MICHAEL PETER OLSEN shares “Sweet Meet” & “Sweat Equity” Live from Wavelength Music Series at the Brothers Dressler Studio with locational surround sound by Adamson Systems. Performed by Michael Peter Olsen (electric cello), alaska B (percussion, synths), Owen Pallett (violin), and Shawn Chiki (digital performance). “Narrative Of A Nervous System” is out now via Hand Drawn Dracula.
Toronto death rockers DERMABRASION share their latest single, “Psychic Event,” via FLOOD MAGAZINE. The band’s debut full-length Pain Behaviour, produced with Josh Korody (Fucked Up, Breeze, Beliefs, Traitrs), is out January 26th via Hand Drawn Dracula.
“There’s references to skin, flesh, or body on almost every song on Pain Behaviour, but ‘Psychic Event’ is the fleshiest,” explains McGouran. “A misquote from an adaptation of a Ballard novel provides the name, the intersections of sainthood and suffering provide the meat and bones. Taking inspiration from Videodrome and Tassaert’s painting The Temptation of Saint Hilarion, this song is somewhat of the record’s thesis statement. A meditation on an obsession with the body—one’s own, another’s, positive or negative. The track’s textured tones and slower, more subdued tempo help ensure maximum brooding and ruminating.” – DERMABRASION
“a timeless classic which will span many generations to come – early contender for my album of the year” – ALBUM OF THE WEEK / LOUDER THAN WAR
“If an atmospheric goth rock record is what they wanted, they were ridiculously successful. 9/10” – CULT MTL
“Interview: Pain Behaviour is definitely the knock out blow” – COLORISING
“ain Behaviour chews up and spits out sonic motifs across 10 tracks” – KOOLROCK RADIO
“Playlisted: superb debut album, Pain Behaviour” – GET IN HER EARS
“a solid and distinct statement of arrival … Recommended” – I DIE YOU DIE
“Like peers in sounds and style Drab Majesty and Boy Harsher … only the truly sensitive can screech sermons so solipsistically salvational. Listen up.” 5/5 REVIEW – MUSIC NEWS
“a moody mix of the Sisters Of Mercy and Bauhaus, topped with Siouxsie Sioux vocals. That’s no mean feat…” – CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE
“for those who like goth rock scintillatingly intense, brimming with electronic percussion and only just on the right side of horrifying” – ISSUE110 – ELECTRONIC SOUND MAGAZINE
“debut album runs the gamut from industrialist new wave to punky death rock – invoke the abrasive history of hardcore” – FLOOD MAGAZINE
See Dermabrasion live:
March 14 – Toronto ON – BSMT 254 w/ Sundowner, Kleener, Oil Giant
March 15 – London ON – Holy Diver w/ Sundowner, Mononegatives, Goon
March 16 – Hamilton ON – Vertigogo w/ Sundowner
April 06 – Sudbury ON – The Townehouse w/ Only God Forgives
April 17 – Toronto ON – Houndstooth – Secret Show
April 26 – Montreal QC – La Sotterenea
April 27 – Sarnia ON – Maud’s Variety w/ Empty Fest
April 28 – Toronto ON – Velvet Underground w/ Vision Video
May 11 – Toronto ON – St Anne’s Parish w/ Breeze
https://www.handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Dermabrasion-flood-a.jpg19141915HDDhttps://handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2018-logo.pngHDD2024-02-18 17:57:442024-04-29 15:36:21DERMABRASION // PAIN BEHAVIOUR (ALBUM) PSYCHIC EVENT (VIDEO) CULT MTL, LOUDER THAN WAR, FLOOD MAGAZINE, CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE, ELECTRONIC SOUND MAGAZINE
MICHAEL PETER OLSEN, the acclaimed musician known for his innovative compositions, has unveiled his latest sonic creation, “NightBikes.” Drawing inspiration from the clandestine world of late-night motorcycle racing during the early days of the pandemic, Olsen captures the late night haziness of drifting in and out of sleep through his distinctive altered pitch-shifted electric cello sounds.
“NightBikes” paints a vivid picture of the frenetic streets juxtaposed with moments of serene contemplation. Despite its brevity, the song leaves a lasting impression, immersing audiences in its enigmatic atmosphere.
Complementing Olsen’s evocative composition is the stunning visual interpretation by director Ali Caladine. The accompanying video delves into a poignant narrative of summer melancholy and the ache of a breakup, weaving together themes of late-night introspection and pandemic-induced exhaustion.”
“Nightbikes” is a bonus outtake from the “Narrative Of A Nervous System” album session, which was released October 27th, 2023 via Hand Drawn Dracula Records.
https://www.handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/08-23-MPO-1.jpg16002133HDDhttps://handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2018-logo.pngHDD2024-02-16 16:23:452024-02-16 16:25:40MICHAEL PETER OLSEN // NIGHTBIKES (VIDEO) FROM THE NARRATIVE OF A NERVOUS SYSTEM RECORDING SESSIONS
Toronto death rockers DERMABRASION share their new single, “Magic Missile,” the third track from Pain Behaviour, the band’s debut full-length coming out via Hand Drawn Dracula on January 26th. Following “Goblin Dance,” released late last year, the single offers another example of their collaboration with producer Josh Korody (Fucked Up, Breeze, Beliefs, Traitrs).
