The Allens

The Allens write songs with feeling - about feelings that we can all relate to. And they deliver them with passion and honesty and a grit that lays those feelings bare.
Their playing, dynamics and beautiful vocal harmonies make every one of their shows a memorable experience.
And they're a really great bunch of people!

Pete Denomme
London Music Club
- London Music Club

Last week, The Allens took their instruments to the streets of Richmond and Dundas and started performing on the corner. While most would assume this kind of busking must be a different experience from performing a show, it’s not, according to lead singer Mack Edwards.

“At the base level, it’s kind of the same thing. We’re just trying to create a bright spot in someone’s day and have a good connection with the people on the street,” Edwards says. He adds performing spontaneously helps the band prepare for more traditional settings.

The Allens can be described as indie-folk, but play around with a variety of different styles. “There’s definitely a rootsy element and having a guy/girl dynamic with the harmonies kind of gets back to a Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash vibe,” Edwards says. “I think some rockabilly elements came into fruition like that.”

The Allens have gone through some changes since their start in high school. The current line up has been around for about two years, but the name is relatively fresh. Previously known as The Woody Allens, the band changed their name as they refined their sound.

“I know it’s cliché, but we said a woody can get you into more trouble than it’s worth,” Edwards explains. “At the same time, we didn’t want to forfeit whatever amount of notoriety we had as The Woody Allens.”

Since the name change, the band has been busy travelling throughout Canada and performing in a variety of venues, from a small cottage country town called Magnetawan—which was pointed out as a favourite—to bigger cities like Toronto and Montreal, all the while working on their debut album.

“I think the timing’s right, everything fell into place and it’s been the best possible scenario,” Edwards says. Their new album is produced by Derek Downham of The Beauties and features Juno Award-winning musician Ron Sexsmith, who has said that it was “a treat to perform alongside such fine voices, and on such a lovely song.”

Despite the fact that the band released an EP in 2010, there are clear differences in their new album. While their first effort was very do it yourself, taking only three days to put together, their self-titled full length is much more professional, taking 10 to 11 months to put together.

The songs created by The Allens all strive to speak to their audiences in some way.

“The songs we write are about that day to day b.s. that everybody kind of deals with, with relationships and work, and I think that relatable subject matter is just trying to create that connection,” Edwards says.

While most popular music nowadays seems to focus on love and the pains of romantic relationships, this band is unique in that they have a male and female singing in unison.

“I think it definitely lets us show both sides of the coin, right? And have a little more dynamic and a little more interplay in the narrative of the songs, and musically it’s great to just to have that blend.”

Now that they’re back in their hometown, Edwards notes, “Ist’s always a lot of fun to play for people who you know at home.” However, while excited to be back at home, they still enjoy their time on the road.

“Going out on the road and trying to win over a new audience is the same kind of thing as opening the guitar case on the street and hoping for the best.” Edward describes it as “that kind of adventurous, fun part in doing it.”
- The Gazette

Last week, The Allens took their instruments to the streets of Richmond and Dundas and started performing on the corner. While most would assume this kind of busking must be a different experience from performing a show, it’s not, according to lead singer Mack Edwards.

“At the base level, it’s kind of the same thing. We’re just trying to create a bright spot in someone’s day and have a good connection with the people on the street,” Edwards says. He adds performing spontaneously helps the band prepare for more traditional settings.

The Allens can be described as indie-folk, but play around with a variety of different styles. “There’s definitely a rootsy element and having a guy/girl dynamic with the harmonies kind of gets back to a Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash vibe,” Edwards says. “I think some rockabilly elements came into fruition like that.”

The Allens have gone through some changes since their start in high school. The current line up has been around for about two years, but the name is relatively fresh. Previously known as The Woody Allens, the band changed their name as they refined their sound.

“I know it’s cliché, but we said a woody can get you into more trouble than it’s worth,” Edwards explains. “At the same time, we didn’t want to forfeit whatever amount of notoriety we had as The Woody Allens.”

Since the name change, the band has been busy travelling throughout Canada and performing in a variety of venues, from a small cottage country town called Magnetawan—which was pointed out as a favourite—to bigger cities like Toronto and Montreal, all the while working on their debut album.

