The Bends

By: The Bends

Reviewed by: robbie

An infectious blend of jazz, pop and punk

I know that I use the word unique way too much on this website but in the case of this album, I have no choice but to use it once again. The Bends are a way cool band out of Abbotsford, BC Canada that have a distinct sound that is an unusul blend of jazz, pop and punk. If the Strokes had been around in the 1940s they would have probably sounded like this.

This is their debut album. It lacks polish and the production values are a little weak but the music itself is infectious and fun. I have had the album on my iPod for a few weeks now and I can't stop listening. The band consists of Brian Holt on vocals and guitar, Heather Konkin on vocals and keyboards, Andrew Gillott on percussion and Eugene Burton on bass. The Bends are what indie music is all about. If they continue to develop and perfect their unique style, I predict a bright future for this quartet.

Bio: We formed in July 2005, two weeks prior to our first show which took place August 6. Heather and I had been jamming for a while and I booked us in a battle of the bands competition in Vancouver. We decided that since she played piano and I guitar, we should fill out our band with a drummer and bassist. I phoned Andrew and invited him to a practice and he brought Eugene, who was an old friend from drama classes, that recently picked up the bass.

The day of our show arrived and we were ready to rock out. Eugene was equipped with his tight red leather pants and bass guitar, Andrew with his cap and glasses and drumsticks, Heather with her polished nails and piano bench and myself in a suit and tie with a brand new scheming guitar amp. The show turned out to be a complete disaster. The previous band cut into our alloted time and the sound tech decided to leave then during our third song the tube in my guitar amp exploded riding our band of chords.

After determining the worst had already happened we continued to practice and perform more shows. In January 2007 I purchased recording equipment after completing sound engineering school and we began to record our self titled album. After constantly editing and meticulously reworking our songs we had recorded ten finger-snapping and foot-tapping tracks. We released our album September 11 2007 and just as kids were getting back to school we would be preparing to get back to performing.

Purchase this album

To learn more and to purchase "The Bends" visit the band's myspace page at: www.myspace.com/wearethebends

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