Toronto director Shelby Wilson (The Straight Ball (2022), We Need To Talk About Diseases (2022)) produced and directed the video that features a cast in handmade masks at a foreboding garage sale. While the video takes loose inspiration from the 2008 performance art piece The Price Master, the pathetic fallacy on the rainy, single-day production in May 2022 was simply fate.
Pain Behaviour chews up and spits out sonic motifs across 10 tracks that piece together a collection of influences reflecting the years both musicians have spent skulking around their city’s nightlife. The full pastiche of the band’s ersatz dogma is best demonstrated in the wicked anthem heralding the album’s halfway point, “Magic Missile.” Over a thunderous kick drum and snare hits that crack like a whip, the query curls like smoke: When the gods falter, what size are the faults?
“the wicked anthem, Magic Missile – Over a thunderous kick drum and snare hits that crack like a whip” – CIRCUIT SWEET
“Dermabrasion share new single & video ‘Magic Missile'” – SHE MAKES MUSIC
“Creators of brooding gothic anthems that rumble with discontent” – FIVE FAVOURITES / GET IN HER EARS
“a heavy sonic blow that crushes anything in its path” – COLORISING
“far more pure riffage and weighty undercarriage than we ever got from the Bay Area post-hardcore/goth nexus decades back” – I DIE YOU DIE
“Dermabrasion sound like some macabre approximation of Siouxsie & the Banshees going on an acid binge with Locust Abortion Technician-era Butthole Surfers” – BEATS PER MINUTE
See Dermabrasion live:
12th Jan – Toronto CA – The Monarch / Class of 2024 Series
https://www.handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/15-Dermabrasion-Aug-2023-Photo-Cred-Shelby-Wilson-846x465-1-jpg.jpg465846HDDhttps://handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2018-logo.pngHDD2024-01-08 15:20:312024-01-25 18:26:53DERMABRASION // MAGIC MISSILE (VIDEO) GET IN HER EARS, EXCLAIM, SHE MAKES MUSIC, COLORISING, CIRCUIT SWEET, BEATS PER MINUTE, CRACK MAGAZINE, KERRANG! MAGAZINE, NME
Hand Drawn Dracula 15 Year Anniversary and EXCLAIM Interview:
Before there was the label, there was the aesthetic. James Mejia, Toronto indie label Hand Drawn Dracula’s founder, was a graphic desinger, whose work with Wintersleep had earned him a JUNO Awards nomination for Recording Package of the Year — a success that snowballed into work with other big-name Canadian artists.
Eventually this led Mejia to release Wintersleep’s 2007 album Welcome to the Night Sky on vinyl at a time when other labels weren’t pressing on wax — and, with that, Hand Drawn Dracula was born.
Flash forward 15 years and the Toronto label has become a Canadian indie music institution. As the company marks the anniversary with a show at the Garrison on December 15 (with a lineup featuring Beliefs, Tallies, Bonnie Trash, Michael Peter Olsen and DJ Vallens), we spoke with Mejia about watching the Breeders from side-stage, hearing his own voice on a Beliefs record, and figuring out how to run an indie label without losing all his money (or his mind). ~ By Alex Hudson
Hand Drawn Dracula 15 Year Anniversary
The Garrison, Friday December 15th
11:20 BELIEFS
10:30 TALLIES
9:45 BONNIE TRASH
9:00 MICHEAL PETER OLSEN
& dj VALLENS
https://www.handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HDD15-artposter-scaled.jpg25602302HDDhttps://handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2018-logo.pngHDD2024-01-08 13:54:092024-01-08 16:42:45FIFTEEN YEARS OF HAND DRAWN DRACULA
BREEZE are back with their highly anticipated album, “Sour Grapes,” set to release December 8, 2023 through Hand Drawn Dracula Records. The album delivers a distinctive 90s-inspired sound that explores the complexity of relationships and builds upon the brit-pop new-wave sound that garnered critical acclaim for their 2021 release, “Only Up,” praised by the likes of CBC Music, Stereogum, and NPR.
“Sour Grapes” represents an exciting direction for Breeze, capturing the essence of their evolution as a band. Originally a solo project helmed by renowned producer Josh Korody (known for his work with Tess Parks, Dilly Dally, Fucked Up, Weaves), Breeze has since transformed into a five piece following their debut performance on KEXP Live At Home Session. The album was recorded and meticulously crafted by Korody at his Candle Recording studio, with additional recording at Hotel 2 Tango alongside Shae Brossard, and mastering by Mark Gardiner (of RIDE) at OX4Sound studio.
Breeze showcases their versatility with “Have You Ever Suffered,” an exploration of lo-fi beats and electronic post-punk blending into a raw and energetic composition. Korody’s poetic prowess builds with the intensity of the band’s powerful percussion. Breeze “Sour Grapes” is nostalgic, bittersweet, and an essential end-of-year offering.