“I think the timing’s right, everything fell into place and it’s been the best possible scenario,” Edwards says. Their new album is produced by Derek Downham of The Beauties and features Juno Award-winning musician Ron Sexsmith, who has said that it was “a treat to perform alongside such fine voices, and on such a lovely song.”

Despite the fact that the band released an EP in 2010, there are clear differences in their new album. While their first effort was very do it yourself, taking only three days to put together, their self-titled full length is much more professional, taking 10 to 11 months to put together.

The songs created by The Allens all strive to speak to their audiences in some way.

“The songs we write are about that day to day b.s. that everybody kind of deals with, with relationships and work, and I think that relatable subject matter is just trying to create that connection,” Edwards says.

While most popular music nowadays seems to focus on love and the pains of romantic relationships, this band is unique in that they have a male and female singing in unison.

“I think it definitely lets us show both sides of the coin, right? And have a little more dynamic and a little more interplay in the narrative of the songs, and musically it’s great to just to have that blend.”

Now that they’re back in their hometown, Edwards notes, “Ist’s always a lot of fun to play for people who you know at home.” However, while excited to be back at home, they still enjoy their time on the road.

“Going out on the road and trying to win over a new audience is the same kind of thing as opening the guitar case on the street and hoping for the best.” Edward describes it as “that kind of adventurous, fun part in doing it.”
- The Gazette

It started almost two years ago. Local alt-country band The Allens had a new line-up and an opening spot performing at Call the Office with Toronto’s The Beauties.

The band made an impression.

Now, The Allens are set to release their first full-length album Saturday at Aeolian Hall. The Beauties’ drummer Derek Downham, who is also the album’s producer, will be joining them on stage.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Brent Hebert, The Allens’ drummer. “We’ve spent so much time working on this album it’ll be great to get it out and start getting some feedback.”

The band recorded the self-titled album in Toronto this past winter with John Dinsmore at the Lincoln County Social Club studio, known for turning out albums by Kathleen Edwards and The Wooden Sky.

The debut album highlights the band’s strengths: Country guitar riffs, close harmonies, and rockabilly momentum. It also features some Canadian star power — Ron Sexsmith provides guest vocals on a track.

“As soon as he walked into the studio, he went straight for the piano and you couldn’t keep an instrument away from him,” said Hebert of recording with Sexsmith. “He’s such a humble person, which is surprising considering all he has accomplished.”

“We’ve taken every possible step to be prepared for this show,” said Mary Kate Smith, The Allens’ lead female vocalist who shares the mic with frontman Mack Edwards. “We’re just anxious to get up there and have a good time.” The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, $10 for students, available at Grooves, The Village Idiot and the Aeolian Hall box office. - Metro

It started almost two years ago. Local alt-country band The Allens had a new line-up and an opening spot performing at Call the Office with Toronto’s The Beauties.

The band made an impression.

Now, The Allens are set to release their first full-length album Saturday at Aeolian Hall. The Beauties’ drummer Derek Downham, who is also the album’s producer, will be joining them on stage.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Brent Hebert, The Allens’ drummer. “We’ve spent so much time working on this album it’ll be great to get it out and start getting some feedback.”

The band recorded the self-titled album in Toronto this past winter with John Dinsmore at the Lincoln County Social Club studio, known for turning out albums by Kathleen Edwards and The Wooden Sky.

The debut album highlights the band’s strengths: Country guitar riffs, close harmonies, and rockabilly momentum. It also features some Canadian star power — Ron Sexsmith provides guest vocals on a track.

“As soon as he walked into the studio, he went straight for the piano and you couldn’t keep an instrument away from him,” said Hebert of recording with Sexsmith. “He’s such a humble person, which is surprising considering all he has accomplished.”

“We’ve taken every possible step to be prepared for this show,” said Mary Kate Smith, The Allens’ lead female vocalist who shares the mic with frontman Mack Edwards. “We’re just anxious to get up there and have a good time.” The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, $10 for students, available at Grooves, The Village Idiot and the Aeolian Hall box office. - Metro

London roots rockers The Allens know how to write and sing a good sad song.

There’s “more interest in failed love than in successful love,” The Allens’ singer and chief songwriter Mack Edwards.

