Pete Van Dyk & the Second Hand Band

Telephone the new EP from Burlington/Hamilton based Pete Van Dyk & the Second Hand Band, is the musical equivalent of a hit and run: a four song sonic assault punctuated by blues soaked guitar riffs, raucous choruses and Van Dyks distinct rough and gruff vocals. The title track is an infectious Delta blues inspired romp, highlighted by James Daniel Norwoods stellar bass work and Scott Carruthers punchy drums; while younger Van Dyk sibling Ed, releases his inner rock god with a guitar solo on "Devil Has a Daughter" that is the very epitome of rock and roll. The band may be second hand, but the music is first class. - Hamilton Magazine

Telephone, the lastet EP from Pete Van Dyk and the Second Hand Band contains some of the hardest-edge blues rock you'll ever come across. If your ears are craving something a little different and raucous, you can't go wrong with this!

Despite the rough and tumble nature of the sound, Pete and the boys never forget to lay down the all-important melody and rhythm. Everything is heavy but groovy: from Pete's rough, primal voice to the high energy guitars, bass and drums.

Telephone is available as a download on their Bandcamp site.

Below is the video for the title track, courtesy of the band's YouTube page.

- Hamilton Blues Blog

Telephone, the lastet EP from Pete Van Dyk and the Second Hand Band contains some of the hardest-edge blues rock you'll ever come across. If your ears are craving something a little different and raucous, you can't go wrong with this!

Despite the rough and tumble nature of the sound, Pete and the boys never forget to lay down the all-important melody and rhythm. Everything is heavy but groovy: from Pete's rough, primal voice to the high energy guitars, bass and drums.

Telephone is available as a download on their Bandcamp site.

Below is the video for the title track, courtesy of the band's YouTube page.

- Hamilton Blues Blog

I Like This: Pete Van Dyk & the Second Hand Band - Alan Cross

A new band on my radar thanks to the magic of Twitter, Pete and the band have had a packed few years. The lead singer already has 3 solo EPs and a tour across Canada under his belt! That experience shows – Pete has a cool, blues-country-rock twang to his voice and together with the band, they’re produce a cool, blusey rock’n’roll sound. They just released a music video for this track, perhaps the catchiest tune off the new EP of the same name. The song kick-starts with a reggae-sounding rhythm that’s hard not to bob along to and maintains a steady pace throughout.

- I Heart Hamilton

A new band on my radar thanks to the magic of Twitter, Pete and the band have had a packed few years. The lead singer already has 3 solo EPs and a tour across Canada under his belt! That experience shows – Pete has a cool, blues-country-rock twang to his voice and together with the band, they’re produce a cool, blusey rock’n’roll sound. They just released a music video for this track, perhaps the catchiest tune off the new EP of the same name. The song kick-starts with a reggae-sounding rhythm that’s hard not to bob along to and maintains a steady pace throughout.

- I Heart Hamilton

Page 11 - Velvet Rope Magazine (Guelph)

Page 11 - Velvet Rope Magazine (Guelph)

Pete Van Dyk has been one the area’s more prolific musicians since he was 16, but as he solidifies the latest incarnation seven years on of his Second Hand Band– featuring brother Ed Van Dyk (guitar), James Daniel Norwood (bass) and Scott Carruthers (drums) - Van Dyk and company are releasing even more music. We just spoke to the band six months ago about their Live at the Casbah CDEP release and this weekend they offer their newest CDEP, Telephone.
“I have wanted to make music no matter what, some people enjoy it as a hobby, but the time came where they had to exit the band to concentrate on work or school or whatever or they just didn't have the same drive I did to really want to get my music out there,” offers Van Dyk on his determination in spite of line up changes. “But I have never been happier playing with a group of musicians; everyone is about the music and the songs. I consider myself fortunate to be in a band with such good musicians.”
Produced by Norwood, Telephone, offers another souped up blues roots explosion played with a boundless youthful zeal.
“We recorded the entire thing in our 17 by 11 foot jam space in Burlington, trying to work when no one else was there because of the sound bleeding from the other rooms,” notes Van Dyk. “The songs seemed to represent the band the best, we had all put a lot of time into their arrangement, and with this EP we wanted it to be tight with all strong tracks, so sticking with these 4 I think we accomplished that.
“I think sometimes music gets too hung up on labels, it’s kind of tough to put a name on what we do,” adds Van Dyk. “All our albums I see as being rock and roll, maybe not what mainstream or commercial radio consider rock and roll, but it’s always been informed by roots music like folk, country, blues and whatever else. I think it was Levon Helm who said in the Last Waltz that rock and roll is just blues, country and gospel all mixed into one. If you worry too much about writing to a certain style, you tend to censor yourself and might be dismissive of good ideas. A song is going to resonate with someone if it speaks to them and if it gives insight into the human condition. We wanted to showcase songs that represented the dynamics of the band and worked together. We just try and write stuff we like, and hope people dig it.”
Van Dyk and company hope fans enjoy the new music but are ever looking forward and already contemplating a new full length set for release in the New Year to add to their growing catalogue.
“With the rehearsal space doubling as a studio, we’re pretty much able to set up any time and record so we’re just hoping to get more stuff out,” says Van Dyk on the future. “We just really want to get out gigging and keep recording as much as we can, get the word out and hopefully people tell their friends.
“We’re pretty excited to showcase these new songs, and the first studio recorded ones for this line up,” adds Van Dyk. “We were able to solidify the arrangements in the studio and Scott and JD added vocals so I think just our familiarity with the songs and our regular gigging will help us to put on a solid, fun show. We just want to throw a big party and have a good time. If you want to see an exciting, high energy rock and roll show, you should be at this show.”

