SPILL FEATURE: CREATIVE DETOURS – A CONVERSATION WITH COMEBACK KID

CREATIVE DETOURS

A CONVERSATION WITH COMEBACK KID

When it comes to hardcore bands that have had a significant impact, few shine as bright as Comeback Kid from Winnipeg. Since they first formed in 2002, they’ve remained true to their sound. With a sound that is raw, sharp, and multi-layered, Comeback Kid constantly evolves with each release while still holding onto the hardcore roots that brought them success.

Comeback Kid’s latest EP, Trouble, takes an artistic deviation from their DIY-style yet competitive visceral edge. Although vocalist Andrew Neufeld didn’t aim to make any significant creative leaps with this EP, it allowed the band to express themselves freely in ways they hadn’t done on their previous album, Heavy Steps.

“Most of these songs were written around the same time as the Heavy Steps sessions,” replies vocalist Andrem Neufeld. “But we didn’t feel like they fit THAT specific album, so we moved on without them. After HS came out, we went back and revisited some of these tracks and decided to work on them some more. I wouldn’t say that these songs are the future of where we are trying to go with the band but rather a creative detour where we allowed ourselves to spread our wings creatively in a different way and weren’t trying to make a “this is us now” statement. Rather we wanted to get a little indulgent and write some different kinds of tracks than we usually do. One song has a bit more of an alt rock feel, one has a 90’s punk throwback approach, and one almost has a street punk / oi feel. They are all hardcore songs, but we wanted to mix it up a bit and just do our own thing before we decided to do another LP.”

More indulgent and eclectic than their previous effort, Such a weighty and emotional effort had transported listeners through doubt, purpose, and even rage at a time when all those emotions closed in and suffocated us all back in 2022. While the years have moved on from such claustrophobic pain, Trouble is that energetic shift that exists between the two worlds. Something lighter, cleaner, and progressive, but still channels and embraces the aggression and concept of the unknown Heavy Steps so beautifully conceptualized.

TROUBLE ALBUM REVIEW

“For sure, exclaims Andrew.” “The first song “Trouble in the Winner’s Circle” is ripped from a comedian “Neal Brennan’s” (Chappelle’s Show) podcast segment talking about celebs and famous people in the public eye and their public shame/downfalls, which was an interesting take for me to write about. It’s a bit of a tongue-in-cheek/audience looking in through a fishbowl-type theme. “Chompin’ At The Bit” is just about someone being a bit too eager and it being keen.

“Breaking and Bruised” is about getting pummeled by life but you keep on coming back for more… that’s some of the themes on the EP.”

Working with John Paul Peters of Cancer Bats helped bring this creative freedom to life.

“He is a great engineer,” replies Andrew. “But we mostly produced and had the vision ourselves. He has a great ear though to keep things tight and in the right direction, where Will Putney’s mixing brings it to the next level.”

Following their intense and discontented record, the band needed a change of pace. That’s where Trouble came in – a light and fun experiment that provided a much-needed break from their usual sound. While Trouble didn’t make any profound declarations, it was a welcome addition to the band’s repertoire and provided a sense of catharsis and release. Overall, the band was grateful for the opportunity to explore a different side of their music and take a step back from the intensity of their previous work.

“The songs are a bit poppier and lighter on this EP says Andrew,” “Just kinda having fun and trying different things without making a “this is CBK NOW” type serious statement.”

With a 17-date cross-Canadian tour in direct support with SPY they remain optimistic of what is to come for the future of Comeback Kid.

“I’m on a plane home from Costa Rica where we just ended our South American tour from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, etc. We did end up playing “Trouble” and to our pleasure, that song went off HARD,” Andrew smiled. So we are optimistic about playing it live for the upcoming shows. It’s just a lighter fun one we think that mixes up the set well! We just hope people fuck with it. The songs are fun and catchy so we’re not really trying to get too deep on this one!

Upcoming Canadian Tour Dates

03.20.2024 – Halifax, NS – Seahorse Tavern
03.21.2024 – Moncton, NB – Xeroz Arcade
03.22.2024 – Quebec City, QC – La Source de la Martiniere ^
03.23.2024 – Montreal, QC – Theatre Fairmont ^
03.24.2024 – Ottawa, ON – 27 Club ^
03.25.2024 – Kingston, ON – Broom Factory ^
03.27.2024 – London, ON – Run Runners ^
03.28.2024 – Toronto, ON – Velvet Underground ^
03.29.2024 – Hamilton, ON – Corktown Tavern ^
04.03.2024 – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre ^
04.04.2024 – Regina, SK – The Exchange ^
04.05.2024 – Saskatoon, SK – Black Cat Tavern ^
04.06.2024 – Edmonton, AB – The Buckingham ^
04.07.2024 – Calgary, AB – Modern Love ^
04.09.2024 – Kelowna, BC – Jackknife Brewing ^
04.10.2024 – Victoria, BC – Capital Ballroom ^
04.11.2024 – Vancouver, BC – The Pearl ^

^ w/ Spy

Artist Links

Main Photo Credit: Aaron Schwartz