Acres Of Lions

Victoria’s Acres Of Lions performance on the kick-off night to Canadian Music Week definitely set them up as a band to watch throughout the festival, if not throughout 2009. Their brand of prairie-bred indie-pop-punk boasts eerily similar melodies and song construction to the Ataris circa 2003, but adds just enough Canadian flair and solid originality to forgive the borrowed riffs.

Like Ataris singer Kris Roe, vocalist Jeff Kalesnikoff sailed through songs about regrets and mistakes, admitting he’s only human. He added dimension to the performance with his honesty and avoided mimicking most of Roe’s whining. AOL possess a substance that goes beyond influences and digs into personal stories that use clever words and rhymes to hide the fact much of the music is really about lost love and broken hearts.

They added energy, passion and charisma where many bands would get lost. Between songs, they encouraged sing-alongs and impromptu dance parties, which at times they nervously did a little too often rather than letting the music speak for itself. The set might have benefited from a hometown advantage, but they didn’t do too shabby for 4,000 kilos out of their element and a tough, but appreciative Toronto crowd.

Tracks “Closer” and “Fine Examples” from their new album Working were standout performances of the night proving AOL can carry themselves well live and succeed in making people dance and rock out. Each member showed great stage presence, including bassist Dan Ball, who according to some banter, apparently once had a spider crawl out of his big bushy beard. The CMW gigs are stops on their current cross-Canada tour, which will get them home in time to play Junofest at the end of March. This is definitely a band to keep on the radar. - Exclaim! Magazine

I have to admit that I had never listened to Acres of Lions before “Collections”. They are a local band from my hometown of Victoria and I just never went to see them live or purchase any one of their cd’s. Let me just say that I will never miss one of their live shows or skip any of their cd’s after today.

“Collections” is one of those CD’s that gives me hope for the music industry. It’s such a great feeling to have a band you’ve never heard anything from before, completely blow you away. If you are reading this, go and buy “Collections” right now but if you’d like to hear why it’s so great, read on.

Now, at first I thought they sounded like Motion City Soundtrack, then I thought I heard a bit of The Arkells and even at times, shades of Against Me!. That was during the first playthrough. When it came around to the second playthrough, I began to hear just what the sound Acres of Lions was going for. They aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel when it comes to rock music, they are here to keep that wheel turning at full speed.

From the opening song “Set Me on Fire” to the closing “Collections”, this CD had me in a great mood all the way through. While there may not have been that one standout song that I played on repeat over and over and ignored the other songs, the whole CD is equally great.

There isn’t one bad song from the whole 10 song CD and there is something for everyone. Want a slower song with piano notes, listen to “Like a Drum”. You want a catchy rock song that you’ll hum all day, that’s “Reaction”. Want a fast paced rock song, just put on “All Your Time”.

Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about “Collections”. It doesn’t fall into the sophomore slump of having the second CD worse than the first (the first being “Working”, get that too!). It doesn’t start off with the best songs and slowly peter out from there, in fact, I thought it got increasingly better as the CD progressed. Lastly and most importantly, they keep you (the listener) in a great mood all the way through the CD and will make you hit repeat and listen to the CD over and over and never get bored.

All in all, if you are a fan of Alt Rock or heck, just music in general, you owe it to yourself to download Acres of Lions “Collections”. While I thought my CD of the year would go to The Cab for Symphony Soldier or Lights (Siberia) or Marianas Trench (Ever After), Acres of Lions might just steal that crown away from them. - Geek Revolt

I have to admit that I had never listened to Acres of Lions before “Collections”. They are a local band from my hometown of Victoria and I just never went to see them live or purchase any one of their cd’s. Let me just say that I will never miss one of their live shows or skip any of their cd’s after today.

“Collections” is one of those CD’s that gives me hope for the music industry. It’s such a great feeling to have a band you’ve never heard anything from before, completely blow you away. If you are reading this, go and buy “Collections” right now but if you’d like to hear why it’s so great, read on.

Now, at first I thought they sounded like Motion City Soundtrack, then I thought I heard a bit of The Arkells and even at times, shades of Against Me!. That was during the first playthrough. When it came around to the second playthrough, I began to hear just what the sound Acres of Lions was going for. They aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel when it comes to rock music, they are here to keep that wheel turning at full speed.

From the opening song “Set Me on Fire” to the closing “Collections”, this CD had me in a great mood all the way through. While there may not have been that one standout song that I played on repeat over and over and ignored the other songs, the whole CD is equally great.

There isn’t one bad song from the whole 10 song CD and there is something for everyone. Want a slower song with piano notes, listen to “Like a Drum”. You want a catchy rock song that you’ll hum all day, that’s “Reaction”. Want a fast paced rock song, just put on “All Your Time”.

Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about “Collections”. It doesn’t fall into the sophomore slump of having the second CD worse than the first (the first being “Working”, get that too!). It doesn’t start off with the best songs and slowly peter out from there, in fact, I thought it got increasingly better as the CD progressed. Lastly and most importantly, they keep you (the listener) in a great mood all the way through the CD and will make you hit repeat and listen to the CD over and over and never get bored.

All in all, if you are a fan of Alt Rock or heck, just music in general, you owe it to yourself to download Acres of Lions “Collections”. While I thought my CD of the year would go to The Cab for Symphony Soldier or Lights (Siberia) or Marianas Trench (Ever After), Acres of Lions might just steal that crown away from them. - Geek Revolt

IN CONCERT

Acres of Lions with Treelines, Mike Edel and Northcote

When: Saturday, 9 p.m.

Where: Sugar

Tickets: $15 at Ditch Records and Lyle's Place

Challenges are an inherent part of the job description for an independent band.

Acres of Lions has had more than its share in the past few months. In addition to putting the final touches on touring and promotions plans to support its forthcoming new album, Collections, which arrives Tuesday, the local group has been balancing its duties as part of the Peak Performance Project, the annual showcase designed to promote emerging B.C. artists.

"It's like you're in university," Acres of Lions guitarist Tyson Yerex said of the joint venture between Vancouver radio station the Peak 100.5 FM and industry association Music B.C.

"Publicity, marketing, touring - so many things at once, it's hard to wrap your head around all of it."

Acres of Lions, which also competed in the contest last year, is one of seven acts from Vancouver Island vying for the event's $100,500 top prize. As per the contest's requirements, the group has to complete a long list of challenges.

There's only a few left to do, Yerex said, including a Peak showcase on Sept. 15 at the Red Room in Vancouver.

The band will find out in October if it made the finals.

One of the Peak requirements already in the can is a viral video.

The timing of it was perfect. Yerex and his bandmates Lewis Carter, Dan Ball and Jeffrey Kalesnikoff were already looking to make a video for Reaction, the first single from Collections.

Yerex, who travelled this summer from B.C. to Ontario, came up with the treatment for the clip, an idea not unlike the one that appears in Bob Dylan's famous Subterranean Homesick Blues video.

"We wanted to make a cool video that wasn't just the band standing in a corn field," Yerex said. "I took a bunch of white cardstock and a bunch of Sharpies and I got all of our friends across the country to write down one or two words from the song, hold up the lyrics cards and I'd film them for a couple of seconds."

The clip for Reaction has amassed more hits in the week since its release than the viral video they made for last year's Peak Performance Project. "If you can get people involved in your project, they feel like they have some ownership or stake in its success," Yerex said. The clip is not only viral - it's terrestrial, too.

Reaction hit No. 22 at alternative rock radio in Canada this week, with spins at stations from Victoria to Halifax. "It's great to know that we changed things a bit this time around and it seems to be working."

