Desperate Union

A lot has happened for Toronto rock band Desperate Union in its first nine months.

The group played its first gig at a Canada Day concert on July 1, 2008, had major label representatives at its second gig (which was still half-filled with cover songs) three months later, changed its rhythm section just before shooting a music video directed by a six-time Juno Award nominee in February, and has a single titled "Black And White Lies" produced by a man who was up for a 2009 Grammy Award on the radio now.

Desperate Union's three primary members are 16-year-old singer Alen Worsoff and guitarists Adam Spears, 16, and Mike Carbone, 18. Drummer Alexander Lamothe and bassist Oscar recently joined as the live rhythm section, while former Kill Hannah and Prick stick man Garrett Hammond and producer/musician Johnny K have filled those roles in K's Groovemaster Recording Studios in Chicago where Desperate Union's debut album is being recorded.

Desperate Union's melodic hard rock music is full of commercial potential. Lead single "Black And White Lies" was one of the first four tracks recorded with K, whose production credits include Disturbed, Finger Eleven, Drowning Pool and Machine Head. He was nominated for a 2009 Grammy for his work with Plain White T's, Staind and 3 Doors Down, and records he's produced have sold more than 10 million copies in the U.S. alone.

"He loves the music and the band and believes in them," the Desperate Union's manager says of K. "The positive energy that was there from the start just continues to grow and make everything better."

Spears and Carbone's twin guitar attack brim with power on "Black And White Lies," "I'll See You" and "Not Listening." "Middle Of The Riot" is slightly slower and softer, but has an impressive guitar solo and showcases the range of Worsoff's well-controlled voice. It's hard to believe you're listening to songs written and performed by people still in their mid-teens, and the frontman says they're getting better all the time.

"These songs are going to be ridiculous," Worsoff says of the three tracks recorded with K in March, with at least two more Chicago recording sessions planned for the spring and summer. "They're a little more progressive than what we had before, and there's definitely an improvement."

Worsoff a huge fan of Canadian music who cites Our Lady Peace, Rush, The Tragically Hip and Alexisonfire among his favourite bands is still the main lyricist, but is sharing more of the music writing with Spears and Carbone. While he plays guitar and piano, he's concentrating primarily on being a singer and leaving the playing to his talented bandmates.

The "Black And White Lies" video was directed by Don Allan, a six-time Juno nominee whose music video credits include K-OS, Blue Rodeo, The Trews, The Tea Party and many others. The single and video are being promoted by Vancouver and New York City-based Frontside Promotions Group. They're just two more parts of the formidable team that's been built around Desperate Union before it signs with a record company.