New Music Monday: Five Tracks to kick off March

New music from The Fray, Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, The Sheepdogs, and U2

After enduring a winter defined by a relentless, biting chill, the light is finally beginning to win the tug-of-war against the dark. With the clocks set to spring forward this coming Sunday, we are standing on the threshold of that long-awaited extra hour of daylight—a psychological finish line for anyone weary of the deep freeze. As the mercury begins its sluggish climb and the promise of a late-winter thaw lingers in the breeze, this week’s New Music Monday serves as the ultimate sonic de-icer. These five tracks are designed to bridge the gap between the mid-winter frost and the first true, golden rays of a lengthening afternoon.

The Fray – “A Light That Waits”

The Fray returns with “A Light That Waits,” the title track from their highly anticipated comeback album arriving later this month. Built around emotive piano work and a steady, building percussion, the song captures the quiet patience of late winter. It’s a mid-tempo anthem about holding on through the darkness, delivered with the kind of soaring melodic hook that made the band household names. The production is clean and hopeful, radiating a warmth that suggests the “light” at the end of the tunnel isn’t just a metaphor, but a literal change in the seasons.

Foo Fighters – “Your Favourite Toy”

Dave Grohl and company deliver a high-octane jolt of adrenaline with “Your Favourite Toy,” the lead single from their newly announced 12th studio album. Swapping the somber tones of their recent output for a gritty, power-pop crunch, the song features a jagged, infectious riff and a relentless drum performance. It’s a playful yet muscular reminder of the band’s ability to find joy in the noise. The energy is purely kinetic, acting as a spiritual heater for the soul that shakes off the lethargy of a long, sedentary winter.

The Black Keys – “You Gotta Lose”

Steeped in the fuzzy, vintage soul that Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have perfected, “You Gotta Lose” is a groove-heavy masterclass in blues-rock. The track feels like the first dry patch of pavement after a long slushy trek—steady, reliable, and deeply satisfying. With its hypnotic bassline and soulful backing vocals, the song carries a laid-back, late-afternoon heat that feels miles away from the polar vortex. It’s a song about resilience and the necessity of affection, providing a rhythmic heartbeat to guide listeners out of the cold and back toward the light.

The Sheepdogs – “I Do”

Saskatoon’s finest, The Sheepdogs, bring their signature triple-harmony guitar attack to “I Do,” a standout track from their brand-new album, Keep Out of the Storm. Channeling the best of 70s Southern rock and psych-pop, the song is a celebration of commitment and clarity. The bright, organic production makes it feel like a live performance at an outdoor festival, cutting through the winter gloom with a vintage warmth. It is impossible to listen to the upbeat, swinging tempo and the “all-together-now” chorus without feeling the seasonal depression start to lift.

U2 – “American Obituary”

Closing out the week is a powerful, atmospheric offering from U2 titled “American Obituary,” recently released as part of their Days of Ash project. While the title suggests a heavy theme, the music itself is expansive and cinematic, driven by The Edge’s shimmering, delayed guitar textures that mimic the vastness of a clearing horizon. Bono’s vocals are urgent and searching, navigating a landscape of transition and rebirth. There is a widescreen, anthemic quality here that mirrors the feeling of standing on the edge of a new season—looking back at the hardships of winter while leaning into a brighter future.

Whether you are seeking the introspective comfort of a piano ballad or the high-voltage heat of a rock anthem, these new releases provide a much-needed signal fire in the wake of the winter’s harshest chill. As the days slowly lengthen and the ice begins to crack, let these songs be the soundtrack to your transition into the light.

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