Bike Thiefs

CMW has brought some amazing international talent to Toronto, but I still feel the festival’s main strength is its support of local, unsigned, and underground talent. Day three for Antidote Magazine was all about exploration. I went to every show knowing nothing about the artists playing and I’m happy to say I was blown away by all the talent.

I wasn’t sure what to expect on the way to Dakota Tavern. I knew most of the acts were singer songwriters but that was about it. By the time I got into the bar Sydney Delong was already halfway through her set and I’m still kicking myself for not getting their sooner. The nineteen year old singer was absolutely amazing, with the vocal range of an opera singer, the stage presence of a rock star, and the skill of artists twice her age, Delong was both incredible and inspiring. Joined on stage by a single acoustic guitar player, her set was intimate and inviting. You could feel her connection to each song and it was clear that music is clearly Delong’s passion.
Next on the agenda was Jessica Chase. It must have been tough to follow Sydney Delong, but Chase clearly tried her best. That’s not really a dig at Chase just an observation on her set. It’s impossible to deny Chase’s talent, however compared to Delong her voice seemed a little generic. Where I think Chase’s true strength lies is in her connection to her songs. “I’m never gonna love you baby.” I could picture her in every heartbreak, whether she was the victim or the victor. The audience gravitated to the power of her lyrics like they did to the power of Sydney’s voice.
Following Jessica Chase was perhaps my favourite artist of the night. Whale Eye (real name Dylan Turner) was absolutely incredible, I know I’ve said that a lot in my recent review of artists, but believe me when I say that Whale Eye blew me away. His gravely, rough, whiskey soaked voice was both unique and comforting. His lyrics were touching, his stage presence was electric, and even with an untuned guitar he sounded amazing. You could see the girls swooning. Maybe it’s just me, but solo artist on stage always impresses. Maybe it’s the confidence to stand on stage alone? Maybe it’s the intimacy of the performance? Whatever it is Whale Eye clearly carries it in spades. His set was honest, fun, passionate, comforting, and just plain amazing. He’s definitely an artist I’ll be keeping my eye on and expect great things from him in the future.
After the incredible Whale Eye set at the Dakota Tavern I cabbed to the historic Sneaky Dees. I only managed to catch one set, but goddamn if it wasn’t great. Mississauga punks Bike Thiefs played a set that can only be described as the quintessential representation of Canadian punk rock. The riffs were heavy, but melodic and the driving bass was something that kept my head bobbing along. Vocalist Marko Woloshyn sung in a manner that was incredibly unconventional but I think that perfectly describes the appeal of the band. They’re fast, abrasive, melodic, and quite unconventional.
Last night reminded me of all the great things about Toronto’s music scene. The diversity or artists and their raw talent is what drew me in as a kid and it’s what keeps me here as I get older. Their passion, innovation, presence, and talent is palpable. That’s why I think CMW is such an amazing event. Yes, it brings international artists to the city, but more so it showcases the talent already in the city. It’s a chance for music fans to get out and find new talent, and it’s an opportunity for musicians to reach even more people. There’s something delicately impressive about young artists passionately chasing their dream. In daylight they could be students, waiters, waitresses, or car salesmen; in the stage light they’re artists who elevate Toronto’s music scene. - Antidote Magazine

Bike Thiefs are full out; they hit the ground running right from the start. The new EP, These Things Happen All The Time, is short, and not even close to being sweet. Punishing, blasting beats with soaring, grating vocals make for a mean punk explosion, drumming up flashbacks to your favorite sweaty deafening basement shows. The ones that really let you sleep when you were finally finished fighting your war against the rest of the crowd. “Redline” is the one moment where the band takes their collective foot off the pedal, and still put out a pounding and wailing scream-along, combining a great melody with absolute reckless fun-rock. Bike Thiefs now have physical copies, a la vinyl EP, for sale, and you should get them before they’re gone. - The Deli Magazine

Toronto three-piece Bike Thiefs have an infuriating name but a cool sound, with sing-spoken vocals over busy, angular post-punk. They've announced a new EP titled Lean Into It. The video for the first single, "Destination Wedding," was premiered this past week at Impose along with a number of tour dates in both the US and the Maritimes. Check it out. - Some Party

Punk? Post punk? Post post punk? Noise rock? Who the fuck cares?

