While you're waiting for winter to finally thaw out, here are some artists guaranteed to whip up a little thermal energy. Our New Faves for March include one of Calgary's next big things in indie rock, Abbotsford's solution to the BROCKHAMPTON-shaped void, and more.
Read on to get acquainted with this month's New Faves. You can also check them out alongside other recent homegrown treasures on our Spotify playlist.
Bluffing
Calgary, AB
For fans of: Horse Jumper of Love, Pavement
Born as a spinoff from Calgary post-punk outfit Temps, the new Aidan O'Reilly-led band Bluffing sound incredibly locked-in, having just released new mini EP Nature, which follows the project's debut People Pleaser from last year. Bluffing's spindly guitar riffs are clean and laser-focused to allow O'Reilly's woody vocals and conscious, observational lyrics to shine through. On songs like "Nature" and "Black Hair," the three-piece build their prismatic, staccato melodies slowly and steadily — it's wholly mesmerizing and refreshingly catchy.
Chris Gee
girly.
Abbotsford, BC
For fans of: Jean Dawson, BROCKHAMPTON
An undiscovered treasure from Abbotsford, girly. has been garnering a devoted following in the Vancouver area for the past four years, spawning a diverse catalogue that ranges from alternative indie to rap to pop and everything in between. Latest single "Rally Demon" offers some of the artist's most infectious songwriting yet, building the anticipation for forthcoming album Four Star Girl, due later this year; it's sure to affirm the stratospheric potential of girly.'s unique performance style, eclectic taste and creative vision as truly undeniable.
Sean Finan
Idle Lane
Victoria, BC
For fans of: Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana
The grungy alt-rock sound of the '90s is alive and well in Victoria, where Idle Lane have been cutting their teeth on stage since 2021. In February, the band dropped the latest addition to their catalogue of tracks that transport you back to the golden age of music videos on MTV: Like a Zipper, a five-song EP that makes a strong case for frontman Patrick Symington's contention for Canada's answer to Billy Corgan — minus the shaved head.
Eden DaSilva
Pyres
Toronto, ON
For fans of: High on Fire, Mastodon
After a 12-year period between records, Pyres are re-emerging in 2025 with their sophomore album YUN. Set for release on March 7 via Hypaethral Records, the follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut Years of Sleep sees the band extend well beyond their sludge metal roots into territories of doom, post-metal and even '90s-era grunge. With a revitalized new lineup and a new record at hand, expect a lot in the way of live performances from Pyres.
Mark Tremblay
Whine Problem
London, ON
For fans of: Sweet Pill, Softcult
Balancing across a tightrope with devastating poems in one hand and spiky riffs in the other, self-proclaimed "Forest City Party Rockers" Whine Problem are bringing their serious writing chops to the mosh pit. The four-piece art punk project's new EP Sleem is filled with hyper-specific cultural criticism, like the inflation-induced nightmare of being charged $20 to get into a basement show ("Rich and Fancy"). Uniquely composed, each song will surprise you as it unwinds in your ears.
Emma Schuster
Listen to these tracks and other new faves on our Spotify playlist: