A Primitive Evolution
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | INDIE
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After the Japan showcase we headed over to The Bovine to check out some true Toronto Talent. A Primitive Evolution was up first. It was a packed house and their nicely established fan base made for a crowd decked out in A.P.E. merch. I love Steph’s energy as she slams her bass around the stage. They put a lot into their performance and work through instrument malfunctions with a great sence of humour. By the end of their set it feels like one giant party, and fans run on stage to help them sing their songs. - AudioLust
A Primitive Evolution’s disc has been in solid rotation here at the RM House of Horror since it came out earlier this year and this video for their latest single “Show Me” might explain why. Check it out and prepare to have the song banging around in your head for a while…these kids know how to birth an earworm. - Rue-Morgue
Our bodies have now recovered from the 4AM last calls on Queen St. and the numerous bands we checked out. A&R manager Mitch Masters took in all five days of the festival, which included judging three showcases. Thursday night Mitch was a judge at The Velvet Underground, judging three great bands. Congratulations to Breaching Vista (www.myspace.com/breachingvista) from Kitchener for winning the showcase. Friday night Mitch was at The Bread & Circus judging five bands that featured winner The Breaking Lakes (www.myspace.com/thebreakinglakes) from Orangeville. On Saturday night he spent the night judging at one of his favourite venues in the city, the Bovine Sex Club. A Primitive Evolution (www.aprimitiveevolution.com) stood out from the rest of the competition and moved onto the finals, which was held on Sunday night at Tattoo Rock Parlor. The finals featured ten different bands competing for the chance to play Indie Week Ireland in April 2011. - Track Avenue
A Primitive Evolution is very different theoretically from its predecessor Lye, a band known equally for it’s highly addictive, energetic rock shows as it was for the members’ tendencies to drink way too many Jagermeister shots on stage.
Aside from two of the members and the overall style being similar to Lye, A.P.E. is attempting to tackle a different angle - conceptualism. Calling themselves “an anthropological experiment” on their Myspace page, the band has a message that could very easily reflect their crazy onstage antics.
A.P.E. Live
“A Primitive Evolution is more of a social commentary where the state of us, or the state of our culture, with as much advancements as we’ve made, technology-wise, industrial, whatever, we as people are so primitive in the way we behave. It’s still a primitive evolution and we can’t forget that,” vocalist/guitarist Brett Carruthers said.
“It was always a concept to show the evolution of man from nothing, from the ape. We’re just trying to show true instinct through music. That’s all we want,” he said.
The thing about Brett Carruthers is something has always thrown me off about him musically – I can never figure out if I think he is the most rock and roll or the most corporate person I know. He said Lye split because of creative differences and business problems, but also drunkenly suggested love may have played a role in the demise of what could have been the band to redefine music in Toronto.
A Primitve Evolution Toronto BandFrom a rock standpoint I think it’s partially awesome (and somewhat tragic) love may have broken up the band – how very modern Yoko Ono. From a corporate perspective I am curious what exactly business problems meant. Then I also think fuck it, why analyze it. I should just be happy another band was created because if one thing is for certain, the man knows how to make awesome music.
“It’s all rock and roll,” Carruthers said. “In Lye it was pretty much all myself writing it, with A.P.E it is all four people coming together to make music. It’s great chemistry.”
Thursday’s show at the Bovine was only A.P.E’s third live performance together. They played eight songs to a packed house, and will soon be self-recording and producing an 11-track album, expected to be complete in May.
“My friend Stu from Playdead actually came to me and asked me if we wanted to start a jam band,” Carruthers said. “Stu was like let’s jam and write some tunes and I was like sure, we’ll just play music together and see what happens. It was just for fun at first, but then it started working.”
Playdead Cult Guitar ShowWhich brings us both to the Bovine show and the A.P.E connection to Playdead Cult, a Toronto clothing company half owned by Stu. A.P.E recorded a video for their song “Death on Wheels” which played at L’Oreal Fashion Week’s Playdead runway show.
The Bovine show was actually the after party for Stu’s gallery exhibit at Shanghai Cowgirl next door. Stu revealed several custom paintings and guitars designed with famous Playdead Cult images such as crazy keyboards and rockin’ skulls. All of which are available for purchase.
If you haven’t jumped on the A.P.E. train yet, I highly suggest you check them out at www.myspace.com/aprimitiveevolution also
check out Playdead Cult at playdeadcult.com.