Mississauga band Bike Thiefs played Toronto's Bovine Sex Club last night on the first night of Canadian Music Week 2016. They provide a great blend of high tempos, shout-spoken vocals and riffing that's a cool blend of off-kilter and heavy. The only contradiction at work here is the fact that a bike thief is someone to be despised.

After a tight set of original tunes, the band closed with "In The Flesh" by Pink Floyd.

They're playing another CMW show on May 6 at Handlebar at 11PM. Check 'em out! - One In Ten Words

Who: Bike Thiefs
Where: Sneaky Dees, Toronto
When: Tuesday, 5 May 2015
In One Word: Humble

Mississauga’s own three piece band Bike Theifs filled Sneaky Dee’s with their raw, grungy sound for Canadian Music Week.

While the crowd was surprisingly without a mosh pit, they did call them on so hard at the end of their set for “one more song,” that they got the encore they wanted. The vocalist seemed a bit taken a back and said “Okay, we’ll play an encore, because we’re just so special.”

He put on quite the performance for the small crowd that came out. The lost look in his eyes was engaging as he threw himself around the stage like a ragdoll, still managing to maintain the crassy vocals and down-strumming, 90s punk guitar sound.

The howls in his voice could wake a sleeping bear and the rasp gives off the idea that he’s been smoking longer than he’s been alive. The transition between the two and moreover, the crazy, energetic sound straight into normal conversation with the crowd were seamless.

While most bands featured in Canadian Music Week tend to express their thanks for being there, this time it was ever so sincere. Thanking everyone that came out, the organizers of the festival, the venue and one by one complimenting each band and member on specific aspects of their music and personalities.

With a digital CD available on bandcamp and multiple shows coming up through the GTA this summer, the band has started down a bright looking path. - Music Vice

Our Find of the Week is Mississauga, Canada trio Bike Thiefs who will just steal your heart away with an epic, epic tune titled Redline. A perfect tune with a wall of noisy guitars and drums paired with standout vocals. This track is part of their recent release titled These Things Happen All The Time available to stream and download via their Bandcamp. Go listen and also check out the visual treatment for Redline here! - Diamond Deposits

10/10

Sometimes the least conventional singers can make for the most engaging musical experience. Bike Thiefs’ lead man Marko Woloshyn does a great job matching the anger conveyed in his jagged post-grunge guitar riffs with his banshee yells and melancholic drone.

On Bloated, Bike Thiefs apply their Chevelle-like sound to a number of different styles, from the metallic grind of Buffer to the indie bounce of Tiller’s Gate. The interesting thing is that alone, these songs would make a significant impression. There are no real hooks to speak of and a casual listener might dismiss them as second-rate radio rock on a single listen. Back to back, however, they tell an entirely different story with more left turns then a Dan Brown novel. The album’s latter 3 tracks are what seem to be successful experiments. The anthemic Basic Cable is club remix ready, and closer Uncle Ray is a ripping thrasher that would make Metallica proud.

The truly impressive thing about this record though is not just Bike Theif’s ability to jump through genres, but also their ability to jump through MOODS. What stunts many other alt rock acts is the stagnant and often stubborn refusal to write anything other than angry or melancholy songs. Sure, it starts off sounding mad as hell, but by track 5, the mood on Bloated is almost jovial, before the closing moments of Uncle Ray which are just plain mean.

No member of the band really stands out above the others. Though it is clear that Woloshyn is running the show, the way bassist Kris Pandeirada and drummer Erik Levak have worked their parts around his compositions is seamless. It bodes well when the only flaw you can find on a record is that it isn’t meant for the radio. Bike Theifs have created true rock and roll with Bloated, and this reviewer is excited to see what they come up with in the future. - Bucketlist Music Review

The past year and a half in the lives of Bike Thiefs, a “grammatically inept, three piece rock band”, according to their bandcamp, has been a momentous stretch. The alternative punk trio out of Mississauga has hit the ground running, with appearances at NXNE, CMW and air time on Toronto’s local alternative stations. The traction gained by Bike Thiefs has led them to a point in their young careers that hundreds of bands continuously strive for, and fail to reach.

Since releasing Bloated, their first EP in May of 2014, Bike Thiefs, made up of lead vocalist and guitarist Marko Woloshyn, bassist Kris Pandeirada, and drummer Andrew Fasken, have hit a string of highs, which has brought them to the release of their second project. These things happen all the time, a four track EP, marks another milestone in the career of a band working hard to elevate their craft.

They’ve crafted a dynamic sound: booming guitar riffs, hard driving drums, intricate lyrics, rounded out with a rhythmic bass line – a controlled chaos.

“We want it to sound like it may be going off the rails at the right moment,” said Woloshyn.

“We still want people to be able to dance to it, make people jump around,” Fasken was quick to add.

Addressing what has set them apart from other local acts over the past year and a half, the three are humble, and quick to state that the work a group is willing to put in is far more important than any level of talent they may have.

“It’s putting in the hours,” said Woloshyn, wolfing down a slice of Fresca Pizza as the band prepared to play their EP release show next door at The Old Laurel. “We watched our favourite bands, watched how they did it […] they were on the nose with everything, very professional, very considerate to everybody. Thats how you do it. You stick around, you put in the hours, you message people, you talk to people and you treat it like it’s your business, like it’s your venture.”

Though they’re at a solid point now, the band’s direction wasn’t always clear. Each member has their own past in different music ventures, and they came together only a couple of years ago.

“I started working with Kris and getting to know Kris, and I think that’s when things became a bit more serious, that’s when it kind of was like ‘alright let’s fucking do this’,” said Woloshyn. “We had sort of a changeover with drummers […] Kris met him [Andrew] again at a wedding, got to talking, said ‘Hey, we’re looking for a drummer!’ Andrew joined.”

Since getting serious and digging in, Bike Thiefs have enjoyed, not only a series of victories in the music world, but their time working on growing the band as well.

“It’s like Marko said: this is the best thing I’ve been a part of,” said Fasken. “It just feels right.”

The band have a busy stretch over the month of October, with shows in Toronto, Hamilton, London, Montreal, Sherbrooke and Ottawa; and plans of getting creative again in the winter months.

“I think November and December, take some time to write. Hopefully as the weather gets nicer, drive out further and further,” said Fasken.

“2016 is full of bigger plans,” said Woloshyn. “I think that’s the best way to put it: longer tours, bigger releases.”

Whatever may be in store for Bike Thiefs, they hope to only build on the momentum gained over 2015. With the position they’re in now, the ‘bigger plans’ of 2016 could help to launch Bike Thiefs to a level many young bands never get to consider. - Naked Underground

Mississauga band Bike Thiefs (sic) are back with a vengeance with their new EP, These Things Happen All the Time.

Released this month, the four-song effort builds upon the band's foundation of driving, moody alt-rock laid out by their previous album, Bloated.

The opening track, My Friend Merky, features thumping drums, in-your-face guitars and frantic vocals that set a ferocious tone for this collection of tunes.

Fans of Hot Snakes, Metz and Greys will not be disappointed.

You never know where a rock band will take their next record. Most do more of the same. Some get softer and catchier as they go along. Others go back to basics, or venture a little. Some venture a lot and alienate listeners.

Bike Thiefs have matured, evidenced by songwriting that is focused on a literary approach of sorts by way of cutting all the fat. Lengthy solo? Who needs it. Another verse? Nope.

According to singer/guitarist Marko Woloshyn, the key word on this record is "brevity."

That is to say, the band's more aggressive, abbreviated approach was a conscious decision to not to waste anytime and "get to the good part."

And that they do. Songs Third Wife and Retrograde keep the controlled intensity coming – a energy that will likely conduct a sweaty chorus of fists pumping at live shows – the third album cut reveals another dimension to the trio's songwriting talents.

Called Redline, this catchy number has a mid-tempo Weezer lilt of a drum beat that blends nicely with a quirky, bendy guitar hook.

The guitars drops out for the verse, replaced with clever lyrics carried by a swelling, Pixies-like melody that mirrors the string bends. The rhythm section accompanies the raspy-at-times vocals with an anthemic feel.

The video for Redline stars singer/guitarist Woloshyn's father. How do you get your dad to appear in your music video? Apparently, it helps if entertainment runs in the family.

And the frontman's father, Ted Woloshyn, is just that. A media personality with Newstalk 1010 and Toronto Sun columnist notches in his belt, the elder Woloshyn was more than obliging to help out his son.

"He's a broadcaster; he's an entertainer at heart, so he was thrilled by the idea," Marko said of his dad.

Not wanting the project to come across as nepotism, the younger Woloshyn said the storyline of the video is intended to be humorous in a tasteful way as his father is presented going through day-to-day activities at his home.

Bike Thiefs also have a new member to go along with their new EP and video.

Though former member Eric Levac played drums on their new record, Andrew Fasken joined Woloshyn and bassist Kris Pandeirada behind the kit a couple months ago.

The trio have been playing a slew of shows lately, including out-of-province gigs in Quebec.

Noting that Fasken has injected some fresh enthusiasm into the operation, Woloshyn said Bike Thiefs have "bigger plans" to fatten their list of shows by the end of next year with hopes of touring extensively. - The Mississauga News

Song: Redline
Band: Bike Thiefs
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
Date of Release: 16/09/2015
Genre: Garage-punk, indie-punk, rock
Reviewer: Welmanshire
For Fans Of: Weezer, hitting the beugs, wearing sweaters
Why They Aren’t Famous: They probably wear sweaters and hit the beugs a little too much
It’s pretty ironic that some of the bands inspired by the great early punk-crossover pioneers such as The Pixies, The Smiths, and Fugazi turned out to be some of the most pretentious wanks in all of music history. For a movement that began as the modest, slightly-nerdy-middle-class-white-dude deviation from punk, and spawned second generation legends such as Nirvana, Radiohead, and Weezer, it managed to establish a creative outlet for some of the world’s most insufferable twats in the process. Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz fame, along with Rivers from the Weez’ are notorious for their diva-like antics.

For that reason, it’s easy to write off bands filling that niche as immediately ‘on the nose‘, and more than likely you’ll want to punch the singer in his stupid mouth for being so boring. No one cares that you’re buying a little bag of weed and then going to go and read a book, or dance with your friends in some shiny shoes, or settle down with your girl, or whatever. We get it. You’re wholesome and boring. My personal lyrical gripes aside, I do really enjoy the genre as a whole and keep an eye out for bands that steer towards a more stripped-back and literal lyrical composition to keep things ‘real’, as the homies say.

How pleasurable of an occurrence it is, then, when a band from over the other side of the world submits a little ditty like such as this to our little ol’ blog, enabling us to review something a little different from the usual core that comes our way. Bike Thiefs are a band from Mississauga in Ontario, and aside from their grammatically incorrect band name, they’re really hitting the mark with their indie-punk-post-grunge. Core.

Like I said earlier, the lyrical content of a lot of bands in the mix have a tendency to be wildly uninspiring and below standard. Take Weezer’sThe Blue Album, ‘Surf Wax America’, where Rivers croons:

My buddies and their honeys all come along
They seem invincible as they surf along
The sea is rolling like a thousand pound keg
We’re going surfing, we’re going surfing!

Bike Thiefs, however, are singing from the heart – not the wet dream of Jerry, the 1950’s beach bum who never ever grew up. This is particulary impressive when you factor in that English probably isn’t their first language. Frontman Marko Woloshyn sings:

I wish we were both 40
Domesticated and disappointed
But I’m in no position
To change my mind, to make admissions

Nice one, Frenchy. I like it. The song begins with a grungy/stoner rock/college punk feel, maintaining the pace throughout the song. I understand how some people can get a little desensitised to the sometimes discordant drone of some post-punk/rock type jams, but Markus Woolyshin delivers the vaguely witty lyrical content with enough variation in his lines to keep it fresh, adding a few angst-driven yells to show us he’s a little upset, adding a nice element to the song. The fellas aren’t going to win any awards for avant garde songwriting, but neither are any of the the other bands in the genre, really (apart from Radiohead), and they keep it exciting enough to keep you interested for the three minutes or however long it took. I wouldn’t know, I was making a sandwich. - I Probably Hate Your Band

Tired of most music presented through mainstream channels?

Maybe it's time you to put your ear to the ground. You might be surprised by what you discover.

It's not for everyone, but that's part of the fun.

At first the sound might be distorted, messy, scary, awkward and jarring.

If you can stand to listen more closely, your ear will recalibrate. Like how your eyes adjust to the dark.

Underground music – or independent music – has been a mainstay in Mississauga for many years now with a number of exciting musicians trying exciting things that the surface is just not ready for.

The problem: you have to go seek it out…live. Yes, in-person, the place where YouTube dreams are made, or go to die.

We're not living in The Matrix yet, so break out of your digital cocoons and give some beautifully flawed and unique music a try.

Who knows, you might like what you hear?

So, in no particular order, here's a list of underground Mississauga bands you should watch out for in 2015:

Bike Thiefs

Calling themselves a "grammatically-inept rock band" Bike Thiefs are a well-crafted, dark blend of sonic indulgence. Baritone vocals reminiscent of the late Ian Curtis of Joy Division fame, this three-piece outfit blends early Weezer, The Pixies and Queens of the Stone Age with a fistful of punk malaise.

Yonder Peak

Whether it be the charming, off-kilter quirk of Primus or the driving blues sludge of The Melvins, Mississauga power trio Yonder Peak take cues from all the right places. This band has a way of making inventive, mid-tempo grooves and weird hooks into something accessible. If they're not on your radar, they should be. Do it now to show up your friends what a supreme sense of culture you possess.

Huge Cosmic

Huge Cosmic is a duo that juxtaposes atmosphere with experimental pop in a seamless manner. Their record Microcosmic features layers upon layers of loops, licks and technical surprises to get lost in. One minute you think your listening to an At the Drive-In riff and the next you're suddenly drifting through space and or bobbing your head to beatboxing. If you appreciate song structures akin to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, then look no further.

Pretty Odd

The name says it all. But in a good way. Pretty Odd is an eclectic symphony for the outsider that has musically matured a lot over the past year or so. Zeppelin-esque, synth-soaked soundscapes complete with melodic guitar lines and post-rock feel that at times seems a bit similar to Australian rock band The Drones. For fans of lyrical storytelling, the vocals follow a lilting stream-of-consciousness vibe that works quite well. And they synch their stage lights with their live show.

Hammer Hands

Who would've thought that the end of the world could sound so cool? Mississauga's Hammer Hands are cinematic doom metal that's not for the faint of heart. Inspired by post-metal bands like Neurosis, the words "crushing" and "devastating" come to mind when listening to tracks from their EP, Glaciers. Fans are eagerly awaiting a face-melting followup.

Animal Faces

Arty. Moody. Mysterious. Animals Faces are the brainchild of Mississauga native Ryan Naray – who previously played guitar in local noisecore favourite The Love and Terror Cult – and they're definitely worth checking out. Since the addition of bassist Zach Van Horne on lead vocals, the trio has moved from screamo to emo territory and it makes sense. Tasteful drums, intricate guitar tones and haunting vocals grace their latest EP, Half Asleep.

Peace Be Still

A rhythmically driven combination of emo and skate punk that channels the '90s in a good way. Peace Be Still manage to revive the upbeat, catchy sound with short bursts of swinging drums, aggressive guitars and pitched shrieks that conjure up comparisons to a more garage version of Tim Kinsella from Chicago's Joan of Arc. The band also has some of the best stage banter this side of the GTA.

Bien Agiter

When local act Please Stand By folded, some were saddened. However, with every ending there is a new beginning, and Bien Agiter was born. Unabashed fans of The Minutemen and Death from Above 1979, this funky cousin of dance punk shows that guitar players can be irrelevant. Complimenting the solid rhythm section is outspoken frontman Matt Miller, who has been turning heads throughout the GTA as a spoken word artist.Thoughtful and confrontational, this sassy three-piece doesn't care if you're not into it.