The change, according to Yerex, is subtle. Collections is less aggressive than the group's previous effort, Working, something Yerex credits to Kalesnikoff singing in a slightly lower key. The more aggressive songs on Working required him to shout because he was singing outside of his comfort zone. The result this time around is more restrained in spots - but also more effective.

"Our last record was angsty emo with a little bit of punk, that type of a vibe," Yerex said. "I think we consciously tried to make it a little bit more accessible this time. There is still an element of what you heard on the last record, but a big part of the new record is us evolving into more of a straight up pop band, a throwback to an older, classic sound."

A tour to support Collections is currently in the planning stages, though a few dates are already booked. Acres of Lions are playing CD release parties on Saturday at Sugar (19+) and Sept. 17 at Big Fernwood (all ages), and will appear at the Victoria Event Centre on Sept. 24 as part of the Rifflandia Festival.

More dates are forthcoming, Yerex said. Plenty more.

"We want to do the same thing as our last record, get out and work. We're fortunate to have a little bit of success right out of the gate, so it's like a ball rolling down a hill. You can't let it stop; you've got to keep kicking it unt - TIMES COLONIST, Victoria, BC

IN CONCERT

Acres of Lions with Treelines, Mike Edel and Northcote

When: Saturday, 9 p.m.

Where: Sugar

Tickets: $15 at Ditch Records and Lyle's Place

Challenges are an inherent part of the job description for an independent band.

Acres of Lions has had more than its share in the past few months. In addition to putting the final touches on touring and promotions plans to support its forthcoming new album, Collections, which arrives Tuesday, the local group has been balancing its duties as part of the Peak Performance Project, the annual showcase designed to promote emerging B.C. artists.

"It's like you're in university," Acres of Lions guitarist Tyson Yerex said of the joint venture between Vancouver radio station the Peak 100.5 FM and industry association Music B.C.

"Publicity, marketing, touring - so many things at once, it's hard to wrap your head around all of it."

Acres of Lions, which also competed in the contest last year, is one of seven acts from Vancouver Island vying for the event's $100,500 top prize. As per the contest's requirements, the group has to complete a long list of challenges.

There's only a few left to do, Yerex said, including a Peak showcase on Sept. 15 at the Red Room in Vancouver.

The band will find out in October if it made the finals.

One of the Peak requirements already in the can is a viral video.

The timing of it was perfect. Yerex and his bandmates Lewis Carter, Dan Ball and Jeffrey Kalesnikoff were already looking to make a video for Reaction, the first single from Collections.

Yerex, who travelled this summer from B.C. to Ontario, came up with the treatment for the clip, an idea not unlike the one that appears in Bob Dylan's famous Subterranean Homesick Blues video.

"We wanted to make a cool video that wasn't just the band standing in a corn field," Yerex said. "I took a bunch of white cardstock and a bunch of Sharpies and I got all of our friends across the country to write down one or two words from the song, hold up the lyrics cards and I'd film them for a couple of seconds."

The clip for Reaction has amassed more hits in the week since its release than the viral video they made for last year's Peak Performance Project. "If you can get people involved in your project, they feel like they have some ownership or stake in its success," Yerex said. The clip is not only viral - it's terrestrial, too.

Reaction hit No. 22 at alternative rock radio in Canada this week, with spins at stations from Victoria to Halifax. "It's great to know that we changed things a bit this time around and it seems to be working."

The change, according to Yerex, is subtle. Collections is less aggressive than the group's previous effort, Working, something Yerex credits to Kalesnikoff singing in a slightly lower key. The more aggressive songs on Working required him to shout because he was singing outside of his comfort zone. The result this time around is more restrained in spots - but also more effective.

"Our last record was angsty emo with a little bit of punk, that type of a vibe," Yerex said. "I think we consciously tried to make it a little bit more accessible this time. There is still an element of what you heard on the last record, but a big part of the new record is us evolving into more of a straight up pop band, a throwback to an older, classic sound."

A tour to support Collections is currently in the planning stages, though a few dates are already booked. Acres of Lions are playing CD release parties on Saturday at Sugar (19+) and Sept. 17 at Big Fernwood (all ages), and will appear at the Victoria Event Centre on Sept. 24 as part of the Rifflandia Festival.

More dates are forthcoming, Yerex said. Plenty more.

"We want to do the same thing as our last record, get out and work. We're fortunate to have a little bit of success right out of the gate, so it's like a ball rolling down a hill. You can't let it stop; you've got to keep kicking it unt - TIMES COLONIST, Victoria, BC

Local band cracks new markets
By Mary Ellen Green - Monday Magazine

Published: February 29, 2012 2:00 PM
Updated: February 29, 2012 2:26 PM


Local pop-rockers Acres of Lions are kicking off another Canadian tour Sat., March 3 at Sugar with Lindsay Bryan and Sunhawk.
Lindsey Blane

Fresh off a cross-Canada tour with Edmonton rockers Ten Second Epic and a third place win in the Peak Performance Project, local Victoria band Acres of Lions is off to a roaring start to 2012.

The pop-rock band signed to local label Cordova Bay Records released its second album, Collections in September, and the single “Reaction” charted at #19 on the alt-rock radio charts in Canada and has more than 26,000 views on YouTube.

After a show Sat., March 3 at Sugar, Jeff Kalesnikoff (vocals, guitar), Tyson Yerex (guitar, keys, vocals), Dan Ball (bass, vocals) and Lewis Carter (drums) are heading out on another cross-country tour playing 10 shows between Victoria and Timmins, Ont. before ending up in Toronto where they’ll play a Music BC showcase at Canadian Music Week alongside Current Swell, The Belle Game, The Matinee, Portage and Main, and Maurice.

Straight from Toronto they’ll head to London, U.K. where they’ll do three days of press and showcases (March 26-28) with their label Fierce Panda Records (label alumni include Coldplay and Death Cab For Cutie), who is releasing Collections in the U.K. in May. They're hoping to start scheduling a U.K tour for later this summer.

On the other side of the world, Acres of Lions is releasing Collections in Japan on Bullion Records (label alumni include Goldfinger and Gaslight Anthem), who released their debut album Working in January. Yerex says they’re hoping to do a Japanese tour later this year.

It’s an exciting time for an exciting band. With so much on their plates it’s hard to believe that they’re all working other jobs because these guys also make time to do their industry homework.

After releasing two albums, Yerex says they’ve learned a lot. “We’re taking more control and now we know that you really need to be smart and be involved in as much of the decision making process as possible,” he says.

They’re reaching out to radio stations and magazines looking for promotion and networking opportunities. They even have a second song appearing on the TV show Degrassi this summer.

Yerex offers some advice: “When you’re reaching out to people, just because you don’t hear back doesn’t mean that they didn’t read it. You just have to keep on reaching out and eventually you’ll get to the point where you’ll find an opportunity that is mutually beneficial. Like now we’re at the point where booking agents are reaching out to us.”

“When you go to a conference or festival always make sure you go to the conference panels, figure out who’s on them and how they can help you and introduce yourself,” says Yerex.

That’s what he did when he heard Elliott Lefko, vice president of L.A.-based Goldenvoice (the company that brings us Coachella and Edgefest) would be part of the panel at last year’s Rifflandia Festival. Now Acres of Lions has a slot on the bill performing for more than 20,000 people at Edgefest in Toronto in July with Billy Talent, Death From Above 1979, Silversun Pickups, The Sheepdogs and more.

“And this is the tip of the iceberg. We want this to become our full time jobs.”

“This is the year of Acres of Lions,” says Yerex.

With all the gigs lined up and new markets to conquer, Yerex says the guys are looking forward to spending more time together, most of it in close quarters, honing their craft and talking business. “This is the first tour we’ll actually have a roadie … and our van is on the smaller side so we have the two front seats, one bench and then the gear — so three guys on one bench is going to be kind of squishy, but we’re going to do it.”

