Strongboy

The fact that Strongboy are a band from Canada who play relaxed indie pop means that the Mac DeMarco references are basically inevitable. But the four friends, originally from Cape Breton and who now call Halifax home, don't seem too perturbed by comparisons to the gap-toothed one.

With Brett Jerrett on guitar and vocals, Tyler Popwell on lead guitar, Alex Sheppard on Bass, and Seamus O'Neill on drums, the band's first album, Steady, is about to be released on Atlanta label Human Sounds Records and features plenty of melody and sweet harmony. - Noisey / VICE

"The band that self-describes its music as “lazy pop” is getting a lot of online love lately. A (seemingly) random person uploaded Strongboy’s single “Steady” to YouTube two months ago, and today it has more than 260,000 views. Then, earlier this month, Spotify added the same song to its Fresh Finds playlist and the band’s Spotify followers jumped from 5,000 to 28,000. So it looks like lazy pop is doing the work. The four bandmates from Cape Breton released a two-track EP early last year, and have an eight-track full-length coming out June 30. If you’re a Mac DeMarco fan, Strongboy’s your jam — but even if you’re not, there’s something in the band’s breezy poppiness that’ll hook into your summer vibe. — HG" - CBC Music

"Old-fashioned technology aside, Strongboy, whose members now live in Halifax, is gaining international attention on sites such as Spotify and YouTube, with numbers spiking across North America and also in Asia.

The band's song, Steady, was picked up by a popular YouTuber who then posted it on his channel and within a few days, it had close to 400,000 views — or more accurately — listens.

Surprisingly, the seemingly archaic method of cassette tapes is actually gaining traction among some music lovers.

"The growth of it has just been insane," says Josh Andrews, the owner of Human Sounds Records and Strongboy's distributor in Atlanta, Ga. He's been distributing tapes for bands for several years now. " - CBC

‘Steady’ from Halifax 4-piece, Strongboy, is bringing you the sounds from the weird 60’s wave of peace and love paired with 90’s dreamy Shoe Gaze/Indy Pop Rock. This very catchy 25 minute offering is perfect for both your summer parties and midnight contemplations. Strongboy’s sophomore release has combined what seems ease and originality that begs a full listen through for any day.

Opening track “Her Heart” has the colours of a David Gilmour guitar and the gentle whisper voice from Death Cab for Cutie, which I believe to be a perfect marriage. Softly merging into the record’s second track “Doesn’t Matter” which goes for beautiful harmonies and a come as you are vibe, and in my opinion could be the next big radio hit.

The album’s title track “Steady” gently wakes you and takes your hand on a warm walk through the park or a sleepy haze to the first pot of coffee, either way; it’s genuinely there with you. Take this album with you on the way to your weekend day-trip with your rose coloured sunglasses and forget about your 9-5 for just a little while.

Classic seems to be a fitting word for the sound Strongboy has captured. Dreamy vocals, sombre but very awake rhythm drums, smoothed out with the gentle thump of the bass guitar. “You’re Waiting” is another true testament to the idea that these Indy Pop lads know exactly what they’re doing in 2017. Ending a long acid trip, the psychedelic “Put It Up Your Nose” is perfect way to bring you back, ready to wake-up and welcome your second wind and let the after-party begin.

Be sure to catch Strongboy live when you can and buy their album for your friends. This album will make you feel like you’re dreaming while awake. I had the pleasure to see them live last year in Halifax, and it was a trip see; also great idea with the cassettes, boys. - The East Mag