The band Magnolia — made up of Leanne Hoffman and Scott MacLean — made their musical debut on Nov. 5 with the release of their powerful and complex eponymous EP. The duo combines folk, jazz and blues music to a potent effect, creating an album that can be curiously erratic, but is nonetheless enjoyable to listen to.

Toronto-based singer songwriter Tim Moxam is launching his solo career with the EP Blue Son. The title, Blue Son, reflects his personal style of music, which is smooth, somber and haunting, but hopeful. Each song on the EP avoids the folk-rock style of his previous band Great Bloomers in favour of a folk-Americana blend of sounds, relying heavily on acoustic guitar and even some upright bass to give a rich, deep sound.

Auresia’s latest album, Risin’!, centers on the singer’s soulful voice, mixing her beautiful harmonies with meaningful lyrics and flavours of electric pop. At times the album can be clunky but it is truly an interesting marriage between unique electric pop blends and the soulful harmonies of reggae.

When Montreal-Toronto band Yamantaka // Sonic Titan’s first album, YT//ST, was shortlisted for the 2012 Polaris Prize, fans were left wondering if the group would be able to trump their critically appraised debut album. UZU is the answer to that question — it’s a volcanic yes.