The Allens live and love songs with that in mind. On the first two tracks of the band’s self-titled debut album, Daddy’s Got a Gun is Track 1 and then momma’s praying for the singer to find Someone Better, the title of Track 2.

The romantic rock and woe doesn’t let up after that double-barrelled start.

The Allens — who used to be The Woody Allens — launch the album on Saturday at Aeolian Hall.

“I write the songs — but the final manifestation of the songs is a collaborative thing,” Edwards said.

Joining Edwards in those collaborations is vocalist Mary-Kate Smith, drummer Brent Hebert, bassist Michael Middleton and guitarist Mark Kulmala.

Edwards, Hebert and Middleton were around in the original lineup. Edwards, Hebert and Smith all went to London CCH. Middleton, of Belleville, and Kulmala, from Sault Ste. Marie, are part of the London music scene now.

“A lot has changed since the ‘Woody’ Allens,” the band said in an e-mail interview. “Our lineup had been finalized and with everyone on board for the long haul, it was time to do a full-length album.”

The album found its producer at a downtown London club.

The Allens shared a 2011 residency at Call the Office with Toronto’s The Beauties. As things unfolded, Derek Downham from the Toronto band talked to the Londoners.

“He was excited about the band and offered to work with us as our producer and immediately started helping refine our sound,” the band said.

As the recording continued at Toronto’s Lincoln County Social Club earlier this year, Downham brought a Canadian music legend and master of the sad song into the mix.

After hearing the rough mixes of the album, Ron Sexsmith wound up playing guitar and singing backup on Ain’t Going to Give You Up.

“Derek continues to support and inspire us and Ron was truly a gracious human being. We were honoured to be greeted as friends by Ron months later after seeing him perform this past summer at the Aeolian Hall,” The Allens said.

james.reaney@sunmedia.ca

Twitter.com/JamesatLFPress

--- --- ---



THE ALLENS

The track list for The Allens’s self-titled debut album

Daddy’s Got A Gun

Someone Better

Used To It

Tryin To Get Back In

Don’t Go Home/Suitcase

Buy Me A Drink

Cold Feet

Who Told You

Ain’t Gonna Give You Up

See This Through

Now that’s a guest artist

Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith joins The Allens on Ain’t Gonna Give You Up. “What a treat to perform alongside such fine voices, and on such a lovely song,” Sexsmith said.
- The London Free Press

London roots rockers The Allens know how to write and sing a good sad song.

There’s “more interest in failed love than in successful love,” The Allens’ singer and chief songwriter Mack Edwards.

The Allens live and love songs with that in mind. On the first two tracks of the band’s self-titled debut album, Daddy’s Got a Gun is Track 1 and then momma’s praying for the singer to find Someone Better, the title of Track 2.

The romantic rock and woe doesn’t let up after that double-barrelled start.

The Allens — who used to be The Woody Allens — launch the album on Saturday at Aeolian Hall.

“I write the songs — but the final manifestation of the songs is a collaborative thing,” Edwards said.

Joining Edwards in those collaborations is vocalist Mary-Kate Smith, drummer Brent Hebert, bassist Michael Middleton and guitarist Mark Kulmala.

Edwards, Hebert and Middleton were around in the original lineup. Edwards, Hebert and Smith all went to London CCH. Middleton, of Belleville, and Kulmala, from Sault Ste. Marie, are part of the London music scene now.

“A lot has changed since the ‘Woody’ Allens,” the band said in an e-mail interview. “Our lineup had been finalized and with everyone on board for the long haul, it was time to do a full-length album.”

The album found its producer at a downtown London club.

The Allens shared a 2011 residency at Call the Office with Toronto’s The Beauties. As things unfolded, Derek Downham from the Toronto band talked to the Londoners.

“He was excited about the band and offered to work with us as our producer and immediately started helping refine our sound,” the band said.

As the recording continued at Toronto’s Lincoln County Social Club earlier this year, Downham brought a Canadian music legend and master of the sad song into the mix.

After hearing the rough mixes of the album, Ron Sexsmith wound up playing guitar and singing backup on Ain’t Going to Give You Up.