- VIEW Magazine

Pete Van Dyk has been one the area’s more prolific musicians since he was 16, but as he solidifies the latest incarnation seven years on of his Second Hand Band– featuring brother Ed Van Dyk (guitar), James Daniel Norwood (bass) and Scott Carruthers (drums) - Van Dyk and company are releasing even more music. We just spoke to the band six months ago about their Live at the Casbah CDEP release and this weekend they offer their newest CDEP, Telephone.
“I have wanted to make music no matter what, some people enjoy it as a hobby, but the time came where they had to exit the band to concentrate on work or school or whatever or they just didn't have the same drive I did to really want to get my music out there,” offers Van Dyk on his determination in spite of line up changes. “But I have never been happier playing with a group of musicians; everyone is about the music and the songs. I consider myself fortunate to be in a band with such good musicians.”
Produced by Norwood, Telephone, offers another souped up blues roots explosion played with a boundless youthful zeal.
“We recorded the entire thing in our 17 by 11 foot jam space in Burlington, trying to work when no one else was there because of the sound bleeding from the other rooms,” notes Van Dyk. “The songs seemed to represent the band the best, we had all put a lot of time into their arrangement, and with this EP we wanted it to be tight with all strong tracks, so sticking with these 4 I think we accomplished that.
“I think sometimes music gets too hung up on labels, it’s kind of tough to put a name on what we do,” adds Van Dyk. “All our albums I see as being rock and roll, maybe not what mainstream or commercial radio consider rock and roll, but it’s always been informed by roots music like folk, country, blues and whatever else. I think it was Levon Helm who said in the Last Waltz that rock and roll is just blues, country and gospel all mixed into one. If you worry too much about writing to a certain style, you tend to censor yourself and might be dismissive of good ideas. A song is going to resonate with someone if it speaks to them and if it gives insight into the human condition. We wanted to showcase songs that represented the dynamics of the band and worked together. We just try and write stuff we like, and hope people dig it.”
Van Dyk and company hope fans enjoy the new music but are ever looking forward and already contemplating a new full length set for release in the New Year to add to their growing catalogue.
“With the rehearsal space doubling as a studio, we’re pretty much able to set up any time and record so we’re just hoping to get more stuff out,” says Van Dyk on the future. “We just really want to get out gigging and keep recording as much as we can, get the word out and hopefully people tell their friends.
“We’re pretty excited to showcase these new songs, and the first studio recorded ones for this line up,” adds Van Dyk. “We were able to solidify the arrangements in the studio and Scott and JD added vocals so I think just our familiarity with the songs and our regular gigging will help us to put on a solid, fun show. We just want to throw a big party and have a good time. If you want to see an exciting, high energy rock and roll show, you should be at this show.”

- VIEW Magazine

If you like your rock n’ roll with a serious case of the blues, look no further than Hamilton-based outfit PETE VAN DYK & THE SECOND HAND BAND. The boys have been on our radar for some time now and their debut effort is something of epic proportions – we’re sure you’ll agree.

That said, check out the Telephone EP in the embed below – we’re really digging all the songs on this one. Just for the record though, we’re rather smitten with Devil Has A Daughter.