The pace and vibrant energy carries through on “Ready For Love” with Korody’s emotive vocal pleas tugging at heartstrings while the cascading rhythm effortlessly sways the dance floor, evoking the bravado of Fontaines D.C. and the melancholy of The Human League. Recorded by the band at Montreal’s Hotel2Tango, the track was written by keyboardist James Kearns while sick with COVID then taken to a dramatic new level in the studio.
Mark Gardener describes album closer “Heart Attack Waiting To Happen” as a “dance floor banger” and a personal favorite from the album. The track seamlessly blends acid-house influences, commencing with a modest synth patch and building into a dark electro jam born out of a spontaneous studio session and showcases Breeze’s ability to create a euphoric, high-energy indie-rave experience.
“reminiscent of early post-punk acts like Magazine … a fruitful new direction for an outfit who already seem set on a path of constant reinvention” – ELECTRONIC SOUND MAGAZINE
https://www.handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Breeze-by-Colin-Medley_1971_10_1800.jpg18001800HDDhttps://handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2018-logo.pngHDD2023-12-04 14:17:192024-03-06 16:58:07BREEZE // HAVE YOU EVER SUFFERED (VIDEO) SOUR GRAPES (ALBUM)
NEW! DERMABRASION share the second single, “Goblin Dance,” off their debut album Pain Behaviour, out January 26th, 2024 via Hand Drawn Dracula. A fascination with the corporeal form and the occult thread through the record. With allusions to Roman Catholicism, LaVeyan Satanism and genre fiction, the songs investigate shame, power, duty and inhabiting a human body. The album’s statement is honed to a menacing edge with a sound swinging in the directions of first wave and contemporary post-punk, industrial, and NWOBHM.
Dermabrasion’s new take on “Goblin Dance,” appearing first on their debut “Lunate” EP, smacks of Godflesh with a backhand of classic hip-hop as it oscillates between acidic highs and lows. Produced by Josh Korody (Fucked Up, Nailbiter, Beliefs) along with the rest of forthcoming full length, “Pain Behaviour,” the presence his expertise brings to the drum tracks hone the song’s haunting, lo-fi groove to a sharp and menacing edge. While audio production on the track takes a notable leap, the accompanying lyric video maintains a low-fi spirit as it cross-dissolves its way through beloved internet detritus of the last two decades.
“another immense creation where the density just devours. It’s a mighty composition that screams chaos – Once again, providing that this pair are essential” – CIRCUIT SWEET
“the drum tracks hone the song’s haunting, lo-fi groove to a sharp and menacing edge” – SHE MAKES MUSIC
“an edgy blend of post-punk, industrial, and noise rock equipped with heavy, warped guitar lines, crushing drums and the riotous vocals of Kat McGouran” – COLORISING
“This is only the second track I’ve heard from Dermabrasion, but the Toronto-based duo are fast becoming firm favourites of mine. Such a banger!” – GET IN HER EARS
“Definitely dark and evil, with guitar slashes and screams that precisely hit the ears of the listener – exciting and unstoppable!” – INDIE FOR BUNNIES
“Hardcore riffs dressed for goth night at the sports bar” – BIZZARRE
“second sinister preview of the band’s upcoming debut LP Pain Behaviour” – SOME PARTY
“the primitive darkwave rhythms start to unfurl and swallow us all up within the confines of a gothic palace of noise” – LOUDER THAN WAR
11/18/23 Toronto CA – Owls Club w/ Bonnie Trash
12/01/23 Sarnia CA – Maud’s Variety w/ Hot Garbage
12/02/23 Guelph CA – Tabu w/ Hot Garbage, Bonnie Trash
01/12/24 Toronto CA – Lee’s Palace / Class of 2024 Showcase
https://www.handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PR-23-11-20-derm-northerntrans-a.jpg15281673HDDhttps://handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2018-logo.pngHDD2023-11-20 15:47:072023-12-06 18:52:59DERMABRASION // GOBLIN DANCE (VIDEO) BIZZARRE, LOUDER THAN WAR, GET IN HER EARS, COLORISING, SHE MAKES MUSIC, CIRCUIT SWEET, NORTHERN TRANSMISSIONS
BREEZE are back with their highly anticipated album, “Sour Grapes,” set to release December 8, 2023 through Hand Drawn Dracula Records. The album delivers a distinctive 90s-inspired sound that explores the complexity of relationships and builds upon the brit-pop new-wave sound that garnered critical acclaim for their 2021 release, “Only Up,” praised by the likes of CBC Music, Stereogum, and NPR.
“Sour Grapes” represents an exciting direction for Breeze, capturing the essence of their evolution as a band. Originally a solo project helmed by renowned producer Josh Korody (known for his work with Tess Parks, Dilly Dally, Fucked Up, Weaves), Breeze has since transformed into a five piece following their debut performance on KEXP Live At Home Session. The album was recorded and meticulously crafted by Korody at his Candle Recording studio, with additional recording at Hotel 2 Tango alongside Shae Brossard, and mastering by Mark Gardiner (of RIDE) at OX4Sound studio.
https://www.handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Breeze-by-Colin-Medley-2500-x2000.jpg22342500HDDhttps://handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2018-logo.pngHDD2023-11-03 12:29:232024-03-01 18:39:21BREEZE // READY FOR LOVE (VIDEO) SOUR GRAPES (ALBUM OUT DEC 8)
Grammy-nominated songwriter, MICHAEL PETER OLSEN shares “Biorhythms (ft. ZOON)” the third single ahead of his album Narrative Of A Nervous System, which is out this Friday, October 27th via Hand Drawn Dracula.
