Band Details

From the Promoter

COUNTERPARTS

Counterparts have come quite a long way since their formation in 2007. With a fan base that has progressively expanded beyond their home province, the young artists have toured Canada relentlessly since March 2009. The band's upward trajectory truly took off after the release of their debut full-length, Prophets, in February 2010. The Verona Records release turned heads across the country, as well as past its borders. The record proved to be an immediate hit among fans of the hardcore genre, simultaneously garnering praise from scene luminaries and newcomers. Its impact was bold and far-reaching, going so far as to earn the band several award nominations throughout Ontario. The positive response caused the band's touring regimen to quickly increase in intensity, with a slew of tours taking place both at home and in the United States alongside prominent hardcore acts such as Shai Hulud and It Prevails. At a point when most bands would take time off to relax, Counterparts proved themselves once again to be as hardworking as they come. In November 2010, the band released a split EP alongside Ontario-based hardcore unit Exalt. The EP was another instant hit among fans, and proved that the band still had plenty left to offer, both musically and lyrically, that had not been showcased on their debut.
In October 2011, Counterparts released The Current Will Carry Us via influential independent label Victory Records. The sophomore LP saw the band pursuing a more raw, straightforward sound, and achieving a new level of honesty through their lyrics. Tossing any idealistic rhetoric aside, TCWCU offers listeners an extremely introspective listening experience that depicts the band in their most sincere, vulnerable state. While the album marks a clear thematic departure from its predecessor, its unrestrained aggression makes an emotional impact that's even more genuine. The record's reception easily exceeded the expectations of the band members, landing them a selection as one of Alternative Press' "100 Bands You Need To Know In 2012" and solidifying plans for the group's first ever expedition into Europe, in which they would bring their unforgettable live presence to listeners who'd spent years anxiously awaiting the opportunity.
If there's one thing that's abundantly clear about Counterparts' career, it's that none of the success – the building of an incredibly passionate and supportive fan base – has come about without a great deal of struggle and sacrifice. Like many bands who strive to do things on their own terms, Counterparts have had to face adversity in many different forms, including being stricken down by legal sanctions, having their touring vehicle obliterated, and having to cope with the ill-fated return of a founding member. Counterparts' story, while perhaps still in its infancy, has been one of a constant battle to find stability in an increasingly unpredictable music landscape. Nonetheless, the band have consistently proven themselves to be steadfast in the face of any impediment that comes their way. After years of dutiful exertion, the band are finally entering an era in which the future looks bright, and they've been able to reach this plateau without once compromising any aspect of their art. Through sheer hard work and dedication, Counterparts have been able to overcome innumerable obstacles in order to hold on to their elusive dream. Armed with heart and hope, Counterparts plan on spreading their music and message as far and wide as humanly possible in the coming years.

HARMS WAY

Harm's Way are an absolute force of a band from Chicago, Illinois. They made a name for themselves with masterful releases on the Organized Crime and Closed Casket Activities labels. With their punishing "Isolation" album (Closed Casket, 2011), Harm's Way brutally melded a metal attack, hardcore aggression, and industrial repetition into a new kind of sound. Creating a balance of intensity and originality rare in today's world of music.

LIKE PACIFIC

"Stay pissed.

That's the calling card of Toronto pop punk group Like Pacific. Since 2010, the band has been developing its own unique space amongst its peers in pop punk's newest wave, channeling anger and frustration in lieu of sadness and defeatism. The lyrical sentiments are met by the band's sound, borrowing from early 2000's emo-drenched pop punk but with their own twist of hardcore ferocity.

Now, with the release of their self-titled EP on New Damage Records and Pure Noise Records, the Toronto five-piece plans to bring their angst-filled, anthemic songs to anyone who will hear them. Like Pacific has already gotten off to a fierce start in 2015, including tours with the likes of Vanna, A Loss For Words, Pentimento, and a festival appearance at Southeast Best. All this to be done before the year is even half over.

The band's tireless work ethic and unique spot in a crowded genre take centre stage in watching their growth, with their debut full length record on the horizon."

END

End is from New York City. Over the years, End's sound has evolved to be a noisy mix of dirty synths, garage rock, and old-time swing, all achieved through a mish-mash of live instruments, programmed electronics, and stolen sounds.

End has released numerous records on labels like Ipecac, Hymen, and Tigerbeat6 and toured the world with bands like Fantomas, Melt Banana, and Jason Forrest, and worked on albums with the bands Snog and Messer Für Frau Müller.

BEARINGS

Bearings was formed in 2014 by a group of college friends in a music industry program. They wanted to put what they'd learned to use while finding a creative outlet for the many stories they had to tell. Now, with their first two releases "Higher Ground" and "Home Is..." under their belt, the group are ready to come out swinging.

Bearings' sound shows clear ties to the titans of punk rock but is aware of its place in time. Listeners can draw clear similarities to classic pop punk acts like Blink 182 and Descendents, but Bearings bring that iconic sound into 2017, but with a modern indie melody and rock dynamic that is all their own.

The follow-up to their first two EPs was the recent release of their single "North Hansen" and accompanying music video. Both were met with praise from fans and press alike, including a feature in Alternative Press' roundup of the 10 best new songs of the week. With an EP on the way and upcoming tours, Bearings are hitting the ground running in 2017 and show no signs of stopping.