Toronto dream pop duo Twin Rains—Christine Stoesser and Jay Merrow—are back at it with their third single of 2025, and this one’s got some serious altitude. Magic Mountain landed today, and it’s not just a track—it’s a trip.
Following April’s hypnotic Quick Sickness and May’s haunting The Evil That You Know (Let it Go), Magic Mountain nudges their sonic world into an even dreamier realm. Think lush electronics, a touch of psychedelia, and the kind of beat that makes you want to drift and dance at the same time. It’s their most pop-forward groove yet—but still draped in that dark, dramatic flair Twin Rains does so well.
“This is the third iteration of this track,” says Jay. “We were chasing something elusive—some kind of magic. We almost gave up. Then somehow, it just clicked, and became our most danceable song yet.”
Shot in stunning black and white and filmed by the band themselves, the accompanying video wanders through the dramatic rock formations of Sedona, Arizona. A solitary cloaked figure moves through the iconic landscape, famously believed to be an energy vortex. But don’t be fooled by the solitude.
“The land is incredible, but like so many beautiful places, it’s been overrun by commercialization,” Christine shares. “What looks like untouched wilderness in the video was actually surrounded by packed parking lots, traffic jams, and hikers lining up for the perfect Instagram shot. The contrast is wild.”
The title Magic Mountain takes inspiration from the 20th-century novel by Thomas Mann—something that hit Christine hard during the stillness of the pandemic. For her, it’s not just a place, but a symbol: “It’s the intangible place where all the themes of your life collide—the hill you’d die on,” she says. “The lyrics came from watching someone in my life pull people in one direction, only to pivot completely and lead them somewhere else. It’s about how our ideas ripple out—not just shaping us, but shaping the world.”
A Little Backstory on Twin Rains
If you’ve been sleeping on Twin Rains, now’s a good time to wake up. The Toronto-based trio—Christine, Jay, and drummer Greg Smith—dropped their debut ‘Automatic Hand’ in 2016 to critical buzz, catching the ear of Rough Trade Publishing and earning a spot on the Polaris “Longer List.” Their breakout single Flash Burn even found its way into Seth Rogen’s hit film Good Boys.
They’ve toured across Canada, lit up festival stages, and shared bills with acts like Aysanabee, Luna Li, Zoon, and Bonnie Trash. During lockdown, they scored the acclaimed doc No Tickets at the Door, which spotlighted Toronto’s music scene and screened at Hot Docs.
Their sophomore record, ‘Unreal City’ (2021), earned serious props from Wavelength Music, who called it “a masterpiece” and “the sleeper hit of the pandemic.” Singles like Strawberry Moon, You’re the Only One, and Laws of the Universe kept the momentum going—and 2025 is already shaping up to be a banner year for the band.
With Magic Mountain, Twin Rains continue their slow-burning climb—offering big ideas, bold sounds, and cinematic visions with every step.
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