Warped 45s
THE STORY
The Warped 45s are the perfect soundtrack for these uncertain times; this Toronto, Ontario roots-rock outfit blends melancholy and joy, anger and honesty in songs that have already garnered this five-piece a dedicated following and a reputation as one of the city’s most promising bands. It’s no wonder multiple critics earmarked them “Destined For Greatness in 2009” in Eye Weekly’s end-of-year poll.
The group’s sing-a-long harmonies and haunting melodies have their roots in the woods of northeastern Ontario, particular that most Canadian of cathedrals, Algonquin Park. It was here, at the family’s ancestral cabin, where cousins Dave McEathron and Ryan Wayne McEathron first played together, in uproarious jam sessions with friends and relatives that would last well into the night.
Both men first established themselves as talented solo artists; the Peterborough-born Dave McEathron released two well-received solo albums: 1999’s self-titled offering and 2007’s Passers By, Passers Through. An accomplished actor, McEathron has appeared and written music in several stage productions, including the award winning plays, Reesor and Pelee.
Ryan Wayne chose a different path. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario, where he first met and played with Finn Roye and Hewitt, he left Canada for Australia, where he recorded Don’t Settle, an album that fuses introspective songwriting with the blue-collar roots of his hometown of Oshawa.
The cousins began collaborating once again when, in early 2007, Wayne returned to Canada. Later that year they formed The Warped 45s. Rounding out the band were the classically trained Kevin Hewitt from the far northern town of Iroquois Falls; percussionist Hamal Finn Roye from Newmarket; and bassist Mark Gabriel, who was later replaced by the talented Alex Needleman of Waterloo, Ontario. Hewitt, Finn Roye, and Needleman provide the harmonies and rhythm that has helped shape the Warped 45s unique sound. They’re regularly joined by “sixth man” JP Desaulniers on strings. The band has also recorded with the likes of Andrew Penner (Sunparlour Players) and Annelise Noronha.
The Warped 45s released their self-titled debut EP in the spring of 2008. The album was engineered, mixed, and produced by John Critchley (13 Engines, Elliot Brood) at Green Door Studios except for “Why Have You Passed Me By Grim Reaper”, which was engineered and mixed by Brian Pickett at Voodoo Highway Studios. The record was mastered by Byron Kent Wong, who’s worked with artists such as David Bowie, Ben Harper and Beck.
The album signaled the arrival of an important new voice on the alt-country scene.
“It’s immediately obvious that these cats are no novices,” wrote Kerry Doole in Exclaim! “They cover way more terrain on these six songs than most groups do over a whole album.”
In little more than a year, The Warped 45s have honed their own unique style of roots-rock that pays tribute to greats like The Band and Townes Van Zandt while recalling contemporaries like the FemBots and Elliott Brood, with whom they’ve shared the stage.
Rural traditions and urban life intersect in their work. Progress and (Bring On That) New Depression are astute examinations of modern life, while El Cid and Don’t Blame The City are foot-stomping rockers. Crowd favourite Why Have You Passed Me By Grim Reaper? is feverish gospel at its best, while Radiosky is a gorgeous hymn to old friends and good music.
Since the release of their EP, the band has enjoyed a growing fan base. They’ve played with the likes of:
- Justin Rutledge
- The Skydiggers
- The Mahones and
- David Celia
at notable venues including:
- The Dakota
- The Horseshoe Tavern
- Hugh’s Room and
- The Mod Club
They have been featured on:
- CBC Radio 1 “Here and Now,”
- CBC Radio 3 and
- Toronto’s The Edge 102.1 FM
The EP reached 4 on the National College Folk Chart, and their MySpace page hit the 2 spot on Top Artist Chart in the “Unsigned Bands” category. They’ve also been profiled in Now Magazine. The Warped 45s plan to tour both Canada and the U.S. in support of their upcoming full-length CD, Back Porch of The Apocalypse, which will be distributed digitally and on Compact Disc.
HIGHLIGHT REVIEW
“Then we rolled over to the Silver Dollar for a very refreshing surprise that goes by the name of Warped 45′s. These unassuming, nice country boys in jeans and T’s brought us back classic rock of the Tom Petty, Neil Young variety. Solid melodies and solid lyrics, remember when that’s what good music was? They remind me of cottage nights in the woods around the campfire in Northern Ontario. This is the music of genuine heart and soul, at times they sounded like a happy Tom Waits, if that is possible. These guys are great musicians, I will be back for them.”
- CBC, ‘The Hour’
Yes!!
the 45′s were very excellent at the Dakota show (looks like the west tour was very good to them)
Always a pleasure to listen to them and even more fun enjoying a Mexican beverage and a late nite strum
Stevie
Hey Sugartune thanks for bringing the Warped 45s to my attention. saw there show last night at the horseshoe. one of the best i’ve seen ina while.