Preview
THE PERMS
Saturday, March 29
The Night Gallery
"Our goal, of course, like every band, is to take over the world," says The Perms percussionist Ian Feist with a laugh. "We have a unique sound going – lots of trumpet, a great horn section. Not a lot of pop-rock bands have that, unless they’re ska."
The Perms originally consisted of poly-talented brothers Chad and Shane Smith and a high school friend. Their winning debut album, Tight Perm, released in 1998, was well received, giving the band opportunities to open for acts such as 54-40, Nickelback and Big Wreck.
After relocating to Winnipeg from Brandon, the band has built on the success of Tight Perm with the release of Clark Drive, named after a street the brothers Smith once lived on in Brandon. Feist, who joined the band after the album was finished, has helped flesh out the group’s new sound, which also includes a surprising splash of brass in the mix, gaining body and bounce with alto sax and trumpet.
He acknowledges that the band’s sound has evolved gradually, giving them artistic flexibility. The Perms know how to turn it up, and when to tone things down.
"The Perms’ sound has changed over time," he says. "When I first joined they had a real Sloan kind of feel. You need a drummer with a backbone, though, you know? I felt that the drums on (Clark Drive) could have been ‘umphed’ a bit – nice, clear, booming drums."
That’s just what Feist delivers, settling nicely into their harmonious lineup. In addition, Feist’s presence has liberated Chad from a least one aspect of his multi-instrumentalist role, allowing him to focus on his vocals, piano and guitar playing. Along with trumpet player Nick Kolisnyk and saxophonist Scott Perry, the troupe has created fresh and dynamic arrangements that allow the now five-piece ensemble to bring Clark Drive to life onstage.
"I think that we’re keeping things fresh, and that’s good," says Feist. "The members of this band could not come from more different musical backgrounds. Myself, I’m a rock guy – classic rock, KISS, ’80s metal – but I’ll listen to pretty much anything. Our musical tastes and influences are starting to rub off on each other." |
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