THE LOCALIST: MAY 2025

BODY MINUS HEAD-AN EXERCISE IN SELF-SUFFICIENCY (LP) 

Release Date: May 31, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Hardcore Punk 

Featuring members from other Ontario bands such as Basque, Exalt, Mockingbird Wish Me Luck and Wayfarer, the debut album from Body Minus Head has immediately caught the attention of hardcore scenes across Ontario. With a total runtime of just under 20 minutes, the band delivers an absolutely scorching 10 track performance packed full of vicious guitar riffs and intense vocals. Physical copies are available via No Funeral Records. 

PETROCHEMICALS— STEAL FROM OLD PEOPLE (SINGLE) 

Release Date: May. 9, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Synth Punk

Operating as a three-piece, Petrochemicals are one of the most exciting youth-led bands in the Region of Waterloo right now.  The band’s latest single, Steal From Old People, is a crowd favourite aton their live shows and sounds as rebellious and provocative as the title suggests. Featuring haunting synths and pulsing drum machines soaked in 80s nostalgia, the band has continued to craft their own unique sound by incorporating elements of post-punk, garage rock and industrial music. 

BREE BARTHA— FLIGHT RISK (LP)

Release Date: May 25, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Folk Pop

Having released six singles over the course of the last year and a half,; Bree Bartha’s efforts have finally culminated in her debut album, Flight Risk. Describing her writing style as “live from her bedroom floor,” Bartha’s captivating voice and intimate storytelling are front and centre. 

The album contrasts familiar and accessible folk pop production with the vulnerable, complicated and bittersweet theme of homesickness. 

BURNABY— FRANKLY, WE’RE FUCKED (SINGLE) 

Release Date: May 16, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Emo Punk 

Frankly, We’re Fucked is the perfect soundtrack for a late-night skate down King St. Nestled comfortably at the intersection of pop punk and indie emo is where you’ll find Burnaby—returning with their first EP release since 2019. This five-song project is chock-full of angst and authenticity, featuring melodic guitar riffs and catchy choruses that are guaranteed to get stuck in your head for the rest of the summer. 

CONOR GAINS—GOOD TIME BUDDIES (LP) 

Release Date: May 1, 2025 

City: Cambridge 

Genre: Alt Rock, Blues, Soul

Drawing comparisons to The Allman Brothers Band and Nathaniel Rateliff, Good Time Buddies covers significant musical ground while exploring themes of friendship and personal change. With thousands of shows and festivals now under his belt, Conor Gains’ undeniable musical growth and experience continue to shine through in his songwriting. Gains have an exceptional voice, delivering a simultaneously laid back yet impressively passionate performance across the album. 

Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp. 

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