“Derek continues to support and inspire us and Ron was truly a gracious human being. We were honoured to be greeted as friends by Ron months later after seeing him perform this past summer at the Aeolian Hall,” The Allens said.

james.reaney@sunmedia.ca

Twitter.com/JamesatLFPress

--- --- ---



THE ALLENS

The track list for The Allens’s self-titled debut album

Daddy’s Got A Gun

Someone Better

Used To It

Tryin To Get Back In

Don’t Go Home/Suitcase

Buy Me A Drink

Cold Feet

Who Told You

Ain’t Gonna Give You Up

See This Through

Now that’s a guest artist

Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith joins The Allens on Ain’t Gonna Give You Up. “What a treat to perform alongside such fine voices, and on such a lovely song,” Sexsmith said.
- The London Free Press

[One of the first notable acts of the night was The Allens, who stormed the stage with their rowdy and reckless underdog charm that contained classic fifties blues shuffles mixed with modern country flavors. The marriage between Mack Edwards and Mary Kate Smith’s voices created an intriguing contrast that amalgamated melody, soul and pure grit as they traded vocal sections while sounding in sync together despite their own individual styles. As the band charged through songs from their as-yet-untitled upcoming album, which also features guest vocals from Ron Sexsmith, it was clear The Allens are well on their way to making a name for themselves. Despite the band’s grooves are mainly rooted in Southern twang and modern rock stylings, they didn’t shy away from their distinctly unique cover of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” to cap off their set.] - Lithium Magazine

With a concrete lineup and a pared down band name, London folk-rockers The Allens are getting set to drop their first full-length record for local music fans at the Aeolian Hall October 27.
And they’re doing it with a little help from Canadian singer/songwriter Ron Sexsmith, who’s featured on Ain’t Gonna Give You Up, one of the tracks on the self-titled album recently recorded at the Lincoln County Social Club in Toronto.
“We actually saw (Sexsmith) at the Aeolian too so maybe there’s a bit of serendipity there,” said The Allens’ Mack Edwards. “He was pretty great, very gracious. He came in and sang amazing on it. He was very approachable and accommodating for someone who has a profile that could warrant them not be.”
Formerly the Woody Allens, the five-piece outfit’s current lineup — Edwards (vocals/guitar), Brent Hebert (drums), Mary-Kate Smith (vocals), Michael Middleton (bass) and “Deputy” Mark Kulmula (vocals/guitar) — have been playing London and travelling to shows across Southwestern Ontario for the past two years.
“In the studio we spent a lot of time refining some stuff and we just wanted a name that represented that refinement as well,” Edwards said. “At the same time, we didn’t want to lose the connection we had with (the old name).”
The band was recently on stage in London at the Home County Folk festival this summer and feel the time is finally right to release the album, their first recording since an early EP in 2009. The tracks were produced by The Beauties drummer Derek Downham, who connected with the band after the Allens’ opened for the Toronto group at a Call The Office show.
“We feel confident with it,” Hebert said. “I think we’re lucky all the members are at a point in their lives where they’re ready to take that dive and put everything into recording this album. Everyone’s ready to focus on music. This is what we all want to do.”
Fronted by strong male and female leads, the folk rock group has been exploring more of their rock ‘n’ roll side but isn’t afraid to throw some roots and country into their sound. With three London-born members and two others who moved to town to attend school at Fanshawe College, Edwards and Hebert said their first show at the Aeolian Hall will be a memorable one.
“It’s a great space and I think it represents London. Playing the Aeolian is that next step we need as a band to fill our spot (in the music scene),” Edwards said.
“Previous manifestations of the band were very folk rock related and I think we’ve grown into something that’s maybe a little more expressive, it’s a little more rock-based, a little more dynamic.”

Chris.montanini@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @LondonerChris
- The Londoner

The Woody Allens play the London Music Club’s cellar lounge on Saturday for a good cause (mental health) & I love their song I Love You.
Our friends at Grooves generously made the coolest space next to a Hakims optical anywhere for The Woody Allens to rawk us (folk us? . . . doesn’t sound quite right even if the Allens are an ace folk rawk band). By any genre, they are a fine Reaney’s Pick.

