutes of non-stop awesomeness. The other hit here has a very different vibe but is a song that the world needs to hear. Originally released in April, "Dig Me Out" is a powerful and deeply emotional reaction to the discovery of 215 child remains at the Kamloops Residential School last year. It's both a passionate indictment of an unspeakable injustice and an empowering anthem for the survivors of residential schools. At a time when the music is sometimes an afterthought in political songs, "Dig Me Out" demonstrates how truly inspired music can enhance the power of the message. Miesha's vocal will give you chills. I urge you all to watch the music video which details the horrific history of North American residential schools. This song and video will get you worked up, and that's a good thing. 

Jamie from Reta Records has again shown her impeccable taste with the addition of Miesha and The Spanks to her star-studded roster. Reta has already released the best EP of the year. Might the label also claim the best single of 2022? We shall see! Following up this single, Miesha and The Spanks have a new album in the works. If these songs are an indication of what's to come, we're in for something special. The new 7" just went up for sale today and is limited to 50 copies hand-cut by Robyn at Red Spade Records. Move quickly if you want in on this action!

-L.R.

https://retarecords.bandcamp.com/album/i-cant-wait-dig-me-out
https://mieshathespanks.bandcamp.com/
https://www.mieshaandthespanks.net/
https://www.facebook.com/mandthespanks
https://www.instagram.com/mandthespanks/
https://www.youtube.com/mieshathespanks
https://www.instagram.com/reta.records/
https://www.facebook.com/reta.records

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1pByG4lN7gH4mkcCThBj6j

The Sorels - Love Your Rock N' Roll

 

Surely it would have been premature of me to have rated The Sorels as one of the best bands in the world when they had only released four songs. But that changes on this glorious day on which The Sorels double their recorded output with the release of their third 7" Love Your Rock N' Roll. The math teacher in me has spoken: eight is enough! The Sorels can no longer be denied their rightful place in the top tier of present-day rock and roll bands. If you're not yet hip to Canada's tiniest and toughest girl gang, you are depriving yourself of hours of joy and excitement. 

Another fab co-release between the world-renowned labels Reta Records and Surfin' Ki Records, Love Your Rock N' Roll delivers four tracks of glam-punk rock and roll goodness that will have you clapping your hands, stomping your feet, dancing in delight, singing along at the top of your lungs, and getting frisky with your significant other. While it didn't debut until the middle of August, the title track is 2022's song of the summer, hands down. You simply won't hear music more exuberant, catchy, and rocking than this. As you and your friends seek to fill the remaining weeks of summer with as much adventure and good times as humanly possible, "Love Your Rock N' Roll" ought to be your soundtrack. If The Shangri-Las had been reborn as a glam rock act in 1973, they might have produced a song this good! But this EP is no one-song wonder. The absolutely wonderful "The Jerk" finds The Sorels digging deep into their '60s girl group influences. "Make Me Party" is the kind of song that makes The Sorels special: it takes elements of glam rock, soul music, and straight-up rock and roll and creates something new and unique. The lead vocal on this track is one of the best I've heard in a long time (Jo Jo has powerful pipes and the charisma to match). And you've got to love that sax! Love Your Rock N' Roll closes with a powerhouse version of The Hello's 1973 single "Another School Day" that fits perfectly with the rest of the EP. 

The Sorels have followed two dynamite singles with by far their best release to date. I would challenge anyone to listen to Love Your Rock N' Roll and say with a a straight face that rock and roll is dead. Jo Jo, Jill, and Jennifer absolutely smashed it with this release. This EP has got everything you could want from a rock and roll record: amazing songs, incredible vocals, perfect backups & harmonies, smoking guitars, arena-sized drums, and a bad-ass attitude and unstoppable life force that come pouring out of every note. How can you listen to music like this and not feel happy to be alive? This release is limited to just 300 copies on bubblegum blast, red, and black vinyl. And as they say in the ads, supplies are running out! Hit up Reta Records on Bandcamp and the Surfin' Ki web store to get your orders in!

