Since Wiarton Willie recently predicted six more weeks of winter, god knows we've all felt the itch to down a few too many drinks. What better way to avoid thinking about the slush and that ever-dreaded heart-shaped day than to grab some liquor and nod along with the musical pulse of the kings of ska? Next weekend, Stomp Records celebrates their 15th anniversary with two big-ass shows in Toronto and Montreal, on February 12 and 13, respectively, with an impressive line-up from the label's loyal roster.
In the early '90s, ska music was at the top of its game; the lighthearted, brass-heavy melodies of third-wave ska were entrancing. So when in 1994, Matt Collyer started up the label with the now infamous release All Skanadian Club Volume I, and quickly followed with one from his band, the Planet Smashers' debut, their inevitable success came as no surprise. Now, a decade and a half later, with Stomp Records clogging the airwaves of the Americas, Europe, Australia and Japan, the label is still going strong.
The Planet Smashers, of course, headline both nights of anniversary revelry. Joining them will be acts such as psychobilly horror trio the Brains, reggae/roots outfit the Expos and Celtic street-kid punk foursome Flatfoot 56, who will be rocking out with music from their upcoming St. Paddy's day release, Black Thorn. There's also ska-punk heroes Subb and the always high-octane Hypnophonics, among others.
Two nights with the self-proclaimed "funnest record label in Canada" are sure to make for an epic celebration, and one well worth the bottle of aspirin and 24-hour hibernation you'll need in order to recover from the party.
Toronto - February 12 @ The Opera House
The Planet Smashers
The Brains
Flatfoot 56
The Expos
Montreal - February 13 @ Club Soda
The Planet Smashers
Subb
Flatfoot 56
The Hypnophonics
In the early '90s, ska music was at the top of its game; the lighthearted, brass-heavy melodies of third-wave ska were entrancing. So when in 1994, Matt Collyer started up the label with the now infamous release All Skanadian Club Volume I, and quickly followed with one from his band, the Planet Smashers' debut, their inevitable success came as no surprise. Now, a decade and a half later, with Stomp Records clogging the airwaves of the Americas, Europe, Australia and Japan, the label is still going strong.
The Planet Smashers, of course, headline both nights of anniversary revelry. Joining them will be acts such as psychobilly horror trio the Brains, reggae/roots outfit the Expos and Celtic street-kid punk foursome Flatfoot 56, who will be rocking out with music from their upcoming St. Paddy's day release, Black Thorn. There's also ska-punk heroes Subb and the always high-octane Hypnophonics, among others.
Two nights with the self-proclaimed "funnest record label in Canada" are sure to make for an epic celebration, and one well worth the bottle of aspirin and 24-hour hibernation you'll need in order to recover from the party.
Toronto - February 12 @ The Opera House
The Planet Smashers
The Brains
Flatfoot 56
The Expos
Montreal - February 13 @ Club Soda
The Planet Smashers
Subb
Flatfoot 56
The Hypnophonics
