by Michelle Ruby
In 1991, Jay Ferguson, Chris Murphy, Patrick Pentland and Andrew Scott formed Sloan in Halifax.
In those days, their sound had a lot in common with the guitar-heavy art rock of bands including Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine.
Sloan’s first record, the Peppermint EP, introduced the world to Underwhelmed, a song that prompted listeners to consider the importance of grammar and spelling in the formation of a successful relationship.
Sloan, instrumental in creating Canada’s current music scene, will perform at the Sanderson Centre on Friday, Oct. 18.
“Ten records,” Pentland said in a news release of the band’s discography. “I don’t think that’s enough. I think we’ll do some more.”
With Sloan’s own Murderecords label at its heart, Canada’s East Coast become one of the most vibrant music scenes of the ‘90s. Bands including Eric’s Trip, Super Friendz, Hardship Post and Thrust Hermit released singles on Murderecords before being snapped up by American labels.
With their second album, Twice Removed, Sloan started showing the depth of their musical influences, moving away from the big guitar sound of their early days.
Perhaps more important than critical acclaim is the loyal audience that Sloan has accrued over the years. In the ‘90s, when the Internet was picking up steam, Sloan’s audience found a home in Sloan Net, a forum where all things Sloan-related were discussed.
The band’s newest album, 2011’s The Double Cross, spans genres and styles, from gentle, acoustic ballads to some of the most up-tempo rock songs they’ve ever written.
“I’m happy we’ve been able to continue making strong records that I really like this far into our career,” said Ferguson.
--taken from: Brantford Expositor
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