Hamilton roots-rock band Junkhouse has released “Hot Hot Sun,” its first new single of 2026, as the veteran Canadian group prepares for a headline performance at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls on Nov. 21.
Released through High Or Hurtin, the track marks another step in the band’s renewed activity after a series of anniversary performances and live appearances during the 2020s. Frontman Tom Wilson leads the current lineup, which combines founding members with a younger generation of musicians.
The Fallsview Casino concert is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will give the group a major Ontario stage for both its new material and catalogue spanning more than three decades.
‘Hot Hot Sun’ Marks a New Chapter for Junkhouse
“Hot Hot Sun” draws on the blues, folk and rock influences that have defined Junkhouse since its formation in Hamilton in 1989.
Built around themes of freedom, summer and movement, the song opens with imagery of “broken golden slumbers” before Wilson sings, “I was born straight under June / With summer on the run.”
The chorus reinforces the song’s carefree theme with the line, “Don’t call me lazy / I’m chasin’ the hot hot sun.” The recording also features a repeated “yey yey yey yey” hook and the invitation to “come on come on come on with me.”
Gary Furniss Reunites With Tom Wilson
The single also reconnects Wilson with Gary Furniss, an early supporter of his songwriting who was involved in Junkhouse’s initial recording and publishing years.
Furniss co-wrote “Hot Hot Sun” with Wilson and produced, recorded and mixed the track at his Stonehouse studio. His contributions include electric, acoustic and baritone guitars, EBow, bass, keyboards, programming and background vocals.
“Champagne” James Robertson contributed slide and electric guitar, while Wilson’s son Thompson Wilson provided background vocals. Noah Mintz handled mastering.
The family connection extends to Junkhouse’s current touring lineup, with Thompson Wilson playing bass alongside his father.
Junkhouse Builds on More Than Three Decades of Canadian Rock
Junkhouse was formed in Hamilton in 1989 by Tom Wilson alongside guitarist Dan Achen, drummer Ray Farrugia and bassist Russ Wilson.
After developing its sound in Hamilton’s bars and clubs, the group signed with Sony Music Canada and released its breakthrough album Strays in 1993. Produced primarily by Malcolm Burn, the record achieved Gold certification in Canada and generated songs including “Out of My Head,” “Praying for the Rain” and “Big Brown Turtle.”
The band’s reputation as a live act subsequently took Junkhouse beyond Canada, with performances in the United States, Europe and Australia.
Junkhouse followed Strays with Birthday Boy in 1995 and Fuzz in 1997. Those three albums established the group’s place in Canada’s 1990s alternative and roots-rock landscape.
Anniversary performances of Strays and the band’s gradual return to regular live appearances during the 2020s helped introduce the catalogue to another generation while setting the stage for new recordings.
Current Lineup Connects Junkhouse’s Past and Future
The 2026 lineup features Wilson and original drummer Ray Farrugia alongside Thompson Wilson on bass, Aaron Goldstein on guitar, Jesse O’Brien on keyboards and James Robertson on guitar.
Robertson is also known for his work with Canadian acts including New Country Rehab, MOONRIIVR and Dwayne Gretzky.
Tom Wilson, meanwhile, has maintained a broader career outside Junkhouse through Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and his Lee Harvey Osmond project.
Fallsview Casino Performance Set for November 21
The upcoming Niagara Falls concert gives Junkhouse an opportunity to showcase “Hot Hot Sun” alongside material from its established catalogue.
The band will headline the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m.
For Junkhouse, the combination of new music and a high-profile Ontario performance represents a continuation of the group’s latest chapter rather than simply a return to its 1990s catalogue.
More than three decades after emerging from Hamilton’s club scene, the band is again developing original material while maintaining the blues-influenced roots-rock sound that helped establish it as a notable Canadian act.
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