The Neighbourhood Mixtape: Tables they turn sometimes

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: Bravestation, "Signs of the Civilized"

Bravestation mixes tropical and tribal sounds, reminiscent of Yeasayer (vocals) and Young Galaxy (arrangements). Download their spirited "Signs of the Civilizes" for free while you wait for their upcoming album to come out sometime this year.

Track #2: Cuff the Duke, "The Diamond Sea"

Cuff the Duke singer Wayne Petti may not sound like Thurston Moore, but who really can? Still, it's worth listening to Cuff the Duke play their version of Sonic Youth's psych-droned "The Diamond Sea", a cover you can add to your collection.

Track #3: Elsa, "In Two"

Elsa brushes with soft textures in the mellow and contemplative dream-pop track "In Two" with vocals as wispy in tone that it's merely unheard - an open feeling. Download the song for free here.

Track #4: Not The Wind, Not The Flag, "8"

"8", like most songs on Esoteric Cycle, is bound by tempo and mood. The purely instrumental arrangement here produces an impressionistic quality that's loud and clear, convincing you that some things are impossible to put into words.

Track #5: Bahamas, "Lost in the Light"

In "Lost in the Light", Afie Jurvanen (also known as Bahamas) wraps you in with a tender melody and humming companion like an affectionate embrace. Buy the album here.

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