“It’s great to be able to put your heads together not just twice a week but every single day.” M
- Monday Magazine (Victoria, BC)

Local band cracks new markets
By Mary Ellen Green - Monday Magazine

Published: February 29, 2012 2:00 PM
Updated: February 29, 2012 2:26 PM


Local pop-rockers Acres of Lions are kicking off another Canadian tour Sat., March 3 at Sugar with Lindsay Bryan and Sunhawk.
Lindsey Blane

Fresh off a cross-Canada tour with Edmonton rockers Ten Second Epic and a third place win in the Peak Performance Project, local Victoria band Acres of Lions is off to a roaring start to 2012.

The pop-rock band signed to local label Cordova Bay Records released its second album, Collections in September, and the single “Reaction” charted at #19 on the alt-rock radio charts in Canada and has more than 26,000 views on YouTube.

After a show Sat., March 3 at Sugar, Jeff Kalesnikoff (vocals, guitar), Tyson Yerex (guitar, keys, vocals), Dan Ball (bass, vocals) and Lewis Carter (drums) are heading out on another cross-country tour playing 10 shows between Victoria and Timmins, Ont. before ending up in Toronto where they’ll play a Music BC showcase at Canadian Music Week alongside Current Swell, The Belle Game, The Matinee, Portage and Main, and Maurice.

Straight from Toronto they’ll head to London, U.K. where they’ll do three days of press and showcases (March 26-28) with their label Fierce Panda Records (label alumni include Coldplay and Death Cab For Cutie), who is releasing Collections in the U.K. in May. They're hoping to start scheduling a U.K tour for later this summer.

On the other side of the world, Acres of Lions is releasing Collections in Japan on Bullion Records (label alumni include Goldfinger and Gaslight Anthem), who released their debut album Working in January. Yerex says they’re hoping to do a Japanese tour later this year.

It’s an exciting time for an exciting band. With so much on their plates it’s hard to believe that they’re all working other jobs because these guys also make time to do their industry homework.

After releasing two albums, Yerex says they’ve learned a lot. “We’re taking more control and now we know that you really need to be smart and be involved in as much of the decision making process as possible,” he says.

They’re reaching out to radio stations and magazines looking for promotion and networking opportunities. They even have a second song appearing on the TV show Degrassi this summer.

Yerex offers some advice: “When you’re reaching out to people, just because you don’t hear back doesn’t mean that they didn’t read it. You just have to keep on reaching out and eventually you’ll get to the point where you’ll find an opportunity that is mutually beneficial. Like now we’re at the point where booking agents are reaching out to us.”

“When you go to a conference or festival always make sure you go to the conference panels, figure out who’s on them and how they can help you and introduce yourself,” says Yerex.

That’s what he did when he heard Elliott Lefko, vice president of L.A.-based Goldenvoice (the company that brings us Coachella and Edgefest) would be part of the panel at last year’s Rifflandia Festival. Now Acres of Lions has a slot on the bill performing for more than 20,000 people at Edgefest in Toronto in July with Billy Talent, Death From Above 1979, Silversun Pickups, The Sheepdogs and more.

“And this is the tip of the iceberg. We want this to become our full time jobs.”

“This is the year of Acres of Lions,” says Yerex.

With all the gigs lined up and new markets to conquer, Yerex says the guys are looking forward to spending more time together, most of it in close quarters, honing their craft and talking business. “This is the first tour we’ll actually have a roadie … and our van is on the smaller side so we have the two front seats, one bench and then the gear — so three guys on one bench is going to be kind of squishy, but we’re going to do it.”

“It’s great to be able to put your heads together not just twice a week but every single day.” M
- Monday Magazine (Victoria, BC)

Tom Harrison, The Province
Published: Friday, November 11, 2011

CLUB GIG
ACRES OF LIONS
Where: Media Club, 695 Cambie St.

When: Saturday at 9 p.m.
Tickets: $10 at the venue

When asked if Acres of Lions is growing up, Tyson Yerex is forced to admit that the band's new album, Collections, is reflective.
"Yeah," he agrees. "Some of the lyrics are nostalgically looking back."

A song such as "Kids" is a round about celebration of adulthood and there are other clues of a quartet (Yerex, Jeff Kalesnikoff, Lewis Carter and Dan Ball) that is maturing. Collections has other signs of growth, but a lot of this is due to the natural progression of a new band.

From Victoria, Acres Of Lions were signed by Vancouver Island's Cordova Bay, which did fine by signing State Of Shock. Cordova Bay is in the same building as Victoria radio station, The Zone, which spoke highly of Acres Of Lions. Cordova Bay sniffed about with the result being that the band feels that it has found a supportive team.

"It's great to have them on board," exclaims Yerex. "Obviously, they've got the resources.

"The biggest change is that records don't really sell anymore. Cordova Bay isn't getting rich by selling records."

It must be reassuring to the label, then, that Acres Of Lions are willing to work. The band has completed 150 shows and done two tours. For the second year in a row, it also was in the final 20 acts picked by the Peak Performance Project.

"It gets everyone on board to learn from different mentors," Yerex observes. "It's a lot easier to swallow criticism when it's coming from someone who is an expert in this area."

With that in mind, Acres Of Lions made Collections. It's a little generic - sometimes a little knowledge is a dangerous thing - but the spriteliness of single "Reaction" or the potential to move an audience that is the title track indicate a band that hasn't stopped growing yet.

tharrison@theprovince.com - The Province (Vancouver, BC)

Cordova Bay’s previous Vancouver-based signing was State Of Shock so when the indie label signs the second album by Acres Of Lions, you pay attention. It starts off with nothing to get excited about, “Set Me On Fire,” a song that clearly pegs them as a standard modern indie-rock band. More carefully commercial than reckless. However, by the third song, “Reaction,” the band has gone beyond formula with a sprung rhythm that vaguely recalls Motown and a BG vocal arrangement that is catchy. “Kids” has pealing guitars and another effective BG arrangement that tells you Acres Of Lions are better than standard. “Like A Drum” is sincere and heartfelt. By the closer, the title track and the album’s best, the band has a Bic or Smart Phone waver on its hands.Did somebody say anthem?

Released September 10, 2011
- The Province (Vancouver, BC)

Challenges are an inherent part of the job description for an independent band.

Acres of Lions has had more than its share in the past few months.

In addition to putting the final touches on touring and promotions plans to support its new album, Collections, which was released Tuesday, the group has been balancing its duties as part of the Peak Performance Project, the annual showcase designed to promote emerging B.C. artists.

"It's like you're in university," Acres of Lions guitarist Tyson Yerex said of the joint venture between the Peak 100.5 FM and industry association Music B.C.

"Publicity, marketing, touring ... so many things at once, it's hard to wrap your head around all of it."

Acres of Lions, which also competed in the contest last year, is one of seven acts from Vancouver Island vying for the event's $100,500 top prize. As per the contest's requirements, the group has to complete a long list of challenges.

There's only a few left to do, Yerex said, including a Peak showcase tonight at the Red Room.

The band will find out in October if it made the finals.

One of the Peak requirements in the can is a viral video.

The timing of it was perfect. Yerex and his bandmates Lewis Carter, Dan Ball and Jeffrey Kalesnikoff were already looking to make a video for Reaction, the first single from Collections.

Yerex, who travelled this summer from B.C. to Ontario, came up with the treatment for the clip, an idea not unlike the one that appears in Bob Dylan's famous Subterranean Homesick Blues video.

"We wanted to make a cool video that wasn't just the band standing in a corn field," Yerex said. "I took a bunch of white cardstock and a bunch of Sharpies and I got all of our friends across the country to write down one or two words from the song, hold up the lyrics cards and I'd film them for a couple of seconds."