- The Indie Machine

If you like your rock n’ roll with a serious case of the blues, look no further than Hamilton-based outfit PETE VAN DYK & THE SECOND HAND BAND. The boys have been on our radar for some time now and their debut effort is something of epic proportions – we’re sure you’ll agree.

That said, check out the Telephone EP in the embed below – we’re really digging all the songs on this one. Just for the record though, we’re rather smitten with Devil Has A Daughter.

- The Indie Machine

Coming at us from Ontario, Canada, Pete Van Dyk & The Second Hand Band are delivering the four track EP – ‘Telephone’ for our pleasure.

We are forced to inhale a good dose of blues from the onset, something I like to be forced upon myself. All the good bits and pieces from a classic blues number are apparent and then we are thrust into beefed up rhythms and dirty guitars. ‘Stay Gold’ is an excellent starter. The vocals of Pete Van Dyk are dirty enough, like burnt toast on both sides. Sings like he really means it, then comes and grabs you by the scruff of the neck.

The title track ‘Telephone’ shows us what else they have got and Pete Van Dyk & The Second Hand Band know how to kick it out – MC5 style. Funky and rocking topped off with blues is an insane mix. They tick all my boxes to be frank. It gets your heart beating and you are cruising along with it, its good shizzle. Where do we get more of this stuff from?

This is a fine example of contemporary bluesy rock. It could well be considered vintage in a decade or two. If they ever come to Manchester, I’ll see you there.



32/40 (Out of 40 yeah? That’s how I roll!)

Eddie Heakin

- The Back Room

Coming at us from Ontario, Canada, Pete Van Dyk & The Second Hand Band are delivering the four track EP – ‘Telephone’ for our pleasure.

We are forced to inhale a good dose of blues from the onset, something I like to be forced upon myself. All the good bits and pieces from a classic blues number are apparent and then we are thrust into beefed up rhythms and dirty guitars. ‘Stay Gold’ is an excellent starter. The vocals of Pete Van Dyk are dirty enough, like burnt toast on both sides. Sings like he really means it, then comes and grabs you by the scruff of the neck.

The title track ‘Telephone’ shows us what else they have got and Pete Van Dyk & The Second Hand Band know how to kick it out – MC5 style. Funky and rocking topped off with blues is an insane mix. They tick all my boxes to be frank. It gets your heart beating and you are cruising along with it, its good shizzle. Where do we get more of this stuff from?

This is a fine example of contemporary bluesy rock. It could well be considered vintage in a decade or two. If they ever come to Manchester, I’ll see you there.



32/40 (Out of 40 yeah? That’s how I roll!)

Eddie Heakin

- The Back Room

Rating: 9/10 Chatter Telephones (remember those things?)

Talk about a pleasant surprise.

I opened my Gonna Groove e-mail today (which you can submit to here) to find a press release from Terraplane Records announcing the release of Telephone, by Pete Van Dyk & the Second Hand Band. I’m always excited for new music, so I took a listen to their EP immediately.

If I don’t make anymore good decisions today, at least I made this one.

Here’s their bio in a nutshell: Pete and the boys are from Hamilton/Burlington, Ontario Pete’s been on the Canadian music scene for a while. The Second Hand Band originally was his backup, with members coming in and out all the time. However, the band solidified with the current lineup and has been working together for close to a year.

Telephone was recorded over the summer with bassist JD Norwood mixing and engineering the EP. They describe themselves as “draw[ing] in?uences from blues, rock and roll, soul, roots, jazz and punk to create stinging, groove laden blues rock and roll.”

As much of a mouthful as that might be, they’re exactly right. Telephone is proof that they know what they’re about.

I’ve listened to this EP over and over for most of the day, and I am consistently impressed by the band’s confidence and presence. Listening to these four songs, it feels like the band has been going at this for a while, much longer than just a year or so. Not many bands can get it right the first time like these guys have.

Pete Van Dyk has this gravelly, gruff blues voice that reminds me of The Tallest Man on Earth or Ryan Bingham, but Pete has more power and punch that fits perfectly with the band’s more rockin’ attitude. JD’s engineering is superb throughout, giving everybody chances to shine. The lyrics are great, blues-filled pieces that demonstrate the band’s intelligence without overpowering the fun of the songs.

