Constrain
Photo Credit 📷 : @eddysage48
Constrain is our favourite K Pop band from Ontario, Canada (but not really). Constrain writes a style of post hardcore that is nostalgic and reminiscent of the 2000s MySpace era. Forging elements of metalcore, sass, math and even a touch of some of the poppier sounds of mall emo (such as Underoath, The Used and Silverstein). It’s a first rate classic sound that I personally yearn for, even though my girl jeans wont fit anymore and I’m not putting my lip ring or spacers back in.
Constrain takes inspiration from older local legends of the Ontario scene like The Gorgeous and The Holly Springs Disaster, which you can most notably hear seeping through the sonic walls of my favourite tracks “I Found a Razor Blade In My Spaghetti Once” and “Omori”.
Their vocalist Brendan Sinco sees their writing and recording process of this album to be just as therapeutic as it was memorable. “I’m very happy with the record, hearing it back it reminds me of music I would search out when I was 15 or 16 while giving it a more modern feel and to be able to personally and collectively achieve that is pretty special. The previous year has been negative in ways we couldn’t control and just had to accept. This album is us venting about the emotions we felt as well as the emotions of those who are close to us”.
“WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT THIS RELEASE TO ME IS JUST THAT I GOT TO MAKE MUSIC AND MORE IMPORTANLY, MAKE SOME MEMORIES WITH MY FRIENDS, I’M BEYOND PROUD OF ALL OF US AND PROUD OF THIS RECORD”.
- JESSE @jesse_soul
Their EP “Welcome to Club Vampire” was recorded at Hive Studios, a great studio in Hamilton that’s been around even before I was a teenager playing in bands (shoutout to Nick). “Nick Ginn is amazing. He can pick up on a vibe in an instant and he knows what we are going for. He provides a comfortable environment but will give real feedback so we have the best product possible in the end”.
So what does the future have in store for our favourite K Pop band?
“We’re planning a split with some of our friends as well as a new record! Shout out to: in her head, tennis academy and to be continued. We’re also setting up a fest that will be happening in October and we are planning on being in America with a new full length by the fall next year!”
“Welcome To Club Vampire” was released May 21st on CD via Wormwood Records and cassettes are available from Tomb Tree. There’s still a few copies available so cop one and watch the music video of their single “The Dairy Crimes I’ve Committed Against My Stomach” below then catch them live on July 12th in Hamilton at Koi and July 20th in Toronto at Dock Ellis.