The clip for Reaction has amassed more hits in the week since its release than the viral video they made for last year's Peak Performance Project. "If you can get people involved in your project, they feel like they have some ownership or stake in its success," Yerex said. The clip is not only viral - it's terrestrial, too.

Reaction hit No. 22 at alternative rock radio in Canada this week, with play at stations from Victoria to Halifax. "It's great to know that we changed things a bit this time around and it seems to be working."

The change, according to Yerex, is subtle. Collections is less aggressive than the group's previous effort, Working, something Yerex credits to Kalesnikoff singing in a slightly lower key. The more aggressive songs on Working required him to shout because he was singing outside of his comfort zone. The result this time around is more restrained in spots - but also more effective.

"Our last record was angsty emo with a little bit of punk, that type of a vibe," Yerex said. "I think we consciously tried to make it a little bit more accessible this time. There is still an element of what you heard on the last record, but a big part of the new record is us evolving into more of a straight up pop band, a throwback to an older, classic sound."

A tour to support Collections i s in the planning stages, although a few dates are booked. More are forthcoming, Yerex said. Plenty more.

"We want to do the same thing as our last record, get out and work. We're fortunate to have a little bit of success right out of the gate, so it's like a ball rolling down a hill. You can't let it stop; you've got to keep kicking it until it starts an avalanche."

AT A GLANCE

PEAK PERFORMANCE PROJECT SHOWCASE

With Acres of Lions, Avairis, Fields of Green, Current Swell

When: Tonight, doors at 8 p.m.

Where: Red Room, 398 Richards Street

Tickets: $12 (including fees) from peakperformanceproject.com/ tickets

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
- Vancouver Sun

Challenges are an inherent part of the job description for an independent band.

Acres of Lions has had more than its share in the past few months.

In addition to putting the final touches on touring and promotions plans to support its new album, Collections, which was released Tuesday, the group has been balancing its duties as part of the Peak Performance Project, the annual showcase designed to promote emerging B.C. artists.

"It's like you're in university," Acres of Lions guitarist Tyson Yerex said of the joint venture between the Peak 100.5 FM and industry association Music B.C.

"Publicity, marketing, touring ... so many things at once, it's hard to wrap your head around all of it."

Acres of Lions, which also competed in the contest last year, is one of seven acts from Vancouver Island vying for the event's $100,500 top prize. As per the contest's requirements, the group has to complete a long list of challenges.

There's only a few left to do, Yerex said, including a Peak showcase tonight at the Red Room.

The band will find out in October if it made the finals.

One of the Peak requirements in the can is a viral video.

The timing of it was perfect. Yerex and his bandmates Lewis Carter, Dan Ball and Jeffrey Kalesnikoff were already looking to make a video for Reaction, the first single from Collections.

Yerex, who travelled this summer from B.C. to Ontario, came up with the treatment for the clip, an idea not unlike the one that appears in Bob Dylan's famous Subterranean Homesick Blues video.

"We wanted to make a cool video that wasn't just the band standing in a corn field," Yerex said. "I took a bunch of white cardstock and a bunch of Sharpies and I got all of our friends across the country to write down one or two words from the song, hold up the lyrics cards and I'd film them for a couple of seconds."

The clip for Reaction has amassed more hits in the week since its release than the viral video they made for last year's Peak Performance Project. "If you can get people involved in your project, they feel like they have some ownership or stake in its success," Yerex said. The clip is not only viral - it's terrestrial, too.

Reaction hit No. 22 at alternative rock radio in Canada this week, with play at stations from Victoria to Halifax. "It's great to know that we changed things a bit this time around and it seems to be working."

The change, according to Yerex, is subtle. Collections is less aggressive than the group's previous effort, Working, something Yerex credits to Kalesnikoff singing in a slightly lower key. The more aggressive songs on Working required him to shout because he was singing outside of his comfort zone. The result this time around is more restrained in spots - but also more effective.

"Our last record was angsty emo with a little bit of punk, that type of a vibe," Yerex said. "I think we consciously tried to make it a little bit more accessible this time. There is still an element of what you heard on the last record, but a big part of the new record is us evolving into more of a straight up pop band, a throwback to an older, classic sound."

A tour to support Collections i s in the planning stages, although a few dates are booked. More are forthcoming, Yerex said. Plenty more.

"We want to do the same thing as our last record, get out and work. We're fortunate to have a little bit of success right out of the gate, so it's like a ball rolling down a hill. You can't let it stop; you've got to keep kicking it until it starts an avalanche."

AT A GLANCE

PEAK PERFORMANCE PROJECT SHOWCASE

With Acres of Lions, Avairis, Fields of Green, Current Swell

When: Tonight, doors at 8 p.m.

Where: Red Room, 398 Richards Street

Tickets: $12 (including fees) from peakperformanceproject.com/ tickets

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
- Vancouver Sun

BC indie band Acres Of Lions released their sophomore album Collections just a couple of weeks ago.

The band have decided that it wouldn't be the worst idea to take their hook-laden guitar pop on a cross-Canada tour. In our neck of the woods that means a stop at Sneaky Dee's in Toronto on November 22nd and London Music Hall in, well London, on November 24th. - T.O. Snob's Music

BC indie band Acres Of Lions released their sophomore album Collections just a couple of weeks ago.

The band have decided that it wouldn't be the worst idea to take their hook-laden guitar pop on a cross-Canada tour. In our neck of the woods that means a stop at Sneaky Dee's in Toronto on November 22nd and London Music Hall in, well London, on November 24th. - T.O. Snob's Music

Acres of Lions has popped out on their sophomore album.

Victoria locals Acres of Lions offer up a refreshingly fun album. Collections, the band's sophomore effort, takes the pop sound up a notch compared to the rock sound of the band's previous work. The first single, Reaction, truly embodies a pop aesthetic and will have you singing along, snapping your fingers and tapping your foot in no time. With youthful, upbeat and memorable songs, Collections is worthy of turning up the volume and adding to your music collection. - YouThink Magazine

Acres of Lions has popped out on their sophomore album.

Victoria locals Acres of Lions offer up a refreshingly fun album. Collections, the band's sophomore effort, takes the pop sound up a notch compared to the rock sound of the band's previous work. The first single, Reaction, truly embodies a pop aesthetic and will have you singing along, snapping your fingers and tapping your foot in no time. With youthful, upbeat and memorable songs, Collections is worthy of turning up the volume and adding to your music collection. - YouThink Magazine

CD Review
Title: Collections
Artist: Acres of Lions
Label: Cordova Bay Records
Released: September 13 2011
Genre: Rock/pop
Band Members: Jeffrey K (vocals/guitar), Dan Ball (bass), Lewis Carter (drums), Tyson Yerex (guitar/keys/vocals)

Rating: 4.5/5

Reviewed by: Tessa Perkins

This is the second album from this Victoria, BC band who are also participating in the Peak Performance Project for the second time this year. Their songs are very catchy and radio friendly as they cite influences such as The Get Up Kids and Jimmy Eat World. I really enjoyed their first album, Working, and I find this one to be even more pop influenced and upbeat.

Their first single, “Reaction,” has been getting a lot of air time on local radio, and it is one of those song that will pop into your head and you’ll find yourself all of a sudden belting out “Even when I pushed and pulled at you, I never got a reaction from you, oh your heart goes ba-ba, ba-ba, ba-ba!” Along with this song, I also really like the album opener, “Set Me On Fire” which is about wanting to feel that inexplicable sensation that love brings: “Oh how a lonely heart desires to be set on fire.”