-L.R.

https://retarecords.bandcamp.com/album/love-your-rock-n-roll
https://www.facebook.com/thesorels/
https://www.instagram.com/thesorelswinnipeg/
https://www.instagram.com/reta.records/
https://www.facebook.com/reta.records
https://www.instagram.com/surfinkirecords/
https://www.facebook.com/surfinkirecords/
http://surfinkirecords.bigcartel.com/product/the-sorels-love-your-rock-n-roll
https://open.spotify.com/album/0R3pEh9b3JFFCEe1A5oK2n

Natalie Sweet & Brad Marino - "Second Time"/"Over My Head"

You can probably imagine how excited I was when I heard that Natalie Sweet and Brad Marino would be collaborating on a new single. These are two of my favorite people in music joining forces to make a record with my two favorite labels. I knew this was a huge deal, and the resulting release does not disappoint. Out today on Reta Records and Rum Bar Records, "Second Time"/"Over My Head" features brand-new smash hits from both of these amazing artists. But this is no ordinary split single -- it's a true collaboration! Sweet and Marino each came to this project with a new song idea and then benefited from having the other add parts to it. Each track is in the signature style of its lead artist, but the input of both songwriters is easy to hear. That says a lot about the talent of these two individuals, but it also says a lot about how well their musical styles complement each other. 

If you're a fan of the punky new wave power pop that Sweet specializes in, "Second Time" will have you shouting in delight. I love the way Sweet and Marino have crafted a massively-catchy and musically upbeat tune that tackles a bummer theme: getting dumped...twice. Songs about heartbreak are the lifeblood of power pop, and this one doubles down on the formula. Perhaps you'll relate due to personal experience. Perhaps you'll be moved by Sweet's genuine storytelling. Either way, you'll be dancing and singing along in no-time flat. In some alternative universe where it's eternally 1982, this song is already rocketing up the charts! Storytelling also looms large in the Marino/Sweet duet "Over My Head." With the two singers trading parts, you get immensely differing points of view of the same romantic entanglement. In fact, it seems the male character is slow to realize that it even is an entanglement. That is the source of the tension -- and joy -- in this song. Somehow "Over My Head" ends up being both hilarious and relatable -- quite a winning combination. Marino has a knack for writing songs like this that recall the pure pop side of the Ramones, and Sweet's additions put this tune over the top. 

It all started with Natalie Sweet seeking connection during the pandemic. She went looking for cool people to write songs with, and Brad Marino answered the call. I knew these two would make an awesome record together, but "Second Time"/"Over My Head" is even beyond what I was expecting. These are two of the best pop songs of this year or any other. Sweet and Marino make a formidable duo, and it will be a major disappoint if they don't record together again. If you wish to own a vinyl copy (three versions are available!) of "Second Time"/"Over My Head," you are advised to hit up the Reta and Rum Bar Bandcamps sooner rather than later! Seriously: do it!  

-L.R.

https://retarecords.bandcamp.com/album/second-time-over-my-head
https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/natalie-sweet-brad-marino
https://nataliesweet.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/reta.records
https://www.facebook.com/bradmarinomusic
https://instagram.com/reta.records/
https://instagram.com/missnattieice/
https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords

QWAM - "Little Bliss"

One of my favorite record labels has hit another one out of the park! Out today on Reta Records is "Little Bliss," the brand-new single from the awesome Brooklyn-based punk band QWAM. Jamie's ear for hit singles is as reliable as ever with this absolutely delightful pair of tracks from one of the most fun bands in existence. A-side "IDC" is the first-ever QWAM song to have verses sung by band members other than Felicia Lobo. Eddie Kuspiel and Matt Keim each contribute verses to this infectious sing-along number. On the surface, this song may seem like an ode to indifference. On a deeper level, it's about being self-aware enough to care that you don't care. I really relate to this one, and of course it doesn't hurt that I want to dance around like crazy every time that chorus hits! On the B-side, the title track explores the nagging ache for something more in life and the need to find it in those little everyday moments we sometimes overlook. In typical QWAM fashion, this song builds to an anthemic climax that will have you punching the air and shouting along.  

