If you're craving a sojourn from the daily grind, look no further than Toronto-based Pilgrims of Brock (POB). With rock n' roll heart and country soul, POB has created their own brand of musical escapism, complete with bitingly honest storytelling, captivating rhythms, and melodic hooks that will surely satisfy the every man -- and woman.
POB formed in late 2007 on Brock Ave. (hence, the name) in Toronto's trendy Parkdale neighbourhood the band is made up of singer/songwriter Andrew Masse (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Chris Rellinger (bass), Will Greco (drums, percussion) and multi-instrumentalist Gavin Kistner. Together, they combine over 50 years of musicianship to create a sound that, while completely original, is reminiscent of the artists who inspire them, such as Wilco, Joel Plaskett, The Rheostatics, Bob Dylan and The Beatles.
It’s been a busy year for POB, kicking off January with the release of its debut 12 song self-titled album (distributed independently on itunes and emusic), which has been selling steadily at live shows.
In May, the band headed northeast to Peterborough where they were well received by a plentiful, dancing audience at The Black Horse. Later, that same month, POB teamed up with MINOTAURS (Nathan Lawr, Don Kerr), Rich Burnett and Geordie Gordon for a successful evening of soulful country and Afrobeat at Parkdale’s Mitzi’s Sister.
In August, The Pilgrims took up residency, in which they played weekly for four weeks, at Parkdale’s The Cadillac Lounge. One of these shows featured several members of the band Sunriser performing new material. On August 16th, POB performed a 10 song, live-to-air set on CIUT 89.5 FM Radio, as part of DJ Daibhid James’ show. To date, POB continues to earn a considerable following by playing high-traffic Toronto venues such as C'est What?, Mitzi’s Sister and The Local.
The end of summer has brought with it a time for creation for POB. The band has been working on new songs, folding each into their live shows as they are ready.
And the pilgrimage continues with the goal of recording their sophomore album in the spring of 2011.
"(This album) has a really great feel and you can hear the band's identity shining through.
Good job pulling all of those songs together; some of them are epics."
- Dave Bidini, Bidiniband, formerly Rheostatics
“A unique pop-country style.” - Erin Hatfield, InsideToronto.com
“A tidy 12-song collection of subtle, hummable and memorable tracks. Personal in its approach both musically and lyrically, the record grows on you with repeated listening.”
- Paul Lahey, Former Editor, SceneandHeard.ca
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/pilgrimsofbrock or follow them on Facebook
or Twitter. Inquiries can be directed to pilgrimsofbrock@gmail.com