Lineup 2017
Walrus
Halifax, NS
Walrus are here to play for the sake of the song. The Halifax based band’s debut LP, Family Hangover, is a fuzzed- out electric blanket of soul with unrepentant strands of authentic heaviosity. Extensive studio experimentation can be heard throughout the sonically unique record, from varispeed warble to Spacemen-3 style saucer-drone attacks. Live, their low-key manner belies a depth and dedication to craft. This band could be thrown on a bill between Love and Sabbath and not embarrass the present.
“The band somehow mix gentle, Brian Wilson vocal melodies and orchestrations with out-of-the-blue punk thrash parts that keep listeners guessing. The high, winsome vocals and chiming 12-string Rickenbacker certainly conjured late ’60s cloudy folk-pop, but the rest of the band infused the songs with sharp edges. Some of it recalled the Sadies, and the musicians in Walrus are certainly in the same league.
Back when My Morning Jacket were still kinda metal-y, they made music like Walrus is making now. It’s all wild left turns that seem ill-advised but, as they steamroll past, they’re a glorious sight to behold.”
-Vish Khanna (Exclaim)