For this single Michael Peter Olsen teamed up with Canadian musical artist Daniel Monkman, also known as ZOON. Combining Zoon’s “moccasin gaze” style with Olsen’s unique heavily altered electric cello sound, the song features traditional indigenous rhythms and melodic styles that blend seamlessly with Monkman’s soft-focus guitars and heavenly Beach Boys-like vocals. Olsen’s bleary-eyed cello soundscapes and impassioned melodies provide a perfect complement to Monkman’s contribution, resulting in a powerful musical collaboration that speaks to the vision of unifying our shared experiences from the perspectives of varying identities. The song also comes with a video directed by Khadija Roberts-Abdullah that captures the trials and tribulations of completing creative projects in modern times.
Narrative Of A Nervous System is the follow-up to Michael Peter Olsen’s electric cello-based full-length Yearning Flow, described as “evocative, experimental, and emotional” by American Songwriter. On his upcoming album, Olsen continues to stretch the limits of the electric cello, subverting expectations of what the instrument can be. The new album features guest performances by Owen Pallett, Màiri Chaimbeul, alaska B, and Zoon, and is pressed on a limited deluxe edition 180g blood red in clear vinyl with satin finish gatefold jacket.
Narrative Of A Nervous System release show will take place this Friday, October 27th at DIY furniture space Brothers Dressler in Toronto. The show will feature Owen Pallett and alaska B (Yamantaka // Sonic Titan) with projections and a special 3D surround sound system. ~ TICKETS/INFO
“gush of honeyed ecstasy as a great mid-period Cocteau Twins track” – “a glorious rush of beauty and sadness. In the right setting, this one is tough to listen to without tears” – PASTE MAGAZINE
“I reject the idea that there can’t be incredible beauty in the most mundane of things” – 15 QUESTIONS MAGAZINE
“Michael Peter Olsen’s gorgeous sophomore full-length Narrative of a Nervous System has become one of my most played and well-loved albums of 2023″ – DOMINIONATED
“Program #4809, New Releases, Oct 2023 (First aired 10/31/2023)” – NEW SOUNDS
https://www.handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PR-23-11-04-MPO-newsounds-a.jpg11881800HDDhttps://handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2018-logo.pngHDD2023-10-24 13:03:482024-01-14 04:48:49MICHAEL PETER OLSEN // BIORHYTHMS FT ZOON (VIDEO) NARRATIVE OF A NERVOUS SYSTEM (ALBUM) 15 QUESTIONS, NEW SOUNDS RADIO, DOMINIONATED, PASTE MAGAZINE
DERMABRASION share the first single & video for “Halberdier” off their debut album Pain Behaviour, out January 26th, 2024 via Hand Drawn Dracula. A fascination with the corporeal form and the occult thread through the record. With allusions to Roman Catholicism, LaVeyan Satanism and genre fiction, the songs investigate shame, power, duty and inhabiting a human body. Produced by Josh Korody (Fucked Up, Nailbiter, Breeze, Beliefs, Vallens), the album’s statement is honed to a menacing edge with a sound swinging in the directions of first wave and contemporary post-punk, industrial, and NWOBHM.
The video for Halberdier is a frenzied series of clips captured by members of the crowd at a generator show in Toronto’s east end this past summer. Under a single bulb’s light the band and crowd writhe among a pile of industrial dirt from more than 10 different perspectives pasted and strung together in a kaleidoscopic mess.
“An ominous cacophony of industrial-tinged post punk – a heavy, brooding gothic anthem” – GET IN HER EARS
“Firstly, prepare to be blown away by the sheer weight of this release and the fact the duo has delivered one of the most audacious arrangements yet” – CIRCUIT SWEET
“rocks like a demon” “echoes subterranean, post-industrial vibe” – GOD IS IN THE TV
09/13/23 Prague, CZ – Underdogs w/ Bibione, Sinks
11/18/23 Toronto CA – Owls Club w/ Bonnie Trash
12/01/23 Sarnia CA – Maud’s Variety w/ Hot Garbage
12/02/23 Guelph CA – Tabu w/ Hot Garbage, Bonnie Trash
01/12/24 Toronto CA – Lee’s Palace w/ Class of 2024 Showcase
https://www.handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Dermabrasion-by-Shelby-Wilson-CLASH.jpg10761800HDDhttps://handdrawndracula.com/records/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2018-logo.pngHDD2023-10-16 06:16:312023-11-10 19:07:29DERMABRASION // HALBERDIER (VIDEO) CIRCUIT SWEET, GOD IS IN THE TV, GET IN HER EARS, CLASH MAGAZINE
MICHAEL PETER OLSEN // SWEET MEET & SWEAT EQUITY (LIVE VIDEO) WAVELENGTH MUSIC SERIES
NEWSMICHAEL PETER OLSEN shares “Sweet Meet” & “Sweat Equity” Live from Wavelength Music Series at the Brothers Dressler Studio with locational surround sound by Adamson Systems. Performed by Michael Peter Olsen (electric cello), alaska B (percussion, synths), Owen Pallett (violin), and Shawn Chiki (digital performance). “Narrative Of A Nervous System” is out now via Hand Drawn Dracula.