Another great song that I find myself singing is “Kids” with its catchy, nostalgic chorus: “Oh the kids we were back then, we could never be again. And all the boys and all the girls, all those days were a miracle.” That being said, I honestly like every song on this album, and I have had it playing on repeat for the past little while and have not tired of it. It is a very strong record both lyrically and instrumentally with clever choruses and energetic, stirring beats. I think they have a good chance at walking away this year with one of the top prizes in the Peak Performance Project, and I’ll be very surprised if they’re not in the top five.

This is a band on the rise who have already had their songs featured on TV shows such as Degrassi and Majority Rules. They have toured with Against Me!, and this fall they made an appearance at their local music festival, Rifflandia. They will also be travelling to Halifax for Pop Explosion and will be supporting Ten Second Epic on their Canadian tour. For more information, visit their official website.

Track Listing:

1) Set Me On Fire
2) Finger Crossed
3) Reaction
4) Kids
5) Forgive and Forget
6) Celebration
7) Narrow Miss
8) Like a Drum
9) All Your Time
10) Collections

- Press+1

CD Review
Title: Collections
Artist: Acres of Lions
Label: Cordova Bay Records
Released: September 13 2011
Genre: Rock/pop
Band Members: Jeffrey K (vocals/guitar), Dan Ball (bass), Lewis Carter (drums), Tyson Yerex (guitar/keys/vocals)

Rating: 4.5/5

Reviewed by: Tessa Perkins

This is the second album from this Victoria, BC band who are also participating in the Peak Performance Project for the second time this year. Their songs are very catchy and radio friendly as they cite influences such as The Get Up Kids and Jimmy Eat World. I really enjoyed their first album, Working, and I find this one to be even more pop influenced and upbeat.

Their first single, “Reaction,” has been getting a lot of air time on local radio, and it is one of those song that will pop into your head and you’ll find yourself all of a sudden belting out “Even when I pushed and pulled at you, I never got a reaction from you, oh your heart goes ba-ba, ba-ba, ba-ba!” Along with this song, I also really like the album opener, “Set Me On Fire” which is about wanting to feel that inexplicable sensation that love brings: “Oh how a lonely heart desires to be set on fire.”

Another great song that I find myself singing is “Kids” with its catchy, nostalgic chorus: “Oh the kids we were back then, we could never be again. And all the boys and all the girls, all those days were a miracle.” That being said, I honestly like every song on this album, and I have had it playing on repeat for the past little while and have not tired of it. It is a very strong record both lyrically and instrumentally with clever choruses and energetic, stirring beats. I think they have a good chance at walking away this year with one of the top prizes in the Peak Performance Project, and I’ll be very surprised if they’re not in the top five.

This is a band on the rise who have already had their songs featured on TV shows such as Degrassi and Majority Rules. They have toured with Against Me!, and this fall they made an appearance at their local music festival, Rifflandia. They will also be travelling to Halifax for Pop Explosion and will be supporting Ten Second Epic on their Canadian tour. For more information, visit their official website.

Track Listing:

1) Set Me On Fire
2) Finger Crossed
3) Reaction
4) Kids
5) Forgive and Forget
6) Celebration
7) Narrow Miss
8) Like a Drum
9) All Your Time
10) Collections

- Press+1

If you’ve never heard of Acres Of Lions before, well shame on you – check out the video for “Reaction” above (it includes Adam Thompson, music director for our local alternative radio station Sonic 102.9). They’re an elegant little pop band from Victoria, B.C. (how about that, I’ve covered coast-to-coast Canadian bands this week, with Paper Lions from PEI just a couple of days ago). The band has a couple of releases out so far, including a their full-length debut “Working”, which was released in 2009. The quartet is comprised of Tyson Yerex (keys, guitar), Jeff Kalesnikoff (vocals, guitar), Dan Ball (bass), and Lewis Carter (drums).

Also, as of October 7, the band could use your help in scoring them a well-deserved prize. They’re in a heated competition to win the Peak Performance Project, which could mean upwards of $100,000 towards future recording and other needs. Come back and click this link as of Friday to vote for them.

Acres Of Lions are currently on tour, and will be here in Edmonton on November 4th at the Starlite Room opening for our very own Ten Second Epic. These tour dates sure bring back some memories – for those of you new to NMM, I actually grew up in Lloydminster, which is located smack dab on the border between Alberta and Saskatchewan; and I’ve been to Yorkton more times than I can count too, because it’s on the way to my grandmother’s in Swan River, Manitoba. Here’s the full itinerary.

Oct 11 – Victoria BC at Fort St. Café
Oct 20 – Halifax NS at Halifax Pop Explosion
Nov 02 – Kamloops BC at Heroes Pub (first of dates with Ten Second Epic)
Nov 04 – Edmonton AB at Starlite Room
Nov 05 – Lloydminster AB at Phunkin Groove
Nov 09 – Calgary AB at Republik
Nov 11 – Vitoria BC at White Eagle Hall
Nov 12 – Vancouver BC at Media Club
Nov 16 – Saskatoon SK at Walkers Night Club
Nov 17 – Regina SK at Riddell Centre
Nov 18 – Yorkton SK at Ukrainian Orthodox Hall
Nov 19 – Winnipeg MB at West End Cultural Centre
Nov 22 – Toronto ON at Sneaky Dee’s
Nov 23 – Montreal QC at La Sala Rossa
Nov 24 – London ON at London Music Hall (last date of Ten Second Epic tour)
- New Music Michael

If you’ve never heard of Acres Of Lions before, well shame on you – check out the video for “Reaction” above (it includes Adam Thompson, music director for our local alternative radio station Sonic 102.9). They’re an elegant little pop band from Victoria, B.C. (how about that, I’ve covered coast-to-coast Canadian bands this week, with Paper Lions from PEI just a couple of days ago). The band has a couple of releases out so far, including a their full-length debut “Working”, which was released in 2009. The quartet is comprised of Tyson Yerex (keys, guitar), Jeff Kalesnikoff (vocals, guitar), Dan Ball (bass), and Lewis Carter (drums).

Also, as of October 7, the band could use your help in scoring them a well-deserved prize. They’re in a heated competition to win the Peak Performance Project, which could mean upwards of $100,000 towards future recording and other needs. Come back and click this link as of Friday to vote for them.

Acres Of Lions are currently on tour, and will be here in Edmonton on November 4th at the Starlite Room opening for our very own Ten Second Epic. These tour dates sure bring back some memories – for those of you new to NMM, I actually grew up in Lloydminster, which is located smack dab on the border between Alberta and Saskatchewan; and I’ve been to Yorkton more times than I can count too, because it’s on the way to my grandmother’s in Swan River, Manitoba. Here’s the full itinerary.

Oct 11 – Victoria BC at Fort St. Café
Oct 20 – Halifax NS at Halifax Pop Explosion
Nov 02 – Kamloops BC at Heroes Pub (first of dates with Ten Second Epic)
Nov 04 – Edmonton AB at Starlite Room
Nov 05 – Lloydminster AB at Phunkin Groove
Nov 09 – Calgary AB at Republik
Nov 11 – Vitoria BC at White Eagle Hall
Nov 12 – Vancouver BC at Media Club
Nov 16 – Saskatoon SK at Walkers Night Club
Nov 17 – Regina SK at Riddell Centre
Nov 18 – Yorkton SK at Ukrainian Orthodox Hall
Nov 19 – Winnipeg MB at West End Cultural Centre
Nov 22 – Toronto ON at Sneaky Dee’s
Nov 23 – Montreal QC at La Sala Rossa
Nov 24 – London ON at London Music Hall (last date of Ten Second Epic tour)
- New Music Michael

The Indy music scene is alive and well in Vancouver as we saw this week when pop-rock band Acres of Lions launched their new record, Collections.
Victoria based Acres of Lions have been heralded as “the west coast's answer to Sloan” and are reminiscent of Yes spinoff band Asia and yet their sound is entirely their own. Lead singer Jeff Kalesnikoff has a voice that's strong and vibrant and has a lasting, classic quality to it.