- Toronto Music Scene
Background / Composition:
This rock band is one part Playdead co-owner, one part Darkside store operator and two parts ex-members of industrial rock band LYE. While the music boasts some similarities to former projects, the Toronto quartet have added a nice alternative flair.
Grade: 81
Comment:
Though this wasn't an official CMW show, bands were playing and Jager was flowing, so I figure it's just as worthy a review as any. If you're not from Toronto or you don't know what I'm talking about, I feel sorry for you because this band are a rock 'n' roll wet dream and they're sexy as fuck.
Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.
Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really
Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: G
Pronunciation: G
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: G
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
At times, A Primitive Evolution look like a musical marketing scheme for Playdead Cult. Between the guitars (which feature original art by drummer Stu) and the clothing, it can be a little much at times, but it's easily forgivable for two reasons: 1) The clothes and art are actually really cool, and 2) The music is really awesome.
Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: G
Organization: G
Audience Participation: G
Sound: G
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Vocalist Brett Carruthers is a master of the stage. Not only is his voice hauntingly enigmatic, but the amount of rock 'n' roll passion he puts into it and his performance is admirable. He's not the only standout though — bassist Stephany Seki is one bad-ass rocker chick with metal moves. The two of them bang their instruments off each other and this chaos resulted in Carruthers spilling over the drumkit the end of the set. A.P.E. are a fun band to watch for both the music and the level of interaction amongst Carruthers and Seki.
Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Going to an A.P.E. show can usually guarantee copious amounts of Jager will be involved. The German deliciousness is like water to these guys (with or without a sponsorship) and it adds a level of edge everyone can appreciate. Unfortunately, this band don't do much touring, so if you want your fix, you're going to have to make the trek to Toronto. Trust me, it's worth it. - CHARTattack
I had a chance to check out A Primitive Evolution (A.P.E.) at the reverb for their self titled CD release party. I had seen them once before opening for Toronto's The Birthday Massacre back in may at the Mod Club. Quite simply they rocked my face off. Since then I've been eagerly awaiting a chance to see them live once again.
A primitive evolution is made up of Brett Carruthers on vocals/guitar, Steph Seki bass, Dimitri Anastasakis on guitars, Stu Dead on drums and recent addition Steve Minor on keys/guitar.
I haven't had a chance to listen to the CD yet but have been constantly monitoring the bands myspace and facebook page for updates so I had a good idea of what I was going to be hearing. Although A.P.E. is a relatively new band formed in late 2007 their past experience is very evident in their live performance. The band possesses the confidence and on stage presence of seasoned rock veterans.
Dressed in their Playdead Cult attire the band pounded out hard hitting rock songs that should garner quite a bit of interest. The brilliant "Beyond True", which I consider to be a radio ready hit, energized the crowd. I heard one of their fans exclaim "that's a great f**king song!” my sentiments exactly. Other hard highlights were "Empty Holes", "Still Waiting" and the fantastically fun "Death on Wheels". If you haven't heard of A.P.E. yet check them out. 2010 should be a very good year.
- Randall Vasquez – At the Rock Show – Dec 3rd 2009
If you hang around Toronto, Ontario there will be a few independent acts that have their names circulating all around the music scene. One of these bands is A Primitive Evolution. They recently released an album called A.P.E. and one song that really stands out on this release is their hit jam “Beyond True”.
An upbeat drum beat, catchy riffs and sing along vocal lines is what this song is all about. The simplicity definitely works for them. It has a radio friendly type of sound that lasts throughout the entire track. The chorus sang by Brett Carruthers is powerful and drills itself into the listener's head. A few listens and this just may become everyone’s next favorite song - it's a fun, rockin' jam!
A Primitive Evolution is a band everyone should keep their eye on. I have a feeling that in the not-so-distant future these guys will be inking deals and putting out releases worldwide. All fans of great rock music should be interested in “Beyond True”. Make sure you buy this song or the new full album off iTunes ASAP! - Pure Grain Audio
Canadian Alternative Metal/R0ck quartet A Primitive Evolution come out of Toronto's back door and whip up a storm with their cheekily titled debut full length 'A.P.E'. Sounding very reminiscent of My Chemical Romance and Mindless Self Indulgence put together which in the end spells very rock-charged music. They are in not doubt, one of the next most promising rock acts to come out of the underground and with that in mind, Canada will produce their follow-up to the already proclaimed Canadian Punk Rocker Avril Lavigne. Take it away A Primitive Evolution!! - Terrorizer - Wretched Spawn
Discography
A Primitive Evolution - The Prize
Release Date: TBA Early 2012
Label: Self Released under Playdead Cult Records
Online distro with Maplemusic and Tunecore
A Primitive Evolution – A.P.E.
