Music
Press
True to the indie rock tradition of the venue, this trio took to the stage for their first ever show and promptly ripped into a set of simple, raw, bare-bones rock and roll. They started off sounding like a blend between the Pixies and Sonic Youth (not a bad thing, mind you) but over the course of the set showcased a varied sound that ranged from down and dirty garage rawk to more melodic hook-driven songs to a harder, punkier sound.
Displaying poise that belied their declared inexperience, the band looked comfortable on stage, and the lead singer led the crowd through their rock and roll paces like a seasoned vet. Refreshing. Expect to see more of these guys in the future. - www.thevarsity.ca
"I wouldn't want to be put in a rock 'n' roll boxing ring with these guys, 'cause they kick ass"
"Rocked us so hard we peed our pants."
"World domination status: progressing well towards world domination"
"the drummer was an explosion of energy and the vocalist was a surge of sexiness. An all around sexy band."
- Chart Attack (Chart Magazine)
"Making their live debut, Hostile Takeover’s tight-knit post-punk packed a mighty punch similar Mission Of Burma and Drive Like Jehu. Led by ample guitar riffs complemented by a steady rhythm section, there was a surprisingly high level of melody in the vocals that showed anger can be sweet. For a first gig, it was a triumph. CL" - Exclaim
Discography
2005, S/T six song EP
2006, An American Band, CD/LP
Photos
Bio
Founded in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2003, Hostile Takeover consists of bassist Gavin Bell, drummer Doug Ireland and guitarist/vocalist James Sullivan.
Contemporaries: Hot Snakes, Trail of Dead, Mission of Burma, Fugazi, These Arms Are Snakes, Constantines
The sound is a frenetic combination of elements that at times co-exist and often times clash. Taking the reckless spirit and DIY ethos from early punk/hardcore, the band combines the rhythmic precision of The Minutemen with the sonic exploration of Sonic Youth, adding a subtle melodic sense, high energy abandon and the desire to play with and almost mock traditional pop song structures.
Hostile Takeover are three friends who have done their time in some great bands you have probably never heard (Sanseiru, Secret Agent, Frizbee). Building upon the music and experiences of their past bands, and their love of the sounds from the forgotten eras of 80’s post punk and 90’s indie rock, Hostile Takeover recaptures the soul of the bands they grew up with and loudly reminds people that it is still important to play rock and roll recklessly and passionately.
Making their live debut at CMW in 2004, the band has played to rave reviews throughout Southern Ontario. In 2006 the band entered Toronto’s legendary Chemical Sound to record 14 songs. The all-analogue recording, mastered at world class Joao Carvalho Mastering, truly captures the essence of Hostile Takeover and includes appearances from Rob Castle (The Guest Bedroom) and Keith Hamilton (The Postage Stamps). 12 of these songs are to be released as their phenomenal debut album in December of 2006.
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