Music
Press
We don't know whether The OP are the only band in Lake Francis. But we would be surprised if this deceptively average-looking power trio weren't the best act in town. If only because we suspect they're the only band in the Interlake that: a) Has a Bosnian singer who pens morbid lyrics like "I'll be happy when you're dead;" b) Writes tunes that toggle between gritty blues-rock stompers, twangy CCR roots country-rock, Tom Waitsian boho jazz and white-boy reggae; and c) Nails every number to the floor. They weren't kidding about that Original part. - Winnipeg Sun
THE ORIGINAL PAINKILLER / The Original Painkiller (Independent)
LAKE Francis's The Original Painkiller is living proof that solid rock 'n' roll can come from just about anywhere. This talented Manitoba power trio lays down a wide range of rockisms on its premier album and track for track it's one of the better indie-'Toba releases this year. The mixture of blues, laced with a dollop of progressive hard rock that doesn't rely on heavy metal wattage, is quite refreshing. A less inebriated person's Perpetrators perhaps? On tracks like Through The Fog and The Occult, guitarist Jesse Peikoff goes for a kind of John Fogerty informed rhythm twang and really makes it work.
They may not be that original but you will definitely feel no pain listening to this little gem.
-- Jeff Monk - The Winnipeg Free Press
Discography
"The Original Painkiller" - 2007 LP
Singles: "I'll be happy", "The Occult", "Through the fog".
Played on KICK fm and UMFM.
Streaming tracks available on
www.myspace.com/theoriginalpainkiller
Photos
Bio
The Original Painkiller are the rare unique rock band you stumble upon. They have an
eclectic sound - a normal show will include hard rock, blues, ragtime-informed jazz , punk,
psychedelic jams, and whatever else they feel like conjuring up. These diverse influences colour their distinctive sound, as do their strong original material, musicianship , and excellent musical chemistry. The band is made up of Bassist/ Vocalist Darko Maric, Drummer Noah Jacobson, and Guitarist Jesse Peikoff.
Darko, a native of Sarajevo, Bosnia who moved to Canada several years ago, incorporates funky slap, and swinging walking bass lines into his playing, and has a distinctive vocal sound that never fails to grab an audience's attention. Noahs style is rooted in the hard-driving rock and blues beats of Mitch Mitchell, Buddy Miles, Butch Trucks (Allman brothers) and Bud (Sublime).
Jesse's musical influences include guitar legend Danny Gatton, Ry Cooder and Jeff Beck.
Some of the band's song writing influences include Tom Waits, Randy Newman, and
Neil Young, among many others. They have been compared to Jimi Hendrix, CCR, The Who, and Queens of the Stone Age.
The band has quickly developed a loyal fan base, thanks to their energetic
live shows that feature their improvisational ability, musicianship and fresh-sounding arrangements.
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