This week they joined the line-up at a local club and filled the venue to capacity. Their set started off with the catchy and familiar Set Me On Fire, the first cut off their new album, and included other crowd pleasing tracks like the homage to youth, Kids.

The club was wall to wall with people dancing and getting into the music, stretching back as far as the darkest corners of the room, and when they announced their last song of the night , those who weren't already on their feet joined the others for a raucous ovation. The crowd clearly enjoyed this band: a tribute to the talent that's gone in to creating it.

The third cut off their new album, Reaction has been added to the playlist of major radio stations across the country, reaching Top 30 of the Alternative Rock Chart within two weeks of its release.

Acres of Lions are Jeff Kalesnikoff on vocals and guitar, Lewis Carter on drums, Dan Ball on bass, and Tyson Yerex on guitar, and keyboards and can be seen next in Vancouver at The Media Club, November 12 when they tour with Ten Second Epic. - The Vancouverist

The Indy music scene is alive and well in Vancouver as we saw this week when pop-rock band Acres of Lions launched their new record, Collections.
Victoria based Acres of Lions have been heralded as “the west coast's answer to Sloan” and are reminiscent of Yes spinoff band Asia and yet their sound is entirely their own. Lead singer Jeff Kalesnikoff has a voice that's strong and vibrant and has a lasting, classic quality to it.

This week they joined the line-up at a local club and filled the venue to capacity. Their set started off with the catchy and familiar Set Me On Fire, the first cut off their new album, and included other crowd pleasing tracks like the homage to youth, Kids.

The club was wall to wall with people dancing and getting into the music, stretching back as far as the darkest corners of the room, and when they announced their last song of the night , those who weren't already on their feet joined the others for a raucous ovation. The crowd clearly enjoyed this band: a tribute to the talent that's gone in to creating it.

The third cut off their new album, Reaction has been added to the playlist of major radio stations across the country, reaching Top 30 of the Alternative Rock Chart within two weeks of its release.

Acres of Lions are Jeff Kalesnikoff on vocals and guitar, Lewis Carter on drums, Dan Ball on bass, and Tyson Yerex on guitar, and keyboards and can be seen next in Vancouver at The Media Club, November 12 when they tour with Ten Second Epic. - The Vancouverist

As I've written before, I went through a bit of an emo/pop-punk phase about a decade ago. While I haven't listened to the genre at all in the last half-decade or so, I can't deny that nostalgia kicks in whenever I hear bands influenced by the music I once loved. It should come as no surprise, then, when I say that I've been listening to Collections, the newest album from Acres of Lion, on repeat for the last six hours or so. After all, they sound a lot like Jimmy Eat World.

Of course, that's no small achievement, when you consider just how good J.E.W. were -- not just in comparison to most of their peers, but in objective (or, at least, subjective) terms. I mean, Bleed American? "For Me This Is Heaven"? I'd probably still rank those as being among my favourite album and song of all time, respectively. So when I say that Acres of Lions sound like Jimmy Eat World, that's meant entirely as a compliment.

As far as I'm concerned, I also think that's a pretty huge achievement. Songs like "Fingers Crossed" and "All Your Time" feature the same mix of catchy melodies and heartfelt vocals that made Jimmy Eat World so easy to fall for...and, unsurprisingly, they make it pretty easy to fall for Acres of Lions, too. Heck, "Forgive and Forget" is so good, I was sure I was listening to a cover for my first few listens. Obviously, Collections isn't quite on the level of Bleed American or Clarity -- to be honest, they need a few more songs as good as "Forgive And Forget" to get to that level -- but based on the talent they display here, it wouldn't surprise me if it's just a matter of time before they have one of those albums of their own. - i(heart)music

As I've written before, I went through a bit of an emo/pop-punk phase about a decade ago. While I haven't listened to the genre at all in the last half-decade or so, I can't deny that nostalgia kicks in whenever I hear bands influenced by the music I once loved. It should come as no surprise, then, when I say that I've been listening to Collections, the newest album from Acres of Lion, on repeat for the last six hours or so. After all, they sound a lot like Jimmy Eat World.

Of course, that's no small achievement, when you consider just how good J.E.W. were -- not just in comparison to most of their peers, but in objective (or, at least, subjective) terms. I mean, Bleed American? "For Me This Is Heaven"? I'd probably still rank those as being among my favourite album and song of all time, respectively. So when I say that Acres of Lions sound like Jimmy Eat World, that's meant entirely as a compliment.

As far as I'm concerned, I also think that's a pretty huge achievement. Songs like "Fingers Crossed" and "All Your Time" feature the same mix of catchy melodies and heartfelt vocals that made Jimmy Eat World so easy to fall for...and, unsurprisingly, they make it pretty easy to fall for Acres of Lions, too. Heck, "Forgive and Forget" is so good, I was sure I was listening to a cover for my first few listens. Obviously, Collections isn't quite on the level of Bleed American or Clarity -- to be honest, they need a few more songs as good as "Forgive And Forget" to get to that level -- but based on the talent they display here, it wouldn't surprise me if it's just a matter of time before they have one of those albums of their own. - i(heart)music

By Alex Hudson
Last month, Victoria, BC's Acres of Lions released their pop-rocking sophomore album Collections via Cordova Bay Records. Now, the group are getting set to promote it with a Canadian tour.

The band have 13 upcoming shows in total. Following an appearance at Halifax Pop Explosion in October, they will embark on a November jaunt with fellow Canadian pop lovers Ten Second Epic.

For a taste of Collections, scroll past the tour dates to watch the new video for their latest single "Reaction." A press release notes: "On this album, the band has gone in a decidedly more pop-influenced direction, while still maintaining their indie-rock quality, all contained within insightful lyrics and thoughtful composition."

Tour dates:

10/20 Halifax, NS - Elephant and Castle Underground (Halifax Pop Explosion)
11/4 Edmonton, AB - The Starlite Room
11/5 Lloydminster, AB - Phunkin Gruuve
11/9 Calgary, AB - The Republik
11/11 Victoria, BC - White Eagle Hall
11/12 Vancouver, BC - The Media Club
11/16 Saskatoon, SK - Walkers Night Club
11/17 Regina, SK - Riddell Centre
11/18 Yorkton, SK - Ukrainian Orthodox Hall
11/19 Winnipeg, MB - West End Cultural Centre
11/22 Toronto, ON - Sneaky Dee's
11/23 Montreal, QC - La Sala Rossa
11/24 London, ON - London Music Hall - Exclaim!

By Alex Hudson
Last month, Victoria, BC's Acres of Lions released their pop-rocking sophomore album Collections via Cordova Bay Records. Now, the group are getting set to promote it with a Canadian tour.

The band have 13 upcoming shows in total. Following an appearance at Halifax Pop Explosion in October, they will embark on a November jaunt with fellow Canadian pop lovers Ten Second Epic.

For a taste of Collections, scroll past the tour dates to watch the new video for their latest single "Reaction." A press release notes: "On this album, the band has gone in a decidedly more pop-influenced direction, while still maintaining their indie-rock quality, all contained within insightful lyrics and thoughtful composition."

Tour dates:

10/20 Halifax, NS - Elephant and Castle Underground (Halifax Pop Explosion)
11/4 Edmonton, AB - The Starlite Room
11/5 Lloydminster, AB - Phunkin Gruuve
11/9 Calgary, AB - The Republik
11/11 Victoria, BC - White Eagle Hall
11/12 Vancouver, BC - The Media Club
11/16 Saskatoon, SK - Walkers Night Club
11/17 Regina, SK - Riddell Centre
11/18 Yorkton, SK - Ukrainian Orthodox Hall
11/19 Winnipeg, MB - West End Cultural Centre
11/22 Toronto, ON - Sneaky Dee's
11/23 Montreal, QC - La Sala Rossa
11/24 London, ON - London Music Hall - Exclaim!

