54•40 let you know where they’re coming from in their self-referential new single West Coast Band — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The first single and title track from the Can-Rock vets’ new album due Oct. 6, West Coast Band finds the 40-year-old combo — lead vocalist and guitarist Neil Osborne, bassist Brad Merritt, guitarist, keyboardist and vocalist Dave Genn and drummer Matt Johnson (with the help of keyboardist David “Oz” Osborne) — loudly and proudly proclaiming their musical heritage in the face of uncaring club owners, jaded record executives and other music-biz weasels.
Along with the autobiographical lyrics, the sound and production pay homage to the local Vancouver music scene that inspired Neil and Brad to form 54•40 and commit to a creative life all those decades ago. “At the time, seeing local west coast bands like D.O.A., The Subhumans, Pointed Sticks and Young Canadians playing live, making records and doing it their way was a huge signal that we could do this too!” says Merritt.
Separated during lockdown, 54•40 occupied their time like many of their contemporaries; writing, recording and trading files until the songs took shape. The track was produced by Osborne and Genn and mixed by Seattle producer Adam Kasper (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam), with a superb video directed by Millan Curry-Sharples.
Watch the video above, listen to (and buy!) the single below, check out 54•40’s tour dates and get in the van on their website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
54•40 Tour Dates:
Aug. 5 | The Drill Hall @ Base 31 | Prince Edward County
Aug. 10 | Lakehead Exhibition | Thunder Bay
Aug. 12 | Peach Festival | Penticton
Aug. 18 | El Mocambo | Toronto
Aug. 19 | Grand Fondo Event | Port Elgin
Sept. 7 | Balls Falls Conservatory | Lincoln
Sept. 8&9 | Bear Den, Seneca Niagara Resort | Niagara Falls
Sept. 16 | Barnside Harvest Festival | Ladner, BC
Oct. 6&7 | Commodore Ballroom | Vancouver
Oct. 19&20 | Lester Centre for The Performing Arts | Prince Rupert