Narrative Of A Nervous System: STREAM // VINYL
DERMABRASION // PAIN BEHAVIOUR (ALBUM) PSYCHIC EVENT (VIDEO) CULT MTL, LOUDER THAN WAR, FLOOD MAGAZINE, CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE, ELECTRONIC SOUND MAGAZINE
NEWSToronto death rockers DERMABRASION share their latest single, “Psychic Event,” via FLOOD MAGAZINE. The band’s debut full-length Pain Behaviour, produced with Josh Korody (Fucked Up, Breeze, Beliefs, Traitrs), is out January 26th via Hand Drawn Dracula.
“There’s references to skin, flesh, or body on almost every song on Pain Behaviour, but ‘Psychic Event’ is the fleshiest,” explains McGouran. “A misquote from an adaptation of a Ballard novel provides the name, the intersections of sainthood and suffering provide the meat and bones. Taking inspiration from Videodrome and Tassaert’s painting The Temptation of Saint Hilarion, this song is somewhat of the record’s thesis statement. A meditation on an obsession with the body—one’s own, another’s, positive or negative. The track’s textured tones and slower, more subdued tempo help ensure maximum brooding and ruminating.” – DERMABRASION
“a timeless classic which will span many generations to come – early contender for my album of the year” – ALBUM OF THE WEEK / LOUDER THAN WAR
“If an atmospheric goth rock record is what they wanted, they were ridiculously successful. 9/10” – CULT MTL
“Interview: Pain Behaviour is definitely the knock out blow” – COLORISING
“Interview: That One Song” – BIRTHDAY CAKE FOR BREAKFAST
“ain Behaviour chews up and spits out sonic motifs across 10 tracks” – KOOLROCK RADIO
“Playlisted: superb debut album, Pain Behaviour” – GET IN HER EARS
“a solid and distinct statement of arrival … Recommended” – I DIE YOU DIE
“Like peers in sounds and style Drab Majesty and Boy Harsher … only the truly sensitive can screech sermons so solipsistically salvational. Listen up.” 5/5 REVIEW – MUSIC NEWS
“a moody mix of the Sisters Of Mercy and Bauhaus, topped with Siouxsie Sioux vocals. That’s no mean feat…” – CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE
“for those who like goth rock scintillatingly intense, brimming with electronic percussion and only just on the right side of horrifying” – ISSUE110 – ELECTRONIC SOUND MAGAZINE
“debut album runs the gamut from industrialist new wave to punky death rock – invoke the abrasive history of hardcore” – FLOOD MAGAZINE
PAIN BEHAVIOUR: VARIOUS / BANDCAMP / SPOTIFY / APPLE
See Dermabrasion live:
March 14 – Toronto ON – BSMT 254 w/ Sundowner, Kleener, Oil Giant
March 15 – London ON – Holy Diver w/ Sundowner, Mononegatives, Goon
March 16 – Hamilton ON – Vertigogo w/ Sundowner
April 06 – Sudbury ON – The Townehouse w/ Only God Forgives
April 17 – Toronto ON – Houndstooth – Secret Show
April 26 – Montreal QC – La Sotterenea
April 27 – Sarnia ON – Maud’s Variety w/ Empty Fest
April 28 – Toronto ON – Velvet Underground w/ Vision Video
May 11 – Toronto ON – St Anne’s Parish w/ Breeze
MICHAEL PETER OLSEN // NIGHTBIKES (VIDEO) FROM THE NARRATIVE OF A NERVOUS SYSTEM RECORDING SESSIONS
NEWSMICHAEL PETER OLSEN, the acclaimed musician known for his innovative compositions, has unveiled his latest sonic creation, “NightBikes.” Drawing inspiration from the clandestine world of late-night motorcycle racing during the early days of the pandemic, Olsen captures the late night haziness of drifting in and out of sleep through his distinctive altered pitch-shifted electric cello sounds.
“NightBikes” paints a vivid picture of the frenetic streets juxtaposed with moments of serene contemplation. Despite its brevity, the song leaves a lasting impression, immersing audiences in its enigmatic atmosphere.
Complementing Olsen’s evocative composition is the stunning visual interpretation by director Ali Caladine. The accompanying video delves into a poignant narrative of summer melancholy and the ache of a breakup, weaving together themes of late-night introspection and pandemic-induced exhaustion.”
“Nightbikes” is a bonus outtake from the “Narrative Of A Nervous System” album session, which was released October 27th, 2023 via Hand Drawn Dracula Records.