Acres of Lions, a Victoria based pop-rock unit generating huge buzz across B.C., are back with their second set of melodic sing-along anthems, Collections. The follow up to their 2009 debut, Working, sees the band building upon their emo roots. Jeff Kalesnikoff ’s confident yet sensitive vocals are brought to the forefront of the mix; the guitar work of both Kalesnikoff and Tyson Yerex providing backing to the melodic hooks that anchor each of the songs. “Reaction,” the first single from the album, is, to put it in layman’s terms, catchy as hell. The gang vocals and snapping fingers, mixed with an energetic and upbeat guitar riff, remind this writer of the Beatles-esque pop stylings of Sloan.
One drawback to the songwriting however is the bleeding heart lyrics, which, to be fair, are essentially characteristic of the entire emo genre. The album insert is filled with lines like “My heart still beats like a drum / When I hear you sing your sorrows / To an empty room” (“Like A Drum”). Despite the sincerity of their delivery, these lyrics are quite cringeworthy.
Regardless, the group has a lot going for them. They clearly have a good ear for infectious, radio-friendly songwriting and, judging the album as a whole, appear determined to win over new fans. If emo inflected pop-rock is your thing, give Collections a listen. - Discorder (CiTR 101.9)

Acres of Lions, a Victoria based pop-rock unit generating huge buzz across B.C., are back with their second set of melodic sing-along anthems, Collections. The follow up to their 2009 debut, Working, sees the band building upon their emo roots. Jeff Kalesnikoff ’s confident yet sensitive vocals are brought to the forefront of the mix; the guitar work of both Kalesnikoff and Tyson Yerex providing backing to the melodic hooks that anchor each of the songs. “Reaction,” the first single from the album, is, to put it in layman’s terms, catchy as hell. The gang vocals and snapping fingers, mixed with an energetic and upbeat guitar riff, remind this writer of the Beatles-esque pop stylings of Sloan.
One drawback to the songwriting however is the bleeding heart lyrics, which, to be fair, are essentially characteristic of the entire emo genre. The album insert is filled with lines like “My heart still beats like a drum / When I hear you sing your sorrows / To an empty room” (“Like A Drum”). Despite the sincerity of their delivery, these lyrics are quite cringeworthy.
Regardless, the group has a lot going for them. They clearly have a good ear for infectious, radio-friendly songwriting and, judging the album as a whole, appear determined to win over new fans. If emo inflected pop-rock is your thing, give Collections a listen. - Discorder (CiTR 101.9)

(Video Clip)

VICTORIA - Victoria band Acres of Lions is having a busy year. Its earned a coveted spot in Music BC's Peak Performance Project, competing for a top price worth more than $100,000.

Today the group released its second album 'Collections,' supported by a new video that doesn't feature the band.

Acres of Lions is performing at the Victoria Event Centre for the 2011 Rifflandia Festival on September 24th. In November they embark on a national tour.
http://www.acresoflions.com - CTV Vancouver Island

(Video Clip)

VICTORIA - Victoria band Acres of Lions is having a busy year. Its earned a coveted spot in Music BC's Peak Performance Project, competing for a top price worth more than $100,000.

Today the group released its second album 'Collections,' supported by a new video that doesn't feature the band.

Acres of Lions is performing at the Victoria Event Centre for the 2011 Rifflandia Festival on September 24th. In November they embark on a national tour.
http://www.acresoflions.com - CTV Vancouver Island

By Gregory Adams
In case you missed out on Victoria, BC-based Acres of Lions the first time they popped up, plugging their 2009 pop rock debut Working, the troupe are now letting loose another set of songs that you can sink your teeth into. The band will issue their sophomore album Collections next Tuesday (September 13) via Cordova Bay Records.

According to a press sheet, the upcoming ten-song set takes the band's sound in a poppier direction, while still retaining the influence of '90s emo acts like the Get Up Kids and Jimmy Eat World. You can check out a video clip for the record's bouncy, "ba-ba-baaaa"-laden, finger-snappin' first single, "Reaction," below. As the clip implies, all you need to make a video are some friends and construction paper.

While the band played in excess of 150 shows in support of Working, Acres of Lions' current schedule is pretty lax, with most of their gigs taking place in their hometown. You can check the details below.

Collections:

1. "Set Me On Fire"
?2. "Fingers Crossed"
?3. "Reaction"
?4. "Kids"
?5. "Forgive and Forget"
?6. "Celebration"
?7. "Narrow Miss"
?8. "Like A Drum"
?9. "All Your Time"
?10. "Collections"

Tour dates:

9/10 Victoria, BC - Sugar Nightclub
9/15 Vancouver, BC - The Red Room
9/17 Victoria, BC - Big Fernwood
9/24 Victoria, BC - Victoria Event Centre (Rifflandia)
10/20 Halifax, NS - Elephant and Castle Underground (Halifax Pop Explosion)
- Exclaim!

By Gregory Adams
In case you missed out on Victoria, BC-based Acres of Lions the first time they popped up, plugging their 2009 pop rock debut Working, the troupe are now letting loose another set of songs that you can sink your teeth into. The band will issue their sophomore album Collections next Tuesday (September 13) via Cordova Bay Records.

According to a press sheet, the upcoming ten-song set takes the band's sound in a poppier direction, while still retaining the influence of '90s emo acts like the Get Up Kids and Jimmy Eat World. You can check out a video clip for the record's bouncy, "ba-ba-baaaa"-laden, finger-snappin' first single, "Reaction," below. As the clip implies, all you need to make a video are some friends and construction paper.

While the band played in excess of 150 shows in support of Working, Acres of Lions' current schedule is pretty lax, with most of their gigs taking place in their hometown. You can check the details below.

Collections:

1. "Set Me On Fire"
?2. "Fingers Crossed"
?3. "Reaction"
?4. "Kids"
?5. "Forgive and Forget"
?6. "Celebration"
?7. "Narrow Miss"
?8. "Like A Drum"
?9. "All Your Time"
?10. "Collections"

Tour dates:

9/10 Victoria, BC - Sugar Nightclub
9/15 Vancouver, BC - The Red Room
9/17 Victoria, BC - Big Fernwood
9/24 Victoria, BC - Victoria Event Centre (Rifflandia)
10/20 Halifax, NS - Elephant and Castle Underground (Halifax Pop Explosion)
- Exclaim!

(Audio Podcast)

I'M BACK! Hope everyone had a fabulous summer of 2011! I know I did, and it was a very musical one as always. I love traveling the country each summer discovering and re-discovering Canadian artists to share with you on this annual podcast.

:: Get set for new singles from Cuff The Duke, Hey Ocean, Acres of Lions, the Matinee, the Belle Game and others.

:: I'll recap the incredible summer story of The Sheepdogs and the cover of the Rolling Stone (I bought my copy at the general store in Refuge Cove BC)

:: My stories from the road this summer at NxNE, the Home County Folk Fest, the Regina Folk Fest and more.

Earbuds in, volume up, smiles wide!

Thanks to all the guest hosts who kept my chair warm this summer!
- CBC Radio 3 (Audio Podcast)

(Audio Podcast)

I'M BACK! Hope everyone had a fabulous summer of 2011! I know I did, and it was a very musical one as always. I love traveling the country each summer discovering and re-discovering Canadian artists to share with you on this annual podcast.

