GALORE is a rock and roll band from Toronto. Formed from the ashes of several Canadian indie-darling bands (among them, Halifax's Cool Blue Halo and Grace Babies), GALORE is comprised of Barry Walsh (lead vocals, guitar), Kevin Hilliard (bass, vocals), Steve Krecklo (guitar,vocals) and Tim Timleck (drums).
The band has built up a reputation over the past year for being a storming live act with a fondness for volume, high kicks and melody, cemented by opening gigs for rock'n'rollers such as Jet, The London Quireboys, bills with Toronto pals such as Crash Kelly, The Pariahs, Millions of Cats That Turned On Their Masters and National Anthem, and weekly residencies at rock'n'roll den Stone's Place in Toronto's Parkdale area, where they were joined one night for a few songs by Stones' backing vocalist Bernard Fowler while the legends were in town rehearsing for the 40 Licks tour. "It was cool," says Galore's Barry Walsh. "But he didn't wanna do any Stones - he only wanted to sing AC/DC songs...which was fine by us."
With their debut album CD 'Parader' (available via Fading Ways Music/ Scratch Distribution in Canada, and now via various outlets in Europe, including Cargo Records in Germany, Changes One in the UK and Sound Pollution in Sweden), they prove they're no slouches in the studio. 'Parader' is an ecstatic love letter to rock'n'roll, with Bolan-esque shout-out choruses and compulsive, driving melodies in the tradition of Sticky Fingers-era Stones and Alladin Sane-style Bowie.
The response from punters and critics alike was near-unanimous praise, with Eye Weekly giving the album four stars on the strength of its "teenage kicks and kisses," Chart Magazine calling it "the perfect summer record," and the UK's Powerplay saying Galore were, "with the big shout out choruses of songs like 'Pocket Rocket' and 'Pretty One'...a step above recent retro bands such as the The Strokes, The Hives, and probably any one of a hundred other bands beginning with 'The' that you care to mention." The black-and-white 'old school' video for 'Sweet Sugar Freak' received airplay and glowing reviews on Canada's MuchMusic, and is available online for the world to see at www.galoremusic.com. 'Parader' charted on campus radio stations across the country, and even scored some play on commercial radio stations with balls.
The ante is upped with the band's new album, 'Amplifier.' Produced by Moe Berg, leader of the seminal Canuck rock band The Pursuit of Happiness and co-producer of Robin Black's first album, the band has tapped into their inner Cheap Trick, melding the power-pop punch of a classic like 'Heaven Tonight' with a swagger and cowbell-banging boogie reminiscent of Urge Overkill's 90s classic 'Saturation.' Highlights include the insistent, hooky-as-hell 'She's An Elevator' and 'Amanda Effect,' the pop tart-trouncing 'Teen Rebellion Machine' (which manages to echo both The Undertones' 'Teenage Kicks' and Guns'n'Roses' 'Sweet Child Of Mine'), an ode to rock'n'roll radio dubbed 'Favourite Song,' and the T-Rexy stomp'n'sleaze of 'Typical You.' Guitarmonies abound, drums are whomped mercilessly, and SGs are windmilled into submission. In other words, it's a rock'n'roll album.
Oh, and an EP recorded in New York City and produced by legendary guitarist Richard Lloyd of Television/ Matthew Sweet fame is also on the way in the months ahead.
Look for Galore on tour in the summer, with a trip to the European territories carrying 'Parader' in the cards, as well as return visits to New York, LA and any other American cities that'll have 'em.
In summary, wherever rock and roll is revered, Galore is more than happy to pay homage.
Check out the teaser from my new unreleased album "Perfekt World" due out on March 26th! Videos from my recent performance with Emerson Hart at Blender Theater at Gramercy are also up!
Just wanted to stop by your page, it's been awhile. What's new with you?
I am in the studio recording my 3rd release, Perfekt World, with a street date in late March! Stop by my page then and check out the new music. I would love to know what you think.
Make sure you head over to www.rockandrollreport.com for the brand new Rock and Roll Report Podcast! Podcast #3 will be released on December 19th featuring Galore!
hey guys. You put on a great show last week at Bunkers! I had a great time hangin with you guys, it's rare to find guys in bands that are so down to earth these days such as you boys. Thanks for the jager shot!
Great show at the Tribe the other night- best rock show I've seen in a while. Nice. My girlfriend looks super-hot in her new Galore t-shirt, too.
P.S. to Hilliard: that hockey video is posted on my profile. That's one sweet assist - a no look drop pass that takes 3 guys out of the play (including the goaltender). Ferries history, baby!
FADING WAYS AND FRIENDS a new concert series from fading ways music
who? John Aubrey, International Zombies of Love, VASLAV
what? a night of music and debauchery
where? El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Avenue when? Thursday March 29th, 9:30 pm, $5 cover
why? why not?