SINGLE: STREAM
ALBUM: STREAM // VINYL
DERMABRASION // MAGIC MISSILE (VIDEO) GET IN HER EARS, EXCLAIM, SHE MAKES MUSIC, COLORISING, CIRCUIT SWEET, BEATS PER MINUTE, CRACK MAGAZINE, KERRANG! MAGAZINE, NME
NEWSToronto death rockers DERMABRASION share their new single, “Magic Missile,” the third track from Pain Behaviour, the band’s debut full-length coming out via Hand Drawn Dracula on January 26th. Following “Goblin Dance,” released late last year, the single offers another example of their collaboration with producer Josh Korody (Fucked Up, Breeze, Beliefs, Traitrs).
Toronto director Shelby Wilson (The Straight Ball (2022), We Need To Talk About Diseases (2022)) produced and directed the video that features a cast in handmade masks at a foreboding garage sale. While the video takes loose inspiration from the 2008 performance art piece The Price Master, the pathetic fallacy on the rainy, single-day production in May 2022 was simply fate.
Pain Behaviour chews up and spits out sonic motifs across 10 tracks that piece together a collection of influences reflecting the years both musicians have spent skulking around their city’s nightlife. The full pastiche of the band’s ersatz dogma is best demonstrated in the wicked anthem heralding the album’s halfway point, “Magic Missile.” Over a thunderous kick drum and snare hits that crack like a whip, the query curls like smoke: When the gods falter, what size are the faults?
“the wicked anthem, Magic Missile – Over a thunderous kick drum and snare hits that crack like a whip” – CIRCUIT SWEET
“Dermabrasion share new single & video ‘Magic Missile'” – SHE MAKES MUSIC
“Creators of brooding gothic anthems that rumble with discontent” – FIVE FAVOURITES / GET IN HER EARS
“a heavy sonic blow that crushes anything in its path” – COLORISING
“Evil and menacing … exciting and explosive!” – INDIE FOR BUNNIES
“a grimy gothic punk soundtrack” – EXCLAIM!
“far more pure riffage and weighty undercarriage than we ever got from the Bay Area post-hardcore/goth nexus decades back” – I DIE YOU DIE
“Dermabrasion sound like some macabre approximation of Siouxsie & the Banshees going on an acid binge with Locust Abortion Technician-era Butthole Surfers” – BEATS PER MINUTE
“The Best New Music” – CRACK MAGAZINE
“CHART: Best New Music” – KERRANG!
“NME’S NEW BANGERS” – NME
PAIN BEHAVIOUR: PRE-SAVE / BANDCAMP
See Dermabrasion live:
12th Jan – Toronto CA – The Monarch / Class of 2024 Series
FIFTEEN YEARS OF HAND DRAWN DRACULA
NEWSHand Drawn Dracula 15 Year Anniversary and EXCLAIM Interview:
Before there was the label, there was the aesthetic. James Mejia, Toronto indie label Hand Drawn Dracula’s founder, was a graphic desinger, whose work with Wintersleep had earned him a JUNO Awards nomination for Recording Package of the Year — a success that snowballed into work with other big-name Canadian artists.
Eventually this led Mejia to release Wintersleep’s 2007 album Welcome to the Night Sky on vinyl at a time when other labels weren’t pressing on wax — and, with that, Hand Drawn Dracula was born.
Flash forward 15 years and the Toronto label has become a Canadian indie music institution. As the company marks the anniversary with a show at the Garrison on December 15 (with a lineup featuring Beliefs, Tallies, Bonnie Trash, Michael Peter Olsen and DJ Vallens), we spoke with Mejia about watching the Breeders from side-stage, hearing his own voice on a Beliefs record, and figuring out how to run an indie label without losing all his money (or his mind). ~ By Alex Hudson
READ THE EXCLAIM INTERVIEW >>>
Hand Drawn Dracula 15 Year Anniversary
The Garrison, Friday December 15th
11:20 BELIEFS
10:30 TALLIES
9:45 BONNIE TRASH
9:00 MICHEAL PETER OLSEN
& dj VALLENS
BREEZE // HAVE YOU EVER SUFFERED (VIDEO) SOUR GRAPES (ALBUM)
NEWSBREEZE are back with their highly anticipated album, “Sour Grapes,” set to release December 8, 2023 through Hand Drawn Dracula Records. The album delivers a distinctive 90s-inspired sound that explores the complexity of relationships and builds upon the brit-pop new-wave sound that garnered critical acclaim for their 2021 release, “Only Up,” praised by the likes of CBC Music, Stereogum, and NPR.
“Sour Grapes” represents an exciting direction for Breeze, capturing the essence of their evolution as a band. Originally a solo project helmed by renowned producer Josh Korody (known for his work with Tess Parks, Dilly Dally, Fucked Up, Weaves), Breeze has since transformed into a five piece following their debut performance on KEXP Live At Home Session. The album was recorded and meticulously crafted by Korody at his Candle Recording studio, with additional recording at Hotel 2 Tango alongside Shae Brossard, and mastering by Mark Gardiner (of RIDE) at OX4Sound studio.
