Racoon Bandit

"Into the Hills rolls a lot around tempo, every song having a pace it gets into and rides through. Charlottetown's Racoon Bandit give us 12 songs that blend subtle psychedelic tones, folk, country and rock into one pleasant experience." - Exclaim

"Into the Hills rolls a lot around tempo, every song having a pace it gets into and rides through. Charlottetown's Racoon Bandit give us 12 songs that blend subtle psychedelic tones, folk, country and rock into one pleasant experience." - Exclaim

"Second-track Steel Rail shows you where Into The Hills can go: soaring harmonies mixed with a blend of folk and rock that find an irresistible happy medium between the two. Tracks like I’m On Fire, Get Off and Silver Bullet roll nicely out of the speakers while more introspective moments like Hard Drive and the haunting Katie Cruel show a band with a killer amount of potential." - Musicnerd.ca

"Since I got the record, I’ve been listening to it constantly. I have no doubt that it’ll be one of my summer “hey let’s play this one over and over until the cows come home” albums, and if you take a listen, it might be one of yours too."

On song of the day 'River song': "When the first bar of a song gives you goosebumps, you know it’s going to be good. There’s a short passage of “ooh”ing and guitar strumming, then we’re launched into a beautiful but short a Capella part. I found this song to have a similar sound to M. Ward. Anyhow, from that point on, the song is just pure magic. With the soft percussion, quiet picking, faraway vocals and a gorgeous melody line, I couldn’t ask for more. I can’t wait to see what else this great band brings in the future." - Soundvat

"Since I got the record, I’ve been listening to it constantly. I have no doubt that it’ll be one of my summer “hey let’s play this one over and over until the cows come home” albums, and if you take a listen, it might be one of yours too."

On song of the day 'River song': "When the first bar of a song gives you goosebumps, you know it’s going to be good. There’s a short passage of “ooh”ing and guitar strumming, then we’re launched into a beautiful but short a Capella part. I found this song to have a similar sound to M. Ward. Anyhow, from that point on, the song is just pure magic. With the soft percussion, quiet picking, faraway vocals and a gorgeous melody line, I couldn’t ask for more. I can’t wait to see what else this great band brings in the future." - Soundvat

"Into the Hills opens with the first of about four folk songs on the album with “Wooly Toque,” which actually sounds like it could have been pulled off an early Joel Plaskett album. The next track, “Steel Rail,” is a little more indicative of what the majority of the album brings to the table: simple yet sprawling East Coast indie rock. Fraser McCallum, the lead man behind Racoon Bandit, is the stand out on the percussion led alt-pop tracks “Silver Bullet” and “Catch/Release.” - Beatroute

"Into the Hills opens with the first of about four folk songs on the album with “Wooly Toque,” which actually sounds like it could have been pulled off an early Joel Plaskett album. The next track, “Steel Rail,” is a little more indicative of what the majority of the album brings to the table: simple yet sprawling East Coast indie rock. Fraser McCallum, the lead man behind Racoon Bandit, is the stand out on the percussion led alt-pop tracks “Silver Bullet” and “Catch/Release.” - Beatroute

"Opening with the tender but throbbing couplet of ‘Wooly Toque’ and ‘Steel Rail’, Racoon Bandit show a knack for warm folk-rock arrangements that hide an anthemic bite; something that goes smoothly next to daydreamed campfires and docks at sunset."

"The lyrics, mood and scope of In the Hills hugs at the nature of being Canadian and I’ve no doubt Canadians will be hugging this record back.... Into the Hills shows enough promise to secure some indie-appropriate loyalties and, with any luck, some exposure south of the border." - Skeleton Crew Quarterly

What: Almost Summer Solstice.
Where: The Dunk, Breadalbane.
Who: Featuring The Haunted Hearts, Racoon Bandit, and Meaghan Blanchard and hosted by owner Hal Mills.

"A new band from Charlottetown that has been rampaging on the scene lately called Racoon Bandit (purposefully spelled with one ‘c’!) was up next. And they were fabulous. To get a taste of how they really fired us up, check them out at www.myspace.com/racoonbandit."

