By the mid-’90s, Sloan and Eric’s Trip had made it crystal clear to anyone paying attention across Canada that east coast music wasn’t all about fiddles and tin whistles. They paved the way for many other east coast acts to break out and find success elsewhere, and it’s an effect that is still felt today.
One band that came out of New Brunswick in the late-’90s found quite a bit of success, including a single on MuchMusic, tour dates with ZZ Top and a contract with major label BMG. The Monoxides released a handful of independent cassettes in the band’s hometown of Moncton before they were picked up by BMG, which released the band’s 1997 album Galaxy of Stooges. The tunes “Can’t Get Excited” and “Whole Lotta Rosie” both came off that release.
Ultimately, the Monoxides-BMG relationship didn’t last and the band returned home, releasing one final album – arguably their best – The Free Release of Energy in 2000.
Eight years have passed and while the band – Steve Hickox (vocals/guitar), Ken Kelley (drums), PJ Dunphy (bass), Derek Robichaud (guitar) and Marco Rocca (vocals/guitar) – still plays well-attended shows once or twice a year, talk of new material has come and gone, with no new music coming out.
However, recently the band announced that it would be releasing a new CD full of old tracks, music from its early tapes, b-sides and rare tracks. The album is due to be released this week at the band’s annual Christmas show on Friday, Dec. 19 in Moncton.
The album will be released via the recently resurrected Superbob Records. I’ll have more on the new release when I get it.