Breeze showcases their versatility with “Have You Ever Suffered,” an exploration of lo-fi beats and electronic post-punk blending into a raw and energetic composition. Korody’s poetic prowess builds with the intensity of the band’s powerful percussion. Breeze “Sour Grapes” is nostalgic, bittersweet, and an essential end-of-year offering.
The pace and vibrant energy carries through on “Ready For Love” with Korody’s emotive vocal pleas tugging at heartstrings while the cascading rhythm effortlessly sways the dance floor, evoking the bravado of Fontaines D.C. and the melancholy of The Human League. Recorded by the band at Montreal’s Hotel2Tango, the track was written by keyboardist James Kearns while sick with COVID then taken to a dramatic new level in the studio.
Mark Gardener describes album closer “Heart Attack Waiting To Happen” as a “dance floor banger” and a personal favorite from the album. The track seamlessly blends acid-house influences, commencing with a modest synth patch and building into a dark electro jam born out of a spontaneous studio session and showcases Breeze’s ability to create a euphoric, high-energy indie-rave experience.
ORDER VINYL : BANDCAMP
STREAM : TIDAL / APPLE / SPOTIFY / VARIOUS
“reminiscent of early post-punk acts like Magazine … a fruitful new direction for an outfit who already seem set on a path of constant reinvention” – ELECTRONIC SOUND MAGAZINE
DERMABRASION // GOBLIN DANCE (VIDEO) BIZZARRE, LOUDER THAN WAR, GET IN HER EARS, COLORISING, SHE MAKES MUSIC, CIRCUIT SWEET, NORTHERN TRANSMISSIONS
NEWSNEW! DERMABRASION share the second single, “Goblin Dance,” off their debut album Pain Behaviour, out January 26th, 2024 via Hand Drawn Dracula. A fascination with the corporeal form and the occult thread through the record. With allusions to Roman Catholicism, LaVeyan Satanism and genre fiction, the songs investigate shame, power, duty and inhabiting a human body. The album’s statement is honed to a menacing edge with a sound swinging in the directions of first wave and contemporary post-punk, industrial, and NWOBHM.
Dermabrasion’s new take on “Goblin Dance,” appearing first on their debut “Lunate” EP, smacks of Godflesh with a backhand of classic hip-hop as it oscillates between acidic highs and lows. Produced by Josh Korody (Fucked Up, Nailbiter, Beliefs) along with the rest of forthcoming full length, “Pain Behaviour,” the presence his expertise brings to the drum tracks hone the song’s haunting, lo-fi groove to a sharp and menacing edge. While audio production on the track takes a notable leap, the accompanying lyric video maintains a low-fi spirit as it cross-dissolves its way through beloved internet detritus of the last two decades.
“Goblin Dance by Dermabrasion – VIDEO OF THE DAY” – NORTHERN TRANSMISSIONS
“another immense creation where the density just devours. It’s a mighty composition that screams chaos – Once again, providing that this pair are essential” – CIRCUIT SWEET
“the drum tracks hone the song’s haunting, lo-fi groove to a sharp and menacing edge” – SHE MAKES MUSIC
“an edgy blend of post-punk, industrial, and noise rock equipped with heavy, warped guitar lines, crushing drums and the riotous vocals of Kat McGouran” – COLORISING
“This is only the second track I’ve heard from Dermabrasion, but the Toronto-based duo are fast becoming firm favourites of mine. Such a banger!” – GET IN HER EARS
“Definitely dark and evil, with guitar slashes and screams that precisely hit the ears of the listener – exciting and unstoppable!” – INDIE FOR BUNNIES
“Hardcore riffs dressed for goth night at the sports bar” – BIZZARRE
“second sinister preview of the band’s upcoming debut LP Pain Behaviour” – SOME PARTY
“the primitive darkwave rhythms start to unfurl and swallow us all up within the confines of a gothic palace of noise” – LOUDER THAN WAR
PAIN BEHAVIOUR: PRE-SAVE / BANDCAMP
11/18/23 Toronto CA – Owls Club w/ Bonnie Trash
12/01/23 Sarnia CA – Maud’s Variety w/ Hot Garbage
12/02/23 Guelph CA – Tabu w/ Hot Garbage, Bonnie Trash
01/12/24 Toronto CA – Lee’s Palace / Class of 2024 Showcase
BREEZE // READY FOR LOVE (VIDEO) SOUR GRAPES (ALBUM OUT DEC 8)
NEWSBREEZE are back with their highly anticipated album, “Sour Grapes,” set to release December 8, 2023 through Hand Drawn Dracula Records. The album delivers a distinctive 90s-inspired sound that explores the complexity of relationships and builds upon the brit-pop new-wave sound that garnered critical acclaim for their 2021 release, “Only Up,” praised by the likes of CBC Music, Stereogum, and NPR.
“Sour Grapes” represents an exciting direction for Breeze, capturing the essence of their evolution as a band. Originally a solo project helmed by renowned producer Josh Korody (known for his work with Tess Parks, Dilly Dally, Fucked Up, Weaves), Breeze has since transformed into a five piece following their debut performance on KEXP Live At Home Session. The album was recorded and meticulously crafted by Korody at his Candle Recording studio, with additional recording at Hotel 2 Tango alongside Shae Brossard, and mastering by Mark Gardiner (of RIDE) at OX4Sound studio.
