When I was in my final year of high school, not too long ago, I wrote in my school paper about my little trip to Newmarket to see this band called The Elwins. My memory fails to recall how I stumbled upon them; I’m guessing it’s from one of those random MySpace clicking sprees that I do every so often when life seems too banal. I remember their EP release was on a Good Friday, and the parental units almost did not let me leave. But I was adamant, and I left home in the dust. I felt like a rebel.

Their EP release party was held at a youth recreation centre, which oddly piqued my interest for some reason. (At the time, I wrote a lot about shows held in unconventional venues. For one of the issues, I had also featured the first Daps show at Rolly’s Garage.) Greg Alsop, drummer of music sensation Tokyo Police Club and the night’s emcee, called the EP release party “the hippest thing that ever happened in Newmarket since 1997.” The master of ceremonies added that the only other equally hip thing that happened in this town was “the time Sloan’s tour bus broke down in front of Upper Canada Mall.”

Overall, it was a night of comedy and great tunes – definitely worth the trip to suburbia. If you get the chance, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of their self-titled EP. It is packed with five pop gems you are sure to love instantly! Tracks like “Dear, Oh My” and “Larry Pastorus” draw definite similarities to the cheerful pop-rock melodies of acts like friends the Bicycles and Ruby Coast. Guaranteed to paint a smile on anyone’s face.

The band is primarily made up of guitarist/vocalist Matt Sweeney and drummer Travis Stokl, with the new addition of third member, bassist Feurd. The band is also searching for a fourth member to round out the lineup.

Catch them live this Sunday at Wavelength’s 496th show, in partnership with No Shame! They will be playing with Tyson and the Trepids and Whale Tooth! And while you’re at it, check out an interview we did with them a few months ago!

For more from The Elwins,
MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/theelwins

The Elwins are currently in the midst of recording a full-length album (due out sometime this year), so stay tuned for more news in the near future!