Our neighbors to the north have a long history – and tradition – of creating lasting music. From punk to prog-rock to, uh, progressive punk, they’ve done it all. And they still do it, and they do it very well.
So let’s take some time here and highlight a handful of our favorite, long-lasting and up-and-coming Canadian acts, all of whom prove that the country’s legacy as a musical hotbed is still very much intact, and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere in the 21st century.
Rush
It’s literally impossible to talk about Canadian music and musicians without mentioning the genre’s poster child, Rush. For over 35 years the trio of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart has pioneered new ground with just about every release, consistently displaying the band’s technical prowess without sacrificing commercial appeal. The band’s musical creativity has influenced countless younger acts to learn how to play their own respective instruments. And by the looks of it, the Rush machine doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The band just wrapped up the final leg of its Snakes & Arrows tour, and are reportedly headed back into the studio again sometime this fall.
Watch Rush play “Red Barchetta” below …
DOA
The Vancouver-based punk act DOA have been around for more than 30 years, which would explain why they’re credited as the founders of hardcore punk, especially if you consider their classic album Hardcore ’81. With the motto, “talk minus action equals zero,” DOA was one of the first acts to unapologetically promote their views via blazing power chords and double-time drumming. Just last year the band embarked on its 30th anniversary tour, and also announced that its latest album would be produced by Bob Rock – the legendary producer who helped bring Metallica mainstream success. Hopefully, DOA’s new disc will have the same result because this Canadian trio certainly deserves it.
Check out DOA’s “Smash The State”
Anvil
Speaking of bands that deserve their due, it’s hard to think of one that’s been kicked around more than Canadian metal act Anvil. If you haven’t seen the documentary Anvil! The Story Of Anvil, then you need to check it out. Anvil has been playing together for over 30 years in near obscurity despite the fact that all the bands they toured with in the ’80s, such as Slayer and Metallica, went on to achieve mainstream success. While it’s impossible to pin down why Anvil never became a household name (until now), the band’s 1982 opus Metal On Metal became a template for how metal was made in its infancy, and why it still sounds as satisfying today as it did 25 years ago. The band recently announced that they’d be opening for AC/DC at two shows in July, further proving that if you hold onto your dreams might win out in the end.
Watch Anvil perform “Metal on Metal” …
Propagandhi
Formed in Manitoba in 1986, Propagandhi is one of many acts that, alongside more current artists like Silverstein, are helping to keep Canada’s punk and hardcore legacy alive. Although this vegan-anarchist act has always rebelled against mainstream outlets like radio and music television, they’ve become one of the most celebrated punk acts of all-time, evolving from a catchy pop-punk act on their 1993 debut How To Clean Everything into an impressive melodic thrash act with this year’s Supporting Caste. The band tends to release albums about every four years and rarely tours the States. But when they do, it’s largely to sell out crowds, once again proving that working outside the system can be successful if your music is captivating.
Watch their classic “Anti-Manifesto” performed live in 2003 …
Alexisonfire
Alexisonfire may have only formed in 2001, but we think they could very well be Canada’s next breakout act. Originally from St. Catharines, Ontario, the group released its fourth full-length disc, Old Crows / Young Cardinals,this month – an album that sees the band transcending their screamo roots to create a collection of songs that should please every subgenre of the world’s concertgoers. The U.S. market hasn’t quite caught on yet, but they have racked up a handful of JUNO Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys) and are set to play this summer’s offering of the Vans Warped Tour, so anything is possible. Suffice to say the band certainly has a bright future. But, more importantly, they also act as clear evidence that our neighbors from the North still have plenty to offer when it comes to innovative music.
Watch “This Could Be Anywhere In The World” …