Tension- We Hate... Destroy (1997)

This isn’t exactly a reoccurring story in the Windsor music scene. After playing bass on ‘Beat the Bastards’, the 1996 release by legendary Scottish punk band the Exploited, Jim Gray somehow made his way to our backyard in Leamington Ontario. There, Tension was formed with Lager Lads drummer Rob and this debut CD was soon to follow. Fast paced, unrelenting metallic hardcore punk that isn’t a far cry from Jim’s past projects. A follow up CD and European tours came thereafter, but the boys called it a day after a few short years.

Related: the Lager Lads, Combat 84, Filth, UK Subs, the Exploited.

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Village Idiot- Gutter (1997)

If I recall correctly, pop punk wasn’t exactly the prevalent subgenre within said community in Windsor circa ‘97. Most of the punk coming out of the Coach, the Spotted Dog, and Acapulco Delight was closer to UK street punk and Oi in sound. Village Idiot was one of the exceptions, having more in common with All, Bad Religion, Descendents, and early Fat Wreck Chords bands. Tight musicianship and solid songwriting from a hardworking band that crisscrossed the country and even played the legendary CBGB’s.

Related: the Dickheads, Klingons, From the Room, Another Joe, Orphan Choir.

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Various: Sound Proof [ROOM] Sessions (1999)

Basically, [ROOM] magazine was the predecessor to Up Front and WAMM. Started around ’94, it was Windsor’s monthly independent paper highlighting our arts and music scene. The folks at [ROOM] were also behind this comp. An ambitious undertaking, and a great (partial) snapshot of what was going on musically in Windsor in the late ‘90s. From the sleeve: “We’re celebrating 5 years of celebrating local music by celebrating local music. Enjoy.” 13 bands, 14 tracks, including Citywide Vacuum, Ten Indians, Jimmy Bronco, Royal Dose, Phil Whitfield Trio, Luxury Christ, Pleasure, Train 45, Julie Kryk, Dean Drouillard Group, Dirty Harry, The Shannon Brothers, and Village Idiot.

Related: Far too many to list. The massive web of bands these collective musicians have been a part of is pretty ridiculous in scope. Many are still very active in Windsor’s music community today.

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Bloemfontein- Improvisational Session Volume One (2002)

If you’re a fan of Slint, Tortoise, and the late 1990’s Constellation records catalog, Bloemfontein is for you. Improvised, instrumental post-rock that varies from subtle soundscapes to swelling frenetic climaxes. An unnecessary and gross description for a fantastic band, whose live shows were locally unparalleled.

Related: Bangkok Palace, Full White Drag, 87 Things For The Future, What Seas What Shores, the London Apartments, Searchingforchin, Basslaser.

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Anais Nin- Demo One (2004)

In certain circles, there was a time when ‘screamo’ wasn’t (isn’t?) a bad word. Not the kind of barf you see on the cover of AP these days, but something closer to the early 90’s San Diego sound. Formed as a side project of sorts, Anais Nin was only around for about a year, and I think I literally saw every one of their shows. Reminds me of a great summer with way too many people stuffed in two little vans spreading debauchery across Canada’s east coast. If you need a reference point, think of bands like Orchid and Saetia.

Related: Searchingforchin, Day Late Hero, Repeat Until False, Apparatus, Orphan Choir, Summon the Martyr, Buried Inside, Sedatives, Last Communion.

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Thieves- Wake Up The Unborn (2005)

In their brief existence, Thieves released this really solid EP. Rocking, mid paced melodic punk that wouldn’t be far out of place in the current ‘no idea records/punknews.org’ type scene. It’s hard to pin down one band to compare them to, but there’s almost an older Doughboys/ Seaweed/ Samiam feel to some of it, and coming from me, those are huge compliments.

Related: Death or Comber, Majority D, October in Maine.

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