-Todd MacLean
The Guardian (PEI) June 26, 2009 - The Guardian

Interview w. the Buzz
Category: Music
Racoon Bandit - Talking Bands
by Laura Yorke The Buzz


When Fraser McCallum asked Pat Deighan if his new band could open for the Orb Weavers, he wasn’t expecting a gig so soon. But Deighan’s response was, “How about next Friday?” and asked McCallum to send him a band name as soon as he could. And just like that, Racoon Bandit began their journey.

The band formed in the early winter of 2008. They have been busy recording and playing shows, recently playing an off-Island gig in Halifax. “It’s cool playing in a bar with faces we’ve never seen before,” said McCallum.

Their music has a very strong folk sound and draws influences from Bob Dylan and Fleet Foxes, while staying original as possible, said McCallum. “We’re all very aware of music that’s out there and music that’s been out there and we try not to sound like that.”

The band benefits from its talented members who have been playing on their own and in other bands for years. Lead guitarist Adam Gallant is a sound engineer and Roger Carter is a well-known figure in the music scene around Charlottetown.

McCallum said there’s a lot of support from other local bands and, right now especially, there seems to be a lot of talent coming out of Charlottetown. “There’s never been so many good bands.” Every band has room to grow, especially one as new as Racoon Bandit. “There’s a lot you can do with a band to make it the best it can be,” said McCallum.

Each time the band plays, it’s a learning experience, said Gallant. “We’ve played as though it’s our first show every time.” But playing lots of different venues has payed off. The band no longer has to hunt down gigs, they tend to just come to them.

Racoon Bandit are in the midst of recording an EP and plan to release it some time in July. - The Buzz

http://pantherpost.ca/2009/09/23/racoon-bandits-steal-heart/

Review by Brittany Banks
Post Reporter


Review: Racoon Bandit’s Campcraft EP
2009
Independent

Racoon Bandit has begun to gain a dedicated following in their hometown of Charlottetown, and after listening to their debut EP, “Campcraft,” it is not hard to understand why.

Racoon Bandit consists of Fraser McCallum (vocals, rhythm guitar), Adam Gallant (vocals, lead guitar), Roger Carter (drums, vocals, keys), and Scott Gallant (bass). Bass guitarist Richard MacLeod, as well as ECMA nominated singer-songwriter, Meaghan Blanchard, are guest musicians on the album.

Produced by Racoon Bandit this past spring, the 7 track EP was recorded by band member and sound engineer, Adam Gallant, in a barn located in Hazel Grove, PEI. Along with MacLeod and Blanchard, the “Big Red Barn” also makes guest appearances throughout the album, with an echo here, a creak of the floor boards there, as well as faint laughter from band members.

The opening track to Campcraft, titled “Train Song”, is an outstanding beginning to the album. Its laid back, easy going vibe, combined with its carefree, reflective lyrics, creates a beautiful depiction of a passenger’s trek through the countryside. This carefree tone, however, is immediately tossed away at the beginning of the second track, with the high energy, in your face, “Bloody Bone.” Other tracks on Campcraft include Same Old Boat, Ghosts, Dirty Road (sung by Adam), and the appropriately titled and epic closing track, Long Ride Home. The highlight of the album and the ever-pleasing fan favorite, “Hat” is an infectious folk-pop tune that is sure to have you tapping your toes and singing along.

The EP is jam packed with classic alt. country-type instrumentation, and McCallum’s voice possesses an honest and charming quality that will melt the hearts of listeners- girls and boys alike.

Racoon Bandit’s Campcraft is an exceptional first release and a wonderfully cohesive collection of songs from a band that should be watched closely as they climb the ranks of the East Coast music scene.
- UPEI's Panther Post

http://pantherpost.ca/2009/09/23/racoon-bandits-steal-heart/

Review by Brittany Banks
Post Reporter


Review: Racoon Bandit’s Campcraft EP
2009
Independent

Racoon Bandit has begun to gain a dedicated following in their hometown of Charlottetown, and after listening to their debut EP, “Campcraft,” it is not hard to understand why.