When I was at Grooves, ace retailer David Clarke mentioned a Mouth of the South album had come in & didn’t that have James Reaney written all over it. We talked about pro wrestling” Jimmy Hart (Mouth of the South) and the Gentrys and their fine song, Keep on Dancin’.

Dave, I am sorry I couldn’t buy the Mouth’s LP at Grooves. Too many albums already.

Thanks again for making Grooves available to us on Wednesday & congrats to The Woody Allens for the fundraising gig.

The money goes to the London Health Sciences Foundation, adolescent mental health, currently supporting the First Mood and Anxiety Program (FEMAP.) To reach FEMAP, e-mail FEMAP@lhsc.on.ca . . . a number of people from FEMAP are expected to be at the LMC on Saturday.

As the video ends, you will hear my latest desperate plea for Rachel McAdams to reach out & call The London Free Press from the set of the latest Woody Allen movie (being filmed in Paris) …. hey, the band is called The Woody Allens for a reason. Might work.
- The London Free Press

The Woody Allens have been playing shows around London for the past year, gaining a fan following for its unique take on folk, country and rockabilly music.

“It’s hard to describe,” the band’s front man Mack Edwards says of the Woody Allens’ music. “I guess it’s an alt-country folkabilly mishmash. I like the old classic country guys, but I also like Bruce Springsteen and Ryan Adams, so it’s a real mix.”

The mix works for the local six-piece, the band’s close harmonies and up-tempo tunes often getting audiences on the dance floor.

The Woody Allens is made up of a number of familiar faces, bassist Michael Middleton and drummer Brent Hebert also performing in Lonnie in the Garden. Edwards says the overlap is part of the collective sensibility in London’s music scene.

“We’re a pretty tight-knit community of musicians and we’re supportive of each other,” he says. “It’s kind of organic.”

The show on Saturday will include new material from The Woody Allens as the group prepares to record its first full-length album this summer.

Starting at 7 p.m., The Woody Allens will perform in the cellar lounge of the London Music Club with Peter VanDyk and The Second Hand Band.

“It’s going to be an early show, an appetizer for the rest of your night,” Edwards says.
- METRO LONDON

It’s difficult to find information about this band online, but it in no way means that it’s not worth tracking down! On their myspace page, The Woody Allens describe their music as a blend of country, folk, and roots. As far as I can tell, their myspace page is their main online profile, which you can find at http://www.myspace.com/thewoodyallens. Band members include Mack Edwards (guitar/vocals), Brent Hebert (drums/vocal), Michael Middleton (bass/vocal), and Lynn Seward (organ/piano/vocal). They have five tunes available on their page for your listening pleasure.

TOP PICKS:

Close to Home
Favourite Dead End
Lynn Seward gives a stirring vocal on “Close to Home,” which is listed as a new addition to the playlist. She expresses such a sense of longing in this piece and creates an atmosphere of limitless space. Her voice may be pure, but it does not lack in power with regard to strength and its ability to move the listener. The song is simplistic in its conception, but has a memorable impact. Beautifully crafted.

My other top pick, “Favourite Dead End” listed as new on their page. I hear a strong influence of Blue Rodeo in this one, which they handle well! It’s not just the addition of harmonica that causes me to make the comparison. Whoever takes the lead vocals (they list all the male members as vocalists on the page) his voice at times sounds like a young Jim Cuddy, which is the most sincere compliment (I saw them for the first time in concert this summer at the Nepean Equestrian park, amazing amazing show!!)

The band is currently unsigned, but I would love to hear them put together an Eepee. I think this group could do some really amazing things to these pieces in a studio. I believe that they are multi-talented musicians who are totally holding out on us. If you only listen to the tracks on the little player, you only get a sample of what they can do. Toward the bottom of the page there’s links to a music video and you’ll see Seward playing guitar and one of the guys on stand-up bass. In the video below that, they’re totally rockin out on a blue grass tune with stand-up bass and mandolin. While they may still be deciding on the appropriate direction for their music, they’ve got some solid tunes under their belt for a debut Eepee. I’m looking forward to meeting them at the festival and finding out more about this somewhat unknown, but very talented group. Happy listening and let me know what you think
- lysten.ca