Contrary to popular belief, there is a not-so-glamorous side to being in a touring band.
As if being an up-and-coming band isn’t already tough enough, every once in a while a band will get thrown a curve ball such as vehicle repairs while in the midst of a tour. And though there is often little that can be done to head off such inconveniences, the experiences can nonetheless be detrimental to a band’s morale.
Toronto progressive metal band The Isosceles Project had its van break down in Quebec last week. But rather than dwelling upon their misfortune, the group missed only one show and has its chariot back on the road and ready to play Moncton’s Plan B Lounge on Monday evening.
Citing influences between the members that run the gamut from jazz greats Jaco Pastorius and Stanley Clarke through other bands including Opeth and The Mars Volta, the trio that makes up The Isosceles Project ably incorporate those influences and more into the band’s sound.
Like many progressive bands before them, The Isosceles Project’s instrumental songs are not for the faint of heart. Many of their tracks run in the vicinity of 10 minutes in length yet are a rewarding listen, painting a vivid picture for the listener as their songs progress.
In late 2008, the group had an opportunity to appear on the Muchmusic television program disBand, a show that gives up-and-coming artists the chance to showcase their best material before a panel of industry experts who in turn provide the band feedback on whether they feel the group is worthy of continuing to chase their dreams or should “disband.” Although the terms Muchmusic and progressive metal don’t belong in the same sentence, Isosceles member Eric Euler says the experience was rather positive.
“It was actually a great experience for us,” Euler says. “We were invited on the show because they wanted to find us a vocalist. We played along but knew that we weren’t going to keep a vocalist even if we did it for the show.”
And while the band didn’t go on to become the next Stereos because of their television exposure, Euler says the group still gained a lot of new fans from the experience.
“Ultimately, we got to stick up for what we believed in so nothing negative came from the experience,” he says.
With three albums and two DVD releases already to their credit, the band members – including Euler, Scott Tessier and Brandon Smith – are already looking forward to their next release and are road-testing two of their newest songs live.
“We have two out of the three songs done for our next record. We are really proud of our new songs. We have been playing a couple of them live as we wanted to have the opportunity to test them out on the road, knowing the songs will most likely continue to change and develop as we go.”
Article published in June 3, 2011 edition of the Times & Transcript