The Neighbourhood Mixtape: Let's Be Undecided

The Neighbourhood Mixtape is a collection of newly-released songs by Toronto musicians. The mixtape is meant to celebrate Toronto's music culture and provide a forum to listen to and discover new local music.

Every Sunday, I post a five-track mixtape (along with my own mini-reflections for each track) that you can download or stream as a soundtrack for the week.

Track #1: Paradise Animals, "Hearts"

Many moments stand out on the new Paradise Animals EP, like the synth-driven "Hearts", with its romantic swell of fuzzy and offbeat keys. Download the EP for free here.

Track #2: Alphabot!, "Rabbit Ears"

Dorian Wolf (Austra) and others join Jake Roels as he expands his solo indie/electronic project to a full band arrangement on his new EP Eep! You can hear the expanded sound palette in the catchy "Rabbit Ears".

Track #3: Zeus, "Anything You Want Dear"

With their sophomore album Busting Visions due out soon (March 27th), Zeus offers another free download of another throwback 70s ballad full of syrupy harmonies and tailgate guitar chops.

Track #4: Teenage Kicks, "Middle of the Night"

Guitars lacerate and whips of chord changes create a stirring shrill in "Middle of the Night", its crescendo leaving ear-piercing feedback.

Track #5: Eight and a Half, "Go Ego"

Eight and a Half's self-titled debut is electro-pop with the purpose of being unhinged, but also patient and contained. And after listening to the wobbly and wistful "Go Ego", fans of the trio's former bands (Broken Social Scene and The Stills) have every right to get excited about this album.

If you wish to be a part of The Neighbourhood Mixtape, you can contact Aldrin at aldrin [at] blogto [dotcom]