Change of Heart Treat 'Smile' to 25th Anniversary Reissue, Unveil Toronto Release Show

The concert will mark the band's first live appearance in five years and feature all the album's original musicians

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished May 16, 2017

This year, Canadian indie rock heroes Change of Heart are celebrating 25 years since the release of their fourth LP Smile, and to mark the occasion, the band will be giving the 1992 full-length a vinyl reissue — as well as return to the stage.

The reissue will see Smile released in its intended 2xLP gatefold form in July through Label Obscura, remastered by original producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda and Canadian engineering guru Joao Carvalho. As the band explain, Smile was recorded over four days at Toronto's Reaction Studios on a $3,000 budget, with the group forgoing the use of overdubs and a click track.

Smile follows "the self imposed ghost of David Crosby wandering the hills of a decaying '60s sub-culture, environmental research and what it means to love and be a part of a community in modern society."

To make that all a reality, Change of Heart drew on elements of rock, pop, folk, dub and prog for the LP, in addition to samples, found sound and even a Moby Grape cover.

Of course, Exclaim! is also celebrating a 25th anniversary of our own this year, so we have teamed up with the band to bring a reissue release party to Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern on July 22. Not only will it mark the first Change of Heart performance in five years, but it will also be the first time the eight core members from the Smile sessions will perform together in 25 years. 

Founding members Rob Taylor (bass/lyricist/artwork) and Ian Blurton (guitar/vocals) will be joined by Bernard Maiezza (keyboards), Glenn Milchem (drums), Mike Armstrong (percussion), Anne Bourne (cello/vocals) and John Borra (back up vocals/percussion). Smile producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda will even serve as live engineer for the show.

The evening will also feature performances from Sianspheric, B.A. Johnston and DJ Chris Harper. 

Tour dates:

07/22 Toronto, ON - The Horseshoe Tavern *

*with Sianspheric, B.A. Johnston and DJ Chris Harper

Latest Coverage