For a band that's never been west of Sudbury, the Cancer Bats have been getting some good love since they pointed the van in our general direction and hit the road.
"It's going awesome so far," says vocalist Liam Cormier on the road somewhere between Winnipeg and Calgary.
The band hits Nanaimo July 6 for a show at the Queen's. Sometimes a band's bio is so beautifully crafted that I couldn't dream of reworking or paraphrasing so, attribution duly noted, I present: "Cancer Bats have come to destroy. Fueled by a burning desire to rage harder, play louder and have more fun than any other band, Cancer Bats mix hardcore, southern metal and punk rock into a lethal rock and roll explosion." Explosion. Cool.
After a few false starts, Cormier and I caught up with each other for a quick cel-static challenged chat: he in the van, me in a ferry lineup, playground noise, traffic off-loading and all.
He told me that the Internet has been an important tool for the band. While strong support for the video One Hundred Grand Canyon (including medium rotation at MuchMusic and heavy at MuchLoud) doesn't hurt, Cormier credits the online hardcore music community with creating the word of mouth that's packing their shows.
"It's like the kids 'in the know' are coming out, kids are picking up on what we're doing," he says.
The Internet also allows for communication with the fans that develops an invaluable intimacy; the news section on www.cancerbats.com includes personal pleas from the band who seem eager to really get to know their fans wherever they may go.
From lodging: "If you live in a mansion and want to put us up fill your boots man! Get in touch, even if you don't live in a mansion (mansion is preferable.)"
To cuisine: "In addition, if there is a mad cheap/sketchy breakfast place/diner?"
To recreation: "If you know of a good creek, quarry, lake, or pool that we can go swimming in please let us know via e-mail or our myspace page."
To shopping: "If you know of any dope record stores where aner can buy cheap classic rock LPs - let us know."
(Answers: sorry no, hit Commercial St. and then the Nanaimo River.)
Cormier and guitarist Scott Middleton got together in May 2004, picked up Andrew McCracken (bass) and Mike Peters (drums) and got down to business writing and recording an EP they released independently in January 2005.
Their full-length debut Birthing The Giant, produced by 91原创 Gavin Brown (Billy Talent, Three Days Grace) hit stores June 6 on Distort Records.
Since forming, the band has toured relentlessly in Canada and the U.S., sharing the stage with bands like Alexisonfire and Every Time I Die.
Cormier describes their show in simple terms: "You'll see four guys just given 'er," he says, "pretty bare bones, lots of sweat, loud guitar, loud drums. "We're just hoping lots of people will come out in Nanaimo with their game faces on," he says, "No squares, it's all partying."
- With over a decade in the trenches of the music industry, we're reasonably sure Alexandria knows what she's talking about: e-mail at [email protected].