Like all Reta Records releases, "Little Bliss" is extremely limited and comes in multiple colors of vinyl (100 copies on grapefruit splash vinyl, 150 on forest green, and 50 on black). The artwork and vinyl look amazing! QWAM fans are advised to move fast on this one! And if you just became a QWAM fan due to hearing this single, be sure to check out the band's back catalog over at Bandcamp. Who can deny that "Everybody Wants To Watch" is one of the best songs ever?

-L.R.

https://retarecords.bandcamp.com/album/little-bliss
https://www.instagram.com/qwamband/
https://www.facebook.com/QWAMband
https://www.facebook.com/reta.records/

Sister Suzie - "Don't Want To"

Andrea and the boys are back! "Don't Want To" is the second 7" release from Edmonton's Sister Suzie and the sixth release from the fabulous Reta Records. A co-release with Surfin' Ki Records, "Don't Want To" quickly follows "What's the Deal", Sister Suzie's debut single on LSM Vinyl. Again, Sister Suzie tears it up with its perfect mix of junkshop glam, Bovver rock, and bad-ass rock and roll. On the A-side, "Don't Want To" is a mid-tempo glam rock anthem about rejecting a boring life spent chasing riches and respectability. I mean, come on: who wants to live a devoid of fun? Break some rules, play your music loud, and ignore anyone who questions your life choices. "Don't Want To" is a foot-stomping, head-bobbing good time! The B-side kicks it up a notch with the appropriately-titled punk ripper "Claws" and the swaggering, sleazy rocker "Are You Gonna (Give Me A Kiss)". There's nothing subtle or sneaky about these tunes. Sister Suzie wants to rock hard and have a great time doing it. This band has the tunes, the chops, and the attitude required to execute that noble mission. And Rob Lawless, who recorded, mixed, and mastered these tracks, clearly gets what Sister Suzie is all about. The Reta release of "Don't Want To" is limited to 150 copies each on gold, blue, and black vinyl (plus 50 split color which are exclusive to Green Noise). You know they'll go fast! The Surfin' Ki version ships in September but can be pre-ordered now. OBTW: if two singles from Sister Suzie have still left you wanting more, be sure to check out the killer track "Destruction Desire" on the new Rum Bar Records compilation XOXOXO Volume One! 

-L.R.

https://retarecords.bandcamp.com/album/dont-want-to-ep
https://sistersuzie780.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/reta.records/

http://surfinkirecords.bigcartel.com/product/sister-suzie-don-t-want-to-7

https://www.facebook.com/surfinkirecords/

The Sorels - "Spring Break"

Here come The Sorels again with another perfect bubblegum punk glam rock and roll single! We last heard from this super awesome Winnipeg trio back in the summer of 2019 when it released its debut 7" on the most excellent labels Reta Records and Surfin' Ki Records. So it's been a good while since we've been treated to new tunes from The Sorels. But now, just when we needed it the most, we get to feast our ears on the second single "Spring Break". As we find ourselves in the middle of meteorological winter, I'd say it's the perfect time to start thinking about spring break! Jo Jo, Jennifer, and Jill are back and sounding better than ever on this delightful shot of new wave pop meets old school punk rock. This is a fun song from a fun band - combining big hooks with a great raw energy and plenty of beachy vibes. In my daydream world of an eternal 1980, this is the song blasting from a million car radios as the masses eagerly make their way to the nearest shore. Put it on a mix with The Go-Go's, Holly and the Italians, and Nikki and the Corvettes, and you'll be golden! Mirroring the approach of their previous 45, The Sorels back this poppy/punky A-side with a bad-ass glam rock stomper called "Palo Santo". I love the way these two tracks show different sides of The Sorels yet fit together perfectly. This is a record made to be heard on record! 

