Badniks

Badniks formed in early 2012 after frontman James Harding moved to Toronto from Sheffield, England, looking to carve out a maple-tinged future for himself.

A wintry open-mic acoustic set with new friend Sean Hingston, formally of local heroes the Vestaloynes, proved two things: first, that Harding's songs of parties gone bad and scuppered childhood dreams of being Sonic the Hedgehog offered something fresh to Canadian listeners; second, that these songs would be best served LOUD.

To that end, virtuosic rock-bass chameleon Donal Gill, who had also recently moved to Toronto from Cork, Ireland, was called upon to complete the trio.

Sparks flew, volumes soared and a set was constructed in no time. The three musicians clicked immediately, with a chemistry that adapted old songs and created new songs as if they were already there.

Early Badniks shows in the Spring of 2012 were well-received, praised for their humour and energy, while live instrumental jams and covers had a raw energy that drew comparisons to Led Zeppelin.

In the summer, Badniks recorded an EP, AMAZE YOUR FRIENDS, released online in late September, and celebrated the release in November with a triumphant set at The Horseshoe Tavern.

With new material, unbreakable chemistry and a catalogue of songs bands several years their senior would envy, BADNIKS intend to play their hearts out and set yours on fire in 2013.