Never Trust a Wizard

Never Trust a Wizard are a clever form of high strangeness. They don't take themselves too seriously, but their inventive music is another story. These guys are one of the most interesting punk bands to come out of these parts. Their album Three Wheeler is a funhouse of musings delivered through shouting vocals poured over lopsided patterns, bluesy chords and atonal riffage. Surprisingly, this is music you can dance to.

Terry Green

Up-and-coming screamo outfit Terry Green are not trying to reinvent the wheel. The band does a great job drawing from the earlier work of defunct post-hardcore heroes Alexisonfire – sans melodic Dallas Green choruses – as well as local contemporaries like Peace Be Still and Animal Faces. (In fact, the band met at an Animal Faces show.) Their debut, Visiting Hours, recorded by the members of Huge Cosmic, shows promise and it'll be interesting to see how their energetic sound takes shape. - The Mississauga News

Marko Woloshyn, singer/guitarist for Mississauga band Bike Thiefs (sic), knows that a musical comparison can certainly have an affect on the trajectory of a career.

After all, had Canadiana alt-rockers Constantines not been given a Springsteen-meets-Fugazi label, who knows if the band would've still piqued the interest of scenesters and catapulted out of Wavelength music nights at Toronto club Sneaky Dee's?

So when Woloshyn was recognized for having vocal similarities to the likes of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis, the connection was welcomed.

"I've gotten this Ian Curtis (comparison) probably a couple dozen times at shows," said Woloshyn.

"I totally get it: I have this cold, nasally kind of voice."

Noting that the late-British singer had more of a lower register, he said, "The weird thing is, I like a couple Joy Division songs, but I'm not a huge fan. …(But), we embrace it."

That said, Woloshyn does unabashedly share a vocal kinship with Interpol's Paul Banks or Matt Berninger, singer for The National.

Both bands he cites as having major influences on Bike Thiefs, who just released their second record last month.

Entitled Bloated, the six-song effort strikes a nice balance between punk malaise and grungy alt-pop, channeling the work of the The Pixies and early-Weezer that you can definitely sway to.

The first song on the album, "Buffer," is a dark number that comes right out of the gate swinging with frenetic energy by way of a pounding Queens of the Stone Age groove.

Woloshyn said the lyrical content on the title track delves into themes of suburban alienation experienced while being an admitted floater at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School.

"I feel very much like the black sheep growing up. I had a lot of friends who were not into music," said the 26-year-old.

"It's a weird, isolating kind of feeling sometimes; to them, I'm a novelty and vice versa."

That's not to say that his music or high school experience was steeped in angst. The aggressive sound is merely an outlet for the same negative emotions we all experience, he asserts.

"I actually had a really positive high school experience. I was a bit of drifter, so I felt like a guest star where I'd miss a few days, I'd show up and there would be canned applause," he said with a laugh.

That sense of humour is also something that translates to the band's tongue-and-cheek music, which audiences have the chance to seeing live in Toronto on July 3 at the Tota Lounge and at Rock the Coliseum in Mississauga on Aug. 15.

Woloshyn and his bandmates Eric Levac (drums) and Kris Pandeirada (bass) scooped up a final spot on the two-day festival recently after dazzling judges at a one-song tryout at the C Café in City Hall.

The Joy Division comparison is front and centre on the band's bio for Rock the Coliseum, which will take place at the amphitheatre near Celebration Square.

To listen to their latest EP, visit bikethiefs.bandcamp.com. - The Mississauga News

Made up of bassist Kris Pandierada, drummer Andrew Fasken, and guitarist/vocalist Marko Woloshyn, Bike Thiefs have a super unique music style. The band has a conversational sound, and it’s different from anything you’ve probably ever heard. The band just released a video for their track “Destination Wedding,” and we have the exclusive premiere.

This track is definitely a conversation as the video displays a game of monopoly being played with real money. The guitar line drives this track forward, and the video is telling a story. There’s so much happening, definitely check it out and see for yourself. - Impose Magazine