Young Rival - Young Rival (2010)

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 selfreleased
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.