artist Young Rival

From Hamilton Ontario comes Young Rival.

This trio hails from a city most widely-known for its blue-collar work ethic - a quality that Young Rival have always proudly embraced. With a sound that is both raw and hazy, dark and melodic, this band delivers an undeniably unique brand of grit-infused, wildcat rock and roll. Their latest offering comes to us in the form of an amazing collection of songs, recorded in June 2009 by Polaris Prize winning record maker Jon Drew (Fucked Up, Tokyo Police Club, Arkells).

"Jon has a total hands-off approach to recording a band like us," says drummer Noah Fralick. "We recorded in a high-ceiling room with mics scattered throughout.  The result is an album that's bigger sounding than anything we've done before, because it captures the intensity of our live playing, while still highlighting the more subtle aspects of our band's dynamic."

With shows and tours alongside The Sadies, Born Ruffians, King Khan and the Shrines, and Tokyo Police Club, as well as forthcoming remixes by Junior Boys, this young band occupies a unique - and important - position in today's indie landscape. They hearken back to a time where musicianship was primary; where a band's ability to collaborate and play well together was posited as the goal more important than any other. And yet Young Rival offer a sound that's both refreshing and current; delivering it with an uncompromising edge and swagger.

Critics have responded eagerly to Young Rival's efforts so far. Their self-released debut EP, recorded by NYC producer Emery Dobyns (Patti Smith, Battles, Lou Reed), was greeted with glowing reviews from press outlets across Canada, including 4 star write-ups in both major Toronto weeklies, NOW and EYE WEEKLY.  Lead-off single "Your Island" rose to Number 2 on CBC Radio 3's weekly countdown and its video reached rotation on MuchMusic. Internationally, the band has received radio play on BBC Radio 2  and XFM in the United Kingdom, as well as features on trend-setting U.S. music blogs such as Stereogum and Pitchfork.

Young Rival's self-titled new album will be released in Canada on April 13 2010 via Sonic Unyon Records.