Toronto indie rock outfit The Get Alongs are marking a new chapter in their career with the release of Second To None, the band’s second full-length album, available June 19, 2026 through Having Fun and We Are Busy Bodies.
The record arrives after nearly a decade of steady growth for the four-piece band, which has built its reputation through extensive live performances, independent releases, and a grassroots following within Toronto’s music community. Drawing influence from garage rock, power pop, jangle rock and 1990s alternative music, Second To None expands on the sound that helped establish the group while introducing a more refined studio approach.
Comprised of Harrison Pickernell on vocals and rhythm guitar, Rory Pickernell on lead guitar, Eric Wood on bass, and Tristan Catenacci on drums, The Get Alongs have spent years developing a sound rooted in melodic songwriting and energetic guitar-driven arrangements.
A Toronto Band Continues Its Upward Momentum
Since forming in 2017, the band has gradually carved out a place within Canada’s independent music landscape. Their debut album, Weather Permitting, received airplay on CBC Radio and helped open opportunities beyond Canada, including performances in Europe and appearances alongside acts such as Limblifter, Wunderhorse and Cardinals.
Rather than dramatically changing direction, Second To None builds upon that foundation.
The album combines influences from 1960s garage rock and 1970s power pop with contemporary indie rock sensibilities. While listeners may hear echoes of bands such as The Replacements, The Lemonheads, The Stone Roses and The Shoes, the record maintains a distinct identity shaped by the band’s own experiences in Toronto’s music scene.
The result is an album that balances memorable melodies with a raw, unpolished energy that reflects the group’s live reputation.
A More Deliberate Studio Process
One of the most significant developments behind Second To None was the band’s recording approach.
The album was recorded at Holy Mountain Sound in Montreal with producer Clayton Dupuis and represents the group’s first project built primarily through focused studio sessions rather than a live-off-the-floor methodology.
Over the course of a year, the band spent extensive time refining arrangements, experimenting with tones and adjusting pacing throughout the songs.
The longer production timeline allowed the musicians to pay closer attention to detail while maintaining the spontaneity that has characterized their previous work.
Additional contributions from AJ Krome of Shallow and Josh Campos added further texture to the recordings. Mixing duties were shared by Ryan Dahle, Brandan Bak and Tom Nixon, helping create a sound that remains grounded while offering greater sonic depth than previous releases.
Songs That Balance Energy and Atmosphere
Across its tracklist, Second To None showcases a wider musical range without sacrificing cohesion.
The lead single, “Come On,” delivers a fast-paced, guitar-heavy performance designed around immediacy and momentum. In contrast, “Sunday Afternoon” adopts a slower groove, featuring jangling guitar lines and a more expansive arrangement.
Elsewhere, the album shifts between concise power-pop moments and more exploratory, psychedelic-influenced passages. Despite those variations, melody remains at the centre of the record, providing continuity throughout.
The songwriting also continues to focus on themes that have become familiar territory for the band. Relationships, personal reflection, the passage of time and life’s transitional moments serve as recurring subjects.
Rather than relying on detailed narratives, the lyrics often emphasize mood and emotion, allowing listeners to draw their own interpretations from the songs.
Expanding International Reach
The release of Second To None comes as The Get Alongs prepare for additional performances in the United Kingdom and Europe, including dates scheduled around The Great Escape Festival.
The international shows represent another step forward for a band that has steadily expanded its audience beyond Canada through touring and word-of-mouth support.
For independent Canadian artists, establishing a presence in overseas markets can be challenging, but The Get Alongs have gradually built momentum through consistent releases and live performances.
Looking Ahead
With Second To None, The Get Alongs appear focused less on reinvention and more on refinement. The album preserves the band’s established strengths—strong hooks, guitar-driven arrangements and emotional authenticity—while benefiting from a more deliberate production process.
As the Toronto group continues to expand its reach both at home and abroad, Second To None positions The Get Alongs for the next stage of their development, offering a record that is both familiar to longtime listeners and accessible to new audiences discovering the band for the first time.