When Atlantic Canada blues duo Aging Disgracefully released their EP "Vintage Love", it immediately became obvious that pop culture's youth obsession is misplacing its bets. Comprised of Karen on vocals alongside Mike on guitar and vocals, the pair actively refuses to fade quietly into the societal background. https://open.spotify.com/album/1AmIbw8t0C2GfgpOZZS2qd?si=szV3RJ_uTuOOgeRA2Oul7g The record opens hot. "Blues Get Better With Age" serves as a stomping, heavily distorted manifesto. Getting older...

Maverick Smith’s “We Make Fire, They Make Smoke” lands not with a thud, but with the distinct, satisfying crackle of something catching alight. It’s a title that carries the grit of the Ohio Valley in its consonants, a resolute statement from a band – Paige Bosic on commanding vocals and rhythm guitar, Sean Boynes sculpting soundscapes on guitar, Jim Courtney’s intricate drumming, Charlie Kovach’s...