Nothing provincial about this band

While their My Space profile may cryptically claim that the band was formed "by synchronistic odd happenstances and strange occurrences", the band's lyricist and vocalist, Will, revealed to us that Craigslist was actually the cyber force that brought them all together. "Rich, Scott and Pete were all playing instrumental music at the time and I was doing my own thing; we ended up finding each other through Craigslist in 2006 and recorded a 10-song demo at Cherry Beach, one of the biggest recording studios in Toronto."

The sound recording engineer liked us so much, he ended up working with us when we decided to record our EP "Iron Ponies" in our basement. He's a huge reason why the result has such a polished sound".

But why the odd-sounding Provincial Parks as a band name? "Everyone has a story or experience about a provincial park," Will explains. "Calling ourselves that came from the feeling that we wanted a band name that was Canadian but not geographically limited. It's also a name that resonates with the sound we are seeking to make - songs that can be stripped down and played acoustically with all kinds of percussion, voices and hand claps around a campfire. Within this, come all of the things that we feel provincial parks are about - community, nostalgia, friendships, childhood, etc."

As the band prepares to embark on their first tour to support their new CD, they have every reason to be excited about their future. "Iron Ponies" has been receiving great reviews and the buzz is growing. With catchy tunes, beautiful harmonies, introspective lyrics reminiscent of Leonard Cohen, dreamlike instrumentation and great vocals, it's no surprise that HeroHill (a popular blog that focuses on east coast music) had this to say about them: "There's something about feeling like a band is destined to be more than just a local act… every so often you stumble on an artist that seems to represent everything that makes your neighbourhood's heart beat… it's remarkable how tight this band is and how quickly the songs sink in."

There's a sound to the band that is unmistakably evocative of old pop and easy rock hits, back in the days when that kind of sound could still be equated with good quality music. Will easily admits to being influenced by the sounds of Joni Mitchell and Fleetwood Mac. "If you listen to "Young Bride" there are definite similarities to "Rumours" by Fleetwood Mac," he says. "There's no avoiding it; we're influenced by this type of sound because our parents fed it to us. It’s kind of nice to now make music that’s current, yet my dad can still relate to."

At times sounding like The Dears and at times like Scottish rock band, The Cinematics, the band's tight hooks and guitar riffs, as well as mature lyrics, like the ones found in "Love/Confidence" and "Islands", ("I can hear the distance of your leaving, And the years that never will arrive. There's a flame that lights my empty doorway, Of the place where we would always divide.") have, pretty much, ensured that more than their dads will be relating to their music.

Having produced such a strong first effort, many of their fans are already anticipating their next CD, and Will promises that it will be nothing like their first one. "We're already excited about the new material we're working on," he reveals. "All I can say is that we're evolving." Darwin would be proud. Provincial Parks play The Pound (377 rue Richmond, between Notre-Dame and Guy) on January 23, at 9 p.m. with local acts That's The Spirit and Flotilla.For more on the band, you can log on to: www.myspace/provincialparks