Hooded Fang - Hooded Fang

I have been listening to a lot of pop-leaning-indie at the moment. I suppose I am kind of the whole 'hipper than thou' rhetoric adopted by a whole load of blogs just now and it is refreshing just to put on a nice pop record. You might recall I did a wee interview with Hooded Fang and they were saying the album was coming along nicely. That is has as the album has turned out to be a wonderful collection of perfect pop songs. The singer's voice reminds me of a happier Stephen Merritt which I feel really pulls me to the songs. It swerves away from being too twee that the songs become sickly and there is always substance and meat to each song. There is also a really nice feeling about the album as a whole as the ebb and flow of the songs seems to bode really well in juxtaposition to the cold Scottish weather outside my window.

It's always nice when you have been waiting for an album from a band since their debut E.P and it really delivers. A perfect remedy for all those bands with a colour followed by an animal for their name adhering to some flash in the pan genre.



Hooded Fang - Laughing

Hooded Fang - Promise Land


Buy Hooded Fang via Bandcamp.

[INTERVIEW] Hooded Fang

Toronto's Hooded Fang released their excellent self titled E.P in 2007 and we haven't heard much from them (in terms of new releases) since. I caught up with them to see how their debut album was getting on, what their influences are, and discuss the Canadian music scene.


You guys haven't released much of anything since your E.P in 2008, what's been happening?
Intrigue, 30 rock, hibernation. New Tracey Morgan inspired full-length coming out SOON!!

How is the debut getting on?
Pretty good. Our roommates are sick of it. All them mixin' sessions.

How did you all of you meet?
Space camp. ZOOMBA!

Who influences you guys?
POW! WAP! BAM! Disco D, Doo Wop, old school Hip-Hop beats, Buddy Holly.

What were some of your favourite releases of 2009?
Timber Timbre, Smith Westerns, Weather Station, Nobunny, Pangea (LA), Young Governor, Crystal Stilts, Major Lazer, Times Neue Roman, The Magic.

Canada seems to have such a healthy music scene in terms of open mindedness and quality. Why do you think this is?
Poutine, good peeps, maple syrup, Winter and Good Music Series': Wavelength, No Shame, Elvis Mondays, Over the Top Fest.

Can you recommend any good Canadian bands?
See above, and also add tonkapuma, Hut, Spiral Beach, The Miles, Weather Weather, Sean Nicholas Savage, The Bicycles, Slim Twig, Calm Down Its Monday, Lightmares.

I really like the artwork on your e.p. Who did it?
It was mail order! Supervised by Vanessa from Montreal and Dan in the band.

If music is not your full time job, what do you guys do to make ends meet?
Smart secret things, write musicals, act in plays, teach little kids, organize concerts and become Masters of the Universe.


Hooded Fang - Highway Steam


Hooded Fang - Fall Leaves