The Weakerthans write and perform songs with voices, guitars, and drums. Critically hailed and impossible to categorize, they have developed a strong and dedicated following that crosses the boundaries of genres and fashions. Labels like Punk or Alternative or Rock may seem appropriate, but they would hope Honest would do.
"We write the only songs we know how to write: songs that reflect the place we come from, musically and geographically, the community we live in, and the struggle for any one person to connect with another in a meaningful way," says lyricist John Samson. Comprised of Stephen Carroll (guitar, backing vocals), John K. Samson (guitar, lead vocals), John Sutton (bass, backing vocals), and Jason Tait (drums, saw, etc.).
The Weakerthans began playing together in 1997 in Winnipeg, Canada. Their first full-length recording, Fallow, was named one of the ten best albums of 1998 by CBC National Radio, album of the year by Perimeter Magazine, and received positive reviews all over North America and Europe. With their much-anticipated second full-length recording, Left and leaving, released by G7 Welcoming Committee Records (Canada) and Sub City Records (USA) on July 25, 2000, The Weakerthans present 12 perfectly formed songs ranging from anthemic punk to bewildered lullaby.
Although much has been made of their punk-rock pedigree John Samson was bass player for the 100,000 plus selling Fat Wreck Chords band Propagandhi for five years, the other members all played in successful touring bands.
The Weakerthans appeal to a broad audience with musical influences including punk, folk, country, show-tunes, union hymns, rock, nursery school anthems, etc., and so on. Something to please or annoy everyone. Lyrically, Samson concentrates on issues of alienation, hope, and survival within a society riddled with injustice and a culture commodified in every possible way.
The Weakerthans tour often and everywhere, against better judgment.
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