LeBarons, your truly 100% independent alt-country from Toronto/Hamilton, return with their most assured statement yet. The new single, “Running River,” is a moody slow-burn channelling Fleetwood Mac, then by the end combusting into anthemic Bruce Springsteen. The groove is controlled and relentless; the aural palette is ethereal and dream-like; and Chris MacDonald’s lyrics and vocals are desperate in the best possible way.
“Running River” is produced by LeBarons’ bassist and Juno-award winner John Dinsmore.
This is the first release since the album, Days Are Mountains (2023), where the lead-off single, “Through To You,” was named in “best new Canadian music” by Exclaim; has received regular airplay on 94.9 The Rock, and will be included in the soundtrack to the indie feature, His Father’s Son.
Between Days Are Mountains and this current release, MacDonald released his second novel, Days And Days: A Story about Sunderland’s Leatherface and the Ties That Bind (ECW Press, 2024) to both critical and commercial success.
Remarks on Days Are Mountains:
Chris Tanner of 94.9 The Rock FM says, “Lead singer and storyteller Chris MacDonald paints a beautiful and haunting portrait here that scratches your brain with a dense brush, and a catchy chorus that’ll make you sing along in your sleep.”
Influential UK music blog, The Rocking Magpie says, “There’s a self-belief and ragged glory that underpins many of the songs here…”
“Expertly crafted,” – Aesthetic Magazine; “haunting and hypnotic,” – Canada’s Music; “evocative,” – Post To Wire; “epic, brooding, and emotional,” – The Rocking Magpie.
Name:
LeBarons
Genre:
Alt-country
Founded:
2013
# of Albums:
ALLISTON EP (2016); Summer Of Death LP (2018); Days Are Mountains LP (2023)
Latest Album:
Days Are Mountains (2023)
Latest Single:
Running River (2026)
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Leatherface
Favourite musician now:
SG Goodman
Guilty pleasure song:
Total Eclipse Of The Heart – guilt free!
Live show ritual:
Go for a long walk on the day of.
Favourite local musician:
Skye Wallace
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Burning that candle at both ends! (But take lots of naps)
Road or studio?
We love them both!
Any shows or albums coming up?
We have a new single, Running River, and we think it’s something special. It came together really easily. It’s moody and understated, until it isn’t, and it builds in a really wonderful way.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Easy Restaurant
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
College St – especially the area West of Ossington towards Brock. Great shops, restaurants, cafés, and a real sense of relaxed, supportive community.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
The Toronto Islands. It’s such a special, magical place that can make you feel absolutely transported. And its more important than ever to protect the Islands now that (some) powers that be want to commodify it for essentially business travellers from out of town.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
The Dakota (RIP). Toronto, save Sneaky Dee’s – please!
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Sonic Boom!