Reta Records and Surfin' Ki Records have opened preorders for "Spring Break", which will release on February 2nd. This gives you plenty of time to reserve a copy on pink, green, or clear splatter vinyl (only 100 of each were pressed!). All preorders come with an 11 x17 inch poster. In the meantime, be sure to check out the amazing cartoon video for "Spring Break" that was animated by Nicholas Friesen. If The Sorels are not yet one of your favorite bands, that could very well change in the next two and a half minutes!

-L.R.

https://retarecords.bandcamp.com/album/spring-break-2
https://www.facebook.com/thesorels/
https://www.facebook.com/reta.records/

http://surfinkirecords.bigcartel.com/product/preorder-the-sorels-spring-break-palo-santo-7

https://www.facebook.com/surfinkirecords/

Bambies - Red Guitar

Now this is what I'm talking about! Have you ever heard a band for the first time, and within 30 seconds you just knew you were gonna love 'em? That's how it was with me and Montreal trio Bambies. Of course I had an inkling that I would like this band due to its affiliation with Reta Records. But not even that information had me fully prepared for the jolt I would ultimately get from "Red Guitar". Out now as the second-ever release from Reta Records, "Red Guitar" is the kind of song that makes me wanna wildly jump around as I shout out random interjections of joy. It's a little pop and a little punk, but above all else it's just great damn rock and roll! This song rates a ten out of ten on the head-bobbing meter, and it's so fun and massively catchy that it leaves me smiling every time. On the B-side is "Black Hands", which slows the pace but dials up the pop even more. It kind of has an early Ramones feel, but with a garage punk rock and roll edge to it that is perfectly at home in 2019 Canada. Both of these songs were previously available on Bambies' debut cassette, yet they were clearly destined to make their way onto a 7" record. There are 100 copies available on red vinyl, another 200 on black, and that's it. Do not sleep on this one!



-L.R.

https://thebambies.bandcamp.com/album/red-guitar-ep
https://retarecords.bandcamp.com/album/red-guitar-ep
https://www.facebook.com/lesbambies
https://www.facebook.com/reta.records/

The Sorels - self titled debut EP

What could be more exciting than a double debut?! This one in particular is worthy of an international celebration! Here we have the debut 7" from Winnipeg glam rock and roll trio The Sorels as well as the first-ever release from exciting new label Reta Records. This single is a co-release with the always fantastic Surfin' Ki Records, so you ought to know to expect something pretty great! The Sorels immediately become my favorite band from Winnipeg and perhaps even all of central Canada! "She's In The Gang" is an instant smash of '60s girl group pop by way of the Ramones and New York Dolls. I can't get this song out of my head, and I wouldn't want to even if I could! It's got an infectious beat, a whole lot of rockin' lead guitar, an irresistible sing-along hook, and even some killer piano to boot. And how about that bad-ass lead vocal?! This is just great rock and roll that follows in the footsteps of everyone from the Shangri-Las to The Runaways to the Bobbyteens to Baby Shakes to The Shanghais. It's certainly right at home on the Surfin' Ki roster, and it also gives you a great idea of what Reta Records is going to be all about! On the flip, "School Girl Blues" is more of a straight-up glam rocker with a ton of swagger and riffs for days. If you dig Suzi Quatro or more recent bands like BBQT and Furies, you're gonna flip for this one! This single leaves me wanting more - from both The Sorels and Reta Records! Official release date is on Wednesday, so hop on over to the Reta Records Bandcamp page or the Surfin' Ki store if you'd like to reserve a copy on blue or transparent red vinyl. No dilly-dallying, kids. This thing is gonna go FAST!

 
-L.R.

https://retarecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-sorels 
http://surfinkirecords.bigcartel.com/product/the-sorels-she-s-in-the-gang 
https://www.facebook.com/The-Sorels-289651351456486/ 
https://thesorels1.bandcamp.com/releases 
https://www.facebook.com/reta.records/ 
https://www.facebook.com/surfinkirecords/