PRE-ORDER VINYL : BANDCAMP // PRE-SAVE : VARIOUS
STREAM : TIDAL / APPLE / SPOTIFY
MICHAEL PETER OLSEN // BIORHYTHMS FT ZOON (VIDEO) NARRATIVE OF A NERVOUS SYSTEM (ALBUM) 15 QUESTIONS, NEW SOUNDS RADIO, DOMINIONATED, PASTE MAGAZINE
NEWSALBUM: STREAM // VINYL
Grammy-nominated songwriter, MICHAEL PETER OLSEN shares “Biorhythms (ft. ZOON)” the third single ahead of his album Narrative Of A Nervous System, which is out this Friday, October 27th via Hand Drawn Dracula.
For this single Michael Peter Olsen teamed up with Canadian musical artist Daniel Monkman, also known as ZOON. Combining Zoon’s “moccasin gaze” style with Olsen’s unique heavily altered electric cello sound, the song features traditional indigenous rhythms and melodic styles that blend seamlessly with Monkman’s soft-focus guitars and heavenly Beach Boys-like vocals. Olsen’s bleary-eyed cello soundscapes and impassioned melodies provide a perfect complement to Monkman’s contribution, resulting in a powerful musical collaboration that speaks to the vision of unifying our shared experiences from the perspectives of varying identities. The song also comes with a video directed by Khadija Roberts-Abdullah that captures the trials and tribulations of completing creative projects in modern times.
Narrative Of A Nervous System is the follow-up to Michael Peter Olsen’s electric cello-based full-length Yearning Flow, described as “evocative, experimental, and emotional” by American Songwriter. On his upcoming album, Olsen continues to stretch the limits of the electric cello, subverting expectations of what the instrument can be. The new album features guest performances by Owen Pallett, Màiri Chaimbeul, alaska B, and Zoon, and is pressed on a limited deluxe edition 180g blood red in clear vinyl with satin finish gatefold jacket.
Narrative Of A Nervous System release show will take place this Friday, October 27th at DIY furniture space Brothers Dressler in Toronto. The show will feature Owen Pallett and alaska B (Yamantaka // Sonic Titan) with projections and a special 3D surround sound system. ~ TICKETS/INFO
“gush of honeyed ecstasy as a great mid-period Cocteau Twins track” – “a glorious rush of beauty and sadness. In the right setting, this one is tough to listen to without tears” – PASTE MAGAZINE
“I reject the idea that there can’t be incredible beauty in the most mundane of things” – 15 QUESTIONS MAGAZINE
“Michael Peter Olsen’s gorgeous sophomore full-length Narrative of a Nervous System has become one of my most played and well-loved albums of 2023″ – DOMINIONATED
“Program #4809, New Releases, Oct 2023 (First aired 10/31/2023)” – NEW SOUNDS
DERMABRASION // HALBERDIER (VIDEO) CIRCUIT SWEET, GOD IS IN THE TV, GET IN HER EARS, CLASH MAGAZINE
NEWSDERMABRASION share the first single & video for “Halberdier” off their debut album Pain Behaviour, out January 26th, 2024 via Hand Drawn Dracula. A fascination with the corporeal form and the occult thread through the record. With allusions to Roman Catholicism, LaVeyan Satanism and genre fiction, the songs investigate shame, power, duty and inhabiting a human body. Produced by Josh Korody (Fucked Up, Nailbiter, Breeze, Beliefs, Vallens), the album’s statement is honed to a menacing edge with a sound swinging in the directions of first wave and contemporary post-punk, industrial, and NWOBHM.
The video for Halberdier is a frenzied series of clips captured by members of the crowd at a generator show in Toronto’s east end this past summer. Under a single bulb’s light the band and crowd writhe among a pile of industrial dirt from more than 10 different perspectives pasted and strung together in a kaleidoscopic mess.
“An ominous cacophony of industrial-tinged post punk – a heavy, brooding gothic anthem” – GET IN HER EARS
“Firstly, prepare to be blown away by the sheer weight of this release and the fact the duo has delivered one of the most audacious arrangements yet” – CIRCUIT SWEET
“rocks like a demon” “echoes subterranean, post-industrial vibe” – GOD IS IN THE TV
“A crunching statement of intent” – CLASH MAGAZINE
PAIN BEHAVIOUR: PRE-SAVE / BANDCAMP
PRESS: CLASH MAGAZINE / GET IN HER EARS / THE PUNK SITE / SOUNDSPHERE / COLORISING / LOUDHACKER / NICHE MUSIC / CIRCUIT SWEET / SOME PARTY / GOD IS IN THE TV
09/13/23 Prague, CZ – Underdogs w/ Bibione, Sinks
11/18/23 Toronto CA – Owls Club w/ Bonnie Trash
12/01/23 Sarnia CA – Maud’s Variety w/ Hot Garbage
12/02/23 Guelph CA – Tabu w/ Hot Garbage, Bonnie Trash
01/12/24 Toronto CA – Lee’s Palace w/ Class of 2024 Showcase