Telephone is an excellent taste of what the band offers. “Stay Gold” is roots, blues-filled rock with a little bit of soul. “Telephone” is a groovy treat for the ears, with meaty vocals and a delicious bass line. “Evil Intentions” shows that the band really can throw some punk into the blues rock and make it work effortlessly, all while sending a message out about getting back to good music (Green Day could take a lesson from these guys…just my opinion!). But for me, “Devil Has A Daughter” was the best track on the EP. Groovy and fun, it’s a showcase for lead guitarist Ed Van Dyk and is certain to make you bounce your foot and bob your head to its infectious beat.

Canada is producing some top-notch music right now: these guys, The Sheepdogs, Justin Bei…no, forget that last one. All I can say is, “keep it coming.”

Although they’re called Pete Van Dyk & the Second Hand Band, there is nothing second-rate about this band. I’ve only heard four tracks, but I’m already a fan. I hope they can make it to the States soon (Atlanta, please!), but either way I’m excited for their full album next year. You can bet we’re going to be hearing from these guys for a long time, and Telephone is going to start the chatter.

Bottom Line: If Telephone is any indication of this band’s future, I hope Pete Van Dyk & the Second Hand Band have a long, prosperous career. This is a fantastic debut EP of excellent blues rock that’s definitely worth 16 minutes of your time.

Tracks You Must Hear: Check them all out, especially “Devil Has A Daughter.” Your day will improve because of it, I promise.

- Gonna Groove Music Reviews

Rating: 9/10 Chatter Telephones (remember those things?)

Talk about a pleasant surprise.

I opened my Gonna Groove e-mail today (which you can submit to here) to find a press release from Terraplane Records announcing the release of Telephone, by Pete Van Dyk & the Second Hand Band. I’m always excited for new music, so I took a listen to their EP immediately.

If I don’t make anymore good decisions today, at least I made this one.

Here’s their bio in a nutshell: Pete and the boys are from Hamilton/Burlington, Ontario Pete’s been on the Canadian music scene for a while. The Second Hand Band originally was his backup, with members coming in and out all the time. However, the band solidified with the current lineup and has been working together for close to a year.

Telephone was recorded over the summer with bassist JD Norwood mixing and engineering the EP. They describe themselves as “draw[ing] in?uences from blues, rock and roll, soul, roots, jazz and punk to create stinging, groove laden blues rock and roll.”

As much of a mouthful as that might be, they’re exactly right. Telephone is proof that they know what they’re about.

I’ve listened to this EP over and over for most of the day, and I am consistently impressed by the band’s confidence and presence. Listening to these four songs, it feels like the band has been going at this for a while, much longer than just a year or so. Not many bands can get it right the first time like these guys have.

Pete Van Dyk has this gravelly, gruff blues voice that reminds me of The Tallest Man on Earth or Ryan Bingham, but Pete has more power and punch that fits perfectly with the band’s more rockin’ attitude. JD’s engineering is superb throughout, giving everybody chances to shine. The lyrics are great, blues-filled pieces that demonstrate the band’s intelligence without overpowering the fun of the songs.

Telephone is an excellent taste of what the band offers. “Stay Gold” is roots, blues-filled rock with a little bit of soul. “Telephone” is a groovy treat for the ears, with meaty vocals and a delicious bass line. “Evil Intentions” shows that the band really can throw some punk into the blues rock and make it work effortlessly, all while sending a message out about getting back to good music (Green Day could take a lesson from these guys…just my opinion!). But for me, “Devil Has A Daughter” was the best track on the EP. Groovy and fun, it’s a showcase for lead guitarist Ed Van Dyk and is certain to make you bounce your foot and bob your head to its infectious beat.

Canada is producing some top-notch music right now: these guys, The Sheepdogs, Justin Bei…no, forget that last one. All I can say is, “keep it coming.”

Although they’re called Pete Van Dyk & the Second Hand Band, there is nothing second-rate about this band. I’ve only heard four tracks, but I’m already a fan. I hope they can make it to the States soon (Atlanta, please!), but either way I’m excited for their full album next year. You can bet we’re going to be hearing from these guys for a long time, and Telephone is going to start the chatter.

Bottom Line: If Telephone is any indication of this band’s future, I hope Pete Van Dyk & the Second Hand Band have a long, prosperous career. This is a fantastic debut EP of excellent blues rock that’s definitely worth 16 minutes of your time.

Tracks You Must Hear: Check them all out, especially “Devil Has A Daughter.” Your day will improve because of it, I promise.

- Gonna Groove Music Reviews