Troubling the Pines, the fifth EP from Toronto’s Americana/alt-country outfit So Dirty the Flamingos, arrives September 12, 2025 on vinyl, CD, and all streaming platforms. The record captures the band’s signature blend of roots-rock grit and indie-folk lyricism, carrying themes of resilience, longing, and the in-between spaces of modern life. With soaring harmonies, raw storytelling, and a sound shaped by years of steady growth on Canadian stages—from basements, backyards to the Horseshoe Tavern —this collection stands as the group’s most dynamic and heartfelt work to date.
Written during a period of deep self-reflection, “Pretty Dresses” grapples with Carmen’s complicated relationship to beauty and belonging. On one hand, the song leans into the desire to be seen - to wear the dress, walk the red carpet, and feel like you’re at the front of the line. But beneath the catchy hooks and retro shimmer lies a deeper question: Who gets to be visible and why?
The Planet Smashers are a Canadian ska punk band from Montreal, formed in 1994 by Matt Collyer, and are known for their energetic, party-oriented ska music. Active during the third wave of ska, the band toured internationally and helped establish Stomp Records, co-founded by Collyer, as a major independent label for ska and punk. They have released several albums, including their self-titled debut, Attack of the Planet Smashers,Life of the Party, and Unstoppable, and are recognized for their infectious pop-infused melodies and energetic live shows.