Racoon Bandit consists of Fraser McCallum (vocals, rhythm guitar), Adam Gallant (vocals, lead guitar), Roger Carter (drums, vocals, keys), and Scott Gallant (bass). Bass guitarist Richard MacLeod, as well as ECMA nominated singer-songwriter, Meaghan Blanchard, are guest musicians on the album.

Produced by Racoon Bandit this past spring, the 7 track EP was recorded by band member and sound engineer, Adam Gallant, in a barn located in Hazel Grove, PEI. Along with MacLeod and Blanchard, the “Big Red Barn” also makes guest appearances throughout the album, with an echo here, a creak of the floor boards there, as well as faint laughter from band members.

The opening track to Campcraft, titled “Train Song”, is an outstanding beginning to the album. Its laid back, easy going vibe, combined with its carefree, reflective lyrics, creates a beautiful depiction of a passenger’s trek through the countryside. This carefree tone, however, is immediately tossed away at the beginning of the second track, with the high energy, in your face, “Bloody Bone.” Other tracks on Campcraft include Same Old Boat, Ghosts, Dirty Road (sung by Adam), and the appropriately titled and epic closing track, Long Ride Home. The highlight of the album and the ever-pleasing fan favorite, “Hat” is an infectious folk-pop tune that is sure to have you tapping your toes and singing along.

The EP is jam packed with classic alt. country-type instrumentation, and McCallum’s voice possesses an honest and charming quality that will melt the hearts of listeners- girls and boys alike.

Racoon Bandit’s Campcraft is an exceptional first release and a wonderfully cohesive collection of songs from a band that should be watched closely as they climb the ranks of the East Coast music scene.
- UPEI's Panther Post

‘A band I saw recently in PEI, Racoon Bandit, is fronted by a multi-talented dude named Fraser McCallum who is also a very, very funny comedian. He did a bang up job co-hosting the PEI Music Awards that I was presenting at. In fact he gave me their CD on stage, during the live show while hosting…it was a very funny moment. Great band… Their song ‘Hold onto your Hat’ is a hit.’

-Grant Lawerence, Host of the Radio 3 Top 30.
- CBC Radio 3, Grant Lawerence

‘A band I saw recently in PEI, Racoon Bandit, is fronted by a multi-talented dude named Fraser McCallum who is also a very, very funny comedian. He did a bang up job co-hosting the PEI Music Awards that I was presenting at. In fact he gave me their CD on stage, during the live show while hosting…it was a very funny moment. Great band… Their song ‘Hold onto your Hat’ is a hit.’

-Grant Lawerence, Host of the Radio 3 Top 30.
- CBC Radio 3, Grant Lawerence

"I can't believe that I let this one slip my mind!! At the ECMAs this year, I was blown away how Sydney/Cape Breton managed to shoehorn music into every nook and cranny of that city!
On the Sunday morning, I ventured into the sterile pub in the lobby of the Delta and caught the tail end of a set by Racoon Bandit. I've heard them a lot on R3, but was really impressed that they put on an amazing show. At a weird time of day. In a weird venue. With weird people like me gawking at them!
I ride the train daily, so I choose Train Song."

-Radio 3 DJ Craig Norris, April 28, 2010
- Craig Norris

"I can't believe that I let this one slip my mind!! At the ECMAs this year, I was blown away how Sydney/Cape Breton managed to shoehorn music into every nook and cranny of that city!
On the Sunday morning, I ventured into the sterile pub in the lobby of the Delta and caught the tail end of a set by Racoon Bandit. I've heard them a lot on R3, but was really impressed that they put on an amazing show. At a weird time of day. In a weird venue. With weird people like me gawking at them!
I ride the train daily, so I choose Train Song."

-Radio 3 DJ Craig Norris, April 28, 2010
- Craig Norris