:: Get set for new singles from Cuff The Duke, Hey Ocean, Acres of Lions, the Matinee, the Belle Game and others.

:: I'll recap the incredible summer story of The Sheepdogs and the cover of the Rolling Stone (I bought my copy at the general store in Refuge Cove BC)

:: My stories from the road this summer at NxNE, the Home County Folk Fest, the Regina Folk Fest and more.

Earbuds in, volume up, smiles wide!

Thanks to all the guest hosts who kept my chair warm this summer!
- CBC Radio 3 (Audio Podcast)

It’s September and Victoria band Acres of Lions is getting a reaction from fans and others in the music business.

On the homestretch of participation in the Peak Performance Project, the alternative rock quartet is gearing up for some local shows, including the Rifflandia indie music festival later this month.

Before that comes another key show, Saturday night (Sept. 10) at Sugar nightclub, when they’ll release their new CD, Collections, featuring their first single, “Reaction.”

“We spent the last week learning how to be a better band and how to take that show on the road,” said guitarist and keyboard player Tyson Yerex of the Peak project’s summer boot camp. That’s where the 20 finalists in the big-money contest are mentored about everything from recording and marketing themselves to touring and live performance.

“It’s one thing to get up there and play the new single the way you recorded it… the stage is more about creating moments.”

Like many acts involved in the Peak competition, the band has been busy this year juggling live performance and recording schedules with undertaking the tasks and appearances set out under the rules of the contest.

Among those challenges was to create a viral video.

The video for “Reaction,” a pop-infused, toe-tapping tune currently on radio playlists of alternative stations in Victoria and Edmonton, features friends and people the band met along their Canadian tour.

The band used a “clever marketing trick,” as Yerex calls it, by leveraging friendships made over the past four years of touring to create a fast-paced visual presentation of the song.

“It ended up being an amazing video project,” he said.

Where their previous attempt attracted 1,500 views in all, the new song has received close to 2,000 YouTube hits in the first week alone.

With no history before their first album, the band toured Canada with the material for four months in a van, making friends wherever they landed, Yerex said. Getting their music out there has helped boost their exposure, he added.

“It’s great feeling like (touring) really wasn’t for nothing – that feels really good. The ball is starting to roll … We’ve got to keep kicking it until it turns into an avalanche.”

Showtime at Sugar is 9 p.m., opening acts are Treelines and Mike Edel.

Tickets, available at the door, include a digital download of the new CD. - Victoria News

It’s September and Victoria band Acres of Lions is getting a reaction from fans and others in the music business.

On the homestretch of participation in the Peak Performance Project, the alternative rock quartet is gearing up for some local shows, including the Rifflandia indie music festival later this month.

Before that comes another key show, Saturday night (Sept. 10) at Sugar nightclub, when they’ll release their new CD, Collections, featuring their first single, “Reaction.”

“We spent the last week learning how to be a better band and how to take that show on the road,” said guitarist and keyboard player Tyson Yerex of the Peak project’s summer boot camp. That’s where the 20 finalists in the big-money contest are mentored about everything from recording and marketing themselves to touring and live performance.

“It’s one thing to get up there and play the new single the way you recorded it… the stage is more about creating moments.”

Like many acts involved in the Peak competition, the band has been busy this year juggling live performance and recording schedules with undertaking the tasks and appearances set out under the rules of the contest.

Among those challenges was to create a viral video.

The video for “Reaction,” a pop-infused, toe-tapping tune currently on radio playlists of alternative stations in Victoria and Edmonton, features friends and people the band met along their Canadian tour.

The band used a “clever marketing trick,” as Yerex calls it, by leveraging friendships made over the past four years of touring to create a fast-paced visual presentation of the song.

“It ended up being an amazing video project,” he said.

Where their previous attempt attracted 1,500 views in all, the new song has received close to 2,000 YouTube hits in the first week alone.

With no history before their first album, the band toured Canada with the material for four months in a van, making friends wherever they landed, Yerex said. Getting their music out there has helped boost their exposure, he added.

“It’s great feeling like (touring) really wasn’t for nothing – that feels really good. The ball is starting to roll … We’ve got to keep kicking it until it turns into an avalanche.”

Showtime at Sugar is 9 p.m., opening acts are Treelines and Mike Edel.

Tickets, available at the door, include a digital download of the new CD. - Victoria News

3:01 Pick me Up: Acres of Lions
by Staff on September 7, 2011 at 3:01 PM
Let’s face it: 3 p.m. is the cruellest time of the workday. The morning latte has worn off, and the post-lunch crash has you staggering around like an extra from a George A. Romero flick. That’s why, each weekday at 3:01 p.m., we present you with a video hand-picked to kick-start your heart. If the following clip doesn’t bring you temporarily back to life and help get you through the rest of the afternoon, chances are you’re dead inside.

Today’s offering: Acres of Lions proves that all you need to make a music video is some markers and a whole lot of new best friends. The Victoria band's single "Reaction" is catchy. How catchy? Plenty catchy. Don't be surprised if find yourself ba-ba-ing along before it's over.
- Georgia Straight

3:01 Pick me Up: Acres of Lions
by Staff on September 7, 2011 at 3:01 PM
Let’s face it: 3 p.m. is the cruellest time of the workday. The morning latte has worn off, and the post-lunch crash has you staggering around like an extra from a George A. Romero flick. That’s why, each weekday at 3:01 p.m., we present you with a video hand-picked to kick-start your heart. If the following clip doesn’t bring you temporarily back to life and help get you through the rest of the afternoon, chances are you’re dead inside.

Today’s offering: Acres of Lions proves that all you need to make a music video is some markers and a whole lot of new best friends. The Victoria band's single "Reaction" is catchy. How catchy? Plenty catchy. Don't be surprised if find yourself ba-ba-ing along before it's over.
- Georgia Straight

If you listen to the Zone, you’ve probably caught Acres of Lions’ “Let’s Get Sentimental,” the first track on their debut self-titled EP, on the air. Much like the other two songs on this disc, it’s a catchy, poppy tune that sounds right at home on modern rock radio. Maybe not my cup of tea sonically, but these guys sound really polished for just releasing their first EP. Distorted guitars, punk-inspired “woah-oh-ohs” and chanting interspersed with the occasional sweet melodic break (not to mention a vocalist who has the pop-friendly but psuedo-edgy singing voice down pat) make for a sound sure to find its way beyond Victoria’s radio waves - and given the frequency with which these guys seem to be playing shows - not to mention their spot at New Music West in Vancouver next month - it’s only a matter of time. - Monday Magazine (Victoria, BC, Canada)

If you listen to the Zone, you’ve probably caught Acres of Lions’ “Let’s Get Sentimental,” the first track on their debut self-titled EP, on the air. Much like the other two songs on this disc, it’s a catchy, poppy tune that sounds right at home on modern rock radio. Maybe not my cup of tea sonically, but these guys sound really polished for just releasing their first EP. Distorted guitars, punk-inspired “woah-oh-ohs” and chanting interspersed with the occasional sweet melodic break (not to mention a vocalist who has the pop-friendly but psuedo-edgy singing voice down pat) make for a sound sure to find its way beyond Victoria’s radio waves - and given the frequency with which these guys seem to be playing shows - not to mention their spot at New Music West in Vancouver next month - it’s only a matter of time. - Monday Magazine (Victoria, BC, Canada)

If you thought Canada was only good for churning out maple syrup, Acres of Lions will prove you wrong. These pop punkers from the city of Victoria have perfected the sun soaked, good-time feeling of pop-rock and even make it fresh. This self titled three-song EP is fun and catchy with songs about everyday life and experiences - a sharp contrast from the emo heartbreak anthems that plague scene rock. Christina Parrella - PunkBands.com