54•40 RELEASE NEW ALBUM PORTO
SMILIN’ BUDDHA ENJOYMENT COMPLEX
Legendary Canadian rock band 54-40 return with their highly anticipated new album PORTO, out now. The announcement follows the debut of four powerful new singles, “Running for the Fence,” “Die To Heaven,” “Time Will Tell,” and “Virgil,” released today, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter for one of Canada’s most celebrated bands.
Frontman Neil Osborne describes the project as “an album about renewal and resilience — it’s about the work it takes to keep creating, to stay connected, and to keep loving what you do.” Bassist Brad Merritt adds, “We’ve always tried to write songs that feel honest and grounded in real life. These new tracks capture that — they sound like where we’ve been, but also where we’re going.”
Formed in 1981 in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, 54-40 quickly became a cornerstone of Canada’s alternative rock movement. The band’s name — drawn from the 54°40′ northern boundary line once disputed between the United States and British North America — reflects both their West Coast origins and their independent spirit. Founders Neil Osborne and Brad Merritt, joined by guitarist Dave Genn and drummer Matt Johnson, forged a sound defined by melodic songwriting, poetic lyrics, and a steadfast work ethic.
Across five decades, 54-40 have produced a deep catalogue of era-defining hits, from “I Go Blind,” “Ocean Pearl,” “Since When,” and “One Day in Your Life” to “She-La,” “Nice to Luv You,” and “Love You All.” With multiple Platinum-certified albums, sold-out tours, and an enduring presence on Canadian radio, their music continues to resonate with generations of fans.
PURCHASE PORTO VIA BANDCAMP
PORTO was recorded with longtime producer Warne Livesey in Portugal and reaffirmed the band’s creative vitality. Osborne recalls, “It felt like the songs were writing themselves — we just had to get out of the way and let them happen.” That spirit of immediacy carries into ‘It Takes A Lot’, a record that explores endurance, artistry, and the balance between reflection and momentum.
Few bands have left as deep an imprint on Canadian music as 54-40. Emerging from the post-punk wave of the early ’80s, they helped define a distinctly Canadian alt-rock sound — one rooted in grit, melody, and introspection. Alongside peers like The Tragically Hip and Blue Rodeo, 54-40 helped shape a national identity in rock music, blending thoughtful lyricism with accessible, anthemic hooks.
Their influence extends across generations. Dozens of artists — from Our Lady Peace to Arkells — cite 54-40 as a foundational inspiration. Their timeless songwriting and commitment to authenticity have earned them numerous Juno Award nominations, as well as induction into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame and the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame and a permanent place in the country’s cultural fabric.
As the band approaches its 45th year, 54-40 continue to command stages with the same energy and purpose that defined their beginnings. Their live performances remain electric — a mix of grit, musicianship, and camaraderie honed over thousands of shows. Osborne says, “When we play live, it’s not nostalgia. It’s about connection — with the crowd, with the songs, and with each other.”
With PORTO, 54-40 reaffirm their place as one of Canada’s most important rock institutions. The band will announce North American tour dates later this fall in support of the new record, bringing both their classics and latest material to fans across the country. As Osborne sums it up, “After all these years, we still feel lucky — we still love doing this. And that’s what it takes a lot of.”
SPILL FEATURE: FIGHT FOR LOVE PART 2 – A CONVERSATION WITH NEIL OSBORNE OF 54•40
54•40
PORTO
(Smilin’ Buddha Enjoyment Complex)
Release Date: January 23, 2026
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Photo Credit: Trevor Cornish
