Sam Coffey & the Iron Lungs - Sam Coffey & the Iron Lungs (2017)

Emerging out of Toronto's punk scene, Sam Coffey and the Iron Lungs are a sextet of Ontario natives whose combined efforts result in a freewheeling, '70s-indebted power pop sound. Originating out of Kitchener, Ontario, Coffey debuted the project in 2011 with the self-released Bedroom Rock EP, followed later that year by the band's eponymous debut album. After a handful of D.I.Y. singles, they signed with California punk/garage indie Southpaw Records to release 2014's Gates of Hell LP. Shows with Redd Kross, Flamin Groovies, and the Black Lips followed as their reputation grew throughout North America. Eschewing some of their more lo-fi leanings, they worked with producer Alex Bonenfant (METZ, Crystal Castles) in 2017, releasing their self-titled third full-length, this time via American indie Burger Records and Canadian punk staple Dine Alone Records. ~ Timothy Monger.