Worldwide Digital Release: Feb 16 2010
CanadianRelease Date: December 3, 2009
Label: Self Released
Photos
Bio
Brett Carruthers—Vocals/Guitar
Steph Seki—Bass/Vocals
Stu Dead—Drums
Instinct: another way of saying primal urge. From the pangs of hunger and need for entertainment to procreation and warfare, humanity has forever been incited by innate needs. Be it the lust to create or to destroy, we cannot control that which compels us.
Thankfully, with many cases it's the former, epitomized in Toronto-bred alternative rockers A Primitive Evolution (A.P.E.). An authoritative trio spawned from the demise of celebrated outfits Lye and Aphasia, this five year-old collective revels in its ability to destroy barriers by conceiving inimitable, impacting and provocative music. From their independent eponymous 2009 affair through to their latest release "The Prize" (Playdead Cult Records), A Primitive Evolution has blossomed into a matchless force.
“Creation is evolution” waxes Carruthers ponderously. “That’s what I figure we're trying to say with A Primitive Evolution. As evolved as we think we are as humans or animals, we are very much in the beginning of the evolution of mankind. We have so much to learn and yet so much has changed in the last hundred years. We have a long way to go as a species. We want our band to reflect that too, going off of what we feel, doing it out of instinct and evolving naturally; having some fun existing on this planet.”
With featured inclusion in films such as Chastity Bites and Suck through seeing track “Death on Wheels” utilized on television staple Degrassi: The Next Generation, play on the 2011 Dodge Viper Cup and animated series Stoked, countless tours, showcases for prestigious festivals such as Indie Week and Canadian Music Week and praise from industry stalwarts Alan Cross and George Strombolopolous quickly proving not only A Primitive Evolution's calibre but also their vast appeal, one may say that “fun” is virtually inevitable with A.P.E.
It's a proliferation they will assuredly expedite thanks to the likes of The Prize. Recorded at Mushroom Studios with Producer John Wozniak (Marcy Playground), The Prize is both a fresh offering as well as a re-imagining of previously-revered tracks culled from their esteemed debut. Pulling together a complex array of influences including Jane's Addiction, Stone Roses, Tool, Outkast, Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Faith No More, Vivaldi, Motorhead and more, A.P.E.'s rhythm-based, organic attack blurs the lines of rock, electronica and all aspects between.
“It's bulldozing electronic music without the keyboards,” Dead offers. “We use real instruments instead. It creates this heavy, industrial aspect. In this band, we push each other to step out of comfort zones. It's in my nature to always be uncomfortable. That's when you can really create.”
Realized in The Prize and it's acoustic drive, A Primitive Evolution's uncompromising mission to continually challenge itself has resulted in revisiting and drastically altering previous accomplishments and unspent concepts. Revitalizing previously-heavy songs into full-blown acoustic arrangements complete with strings, The Prize is a very different aspect to a well-respected act.
“This is a gateway record,” notes Dead. “There are three brand new songs as well as reinvented acoustic versions of songs from the debut. We were originally intending to pull off some songs quickly, over a couple of weeks. Then we were going to go right back in and make a heavy record. We wanted to take a different swing at songs from the first record.”
“Once Wozniak got involved though, he became obsessed with making it the best he could,” adds Carruthers. “It went from being a two-week project to three months of experimenting, string layers and re-imagining songs from the first album.”
“The end result was that we were encouraged to explore,” Seki beams. “That's why The Prize came out really pretty; better than we were hoping. We strive to avoid repetition; to be very raw, real and organic. We don't follow trends because we don't work well in that environment. Even if people recognize the songs, The Prize is something unto itself.”
At that, from first single “I Feel It All” through the title track, “Lord Of Reason” and contemporary takes on A.P.E.'s established work, each piece of The Prize has evolved from simple unplugged sessions into its own subtle yet impacting lushness.
“We feared our first album was a wall of sound; one note,” Seki reveals. “With The Prize, we think these songs nicely blend the feel of our first album with our more dynamic side. There were a lot of ideas we had never worked on in a heavy sense. They were great but they wouldn't fit into our set or sound. After exploring this acoustic side, now the ideas work.”
Reverential, intoxicating, diverse and beguiling, The Prize is just another of the well-honed faces A.P.E. intends to offer. Moreover, they aspire to see it summon listeners to their own inventive highs; spur on innate instinct and primitive evolution.
“We want to inspi
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