Music
Press
“The Dudes became one of Calgary’s most beloved bands on the strength of live shows fuelled as much by laughter and stunts as by the music itself. As time went on, however, the songs revealed themselves as genuine heartbreakers, just as the multiple talents of lead vocalist and songwriter Dan Vacon, guitarist Bob Quashnick, drummer Scott Ross, and bassist Pat Downing (recently replaced by John Hopkins of the Fake Cops) grew by leaps and bounds.
Flash-forward to 2006 and The Dudes – now strikingly tight showmen with a full arsenal of future-classic rock songs up their sleeves – have set their eyes on moving beyond the local stage. Their latest album, the sharp-witted Brain Heart Guitar, produced by Russ Broom (best known for his work with Jann Arden), transforms The Dudes from local class clowns into a rock band capable of taking on the world at large.”
Mark Hamilton - FFWD Weekly
“If the Replacements had come from Calgary instead of Minneapolis, had been sober for parts of their early career, and been to a few rodeos, they might have sounded like the Dudes.” Vancouver Courier Magazine - Vancouver Courier
SEE MAGAZINE – EDMONTON
Amanda Ash
SEE MAGAZINE RATING: 4/5 STARS
“For those who’ve never come across The Dudes before, Brain Heart Guitar will, without a doubt, register as one of the best rock albums to emerge from Alberta.”
- See Magazine
THE CALGARY SUN – Mike Bell
SUN RATING: 4/5 STARS
”With the release of Brain Heart Guitar, released today on local indie label LOAD, the Calgary band shows it’s ready to break out and make a statement in the national rock scene.”
”The album is as front-to-back solid as you’ll hear from any signed act in this or any other country, with a number of cuts worthy of heavy summer rotation…Get to know The Dudes as they break out of the backyard.”
- Calgary Sun
THE CALGARY HERALD – NICK LEWIS
ALBUM REVIEW, JULY 4th, 2006
HERALD RATING: 4/5 STARS
“Front man Dan Vacon’s voice has never sounded better, reminiscent of both Conor Oberst and Jeff Buckley, and with bandmates Bob Quashnick, Scott Ross and ex-bassist Pat Downing, he’s created one of those rare rock albums with enough pop sensibility that it’s an easy (and rewarding) listen all the way through.”
- The Calgary Herald
Discography
Blood Guts Bruises Cuts - Full Length, LOADmusic (EMI), Canada, 2009
Brain Heart Guitar - Full Length, LOADmusic (EMI), Canada, 2006
Brain Heart Guitar - Full Length, One Four Seven Records (Vital Dist.) - UK/Europe, March 2008
Beekeeper - EP, Selfreleased, 2004
This Guy's The Limit - Full Length, selfreleased, 2001
Photos
Bio
The Dudes, a Calgary-based band, are currently supporting their latest release: "Blood Guts Bruises Cuts", a CD containing 13 alternative rock songs that contain an emotional blend of Al Green and Modest Mouse, of soul music and early 1990's distortion. Dan Vacon, singer-songwriter for The Dudes since their start in the late 90's, has an ability to draw audiences in through his distinct vocal style - a mixture of strong pop melody, sly double entendres, and pure soul. Armed with their latest release, The Dudes are currently breaking out of the Calgary independent music (where they were voted Calgary's 'Favourite Band of 2006' by FFWD Readers) and touring in hopes of spreading their understanding of true rock and roll soul...
Also, Scott Ross, drummer for The Dudes, has the 'Best Moustache in Canadian Rock and Roll' for 2006 (CBC Radio 3).
Just in case you didn't know.
www.myspace.com/wearethedudes
Links
