AIDS Wolf
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Chloe Lum, Yannick Desranleau |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Montreal , Canada |
| Products | Noise rock music, albums, EPs, singles |
AIDS Wolf was a noise rock ensemble originating from Montreal, Canada, established in 2003 by graphic designers Chloe Lum (Special Deluxe) and Yannick Desranleau (Hiroshima Thunder), collectively known as Seripop. The lineup expanded to include Myles Broscoe (previously with Arcade Fire), Chris Taylor (Barbarian Destroyer), Nick Kuepfer, André Guérette (Him, the Maji), and Alex Moskos. The group gained recognition for their inventive use of altered consumer electronics alongside analog synthesizers, giving unique names to their instruments and adopting a deliberately avant-garde approach. Their record label characterized them as "a fucking cult" and referenced "The 9 Principles of AIDS Wolf."
Name
Chloe Lum revealed that the band’s name, "AIDS Wolf," was inspired by an urban myth suggesting wolves could transmit AIDS to domestic pets, which would then infect humans—a claim without scientific basis. She later explained that the name reflects a fusion of influences from bands such as An Albatross (animal-themed) and The Sick Lipstick (illness-themed), resonating with their no-wave and hardcore punk roots. Lum highlighted that the name conveys a message about humanity’s accountability toward animal health, which she views as a crucial indicator of human survival.
History
In 2005, the band co-released the EP Live Deth alongside American label Kitty Play Records, followed by a two-track cassette titled Freedom Summer through Pasalymany Tapes. That same year saw Blood of the Drash put out their four-song EP The Fugue. They toured extensively across Canada and the United States, building a reputation for their dynamic and intense live shows.
Signing with Skin Graft Records in 2005 led to the 2006 release of The Lovvers LP, which garnered moderately positive critiques. Their 2008 album Cities of Glass was praised for its raw and aggressive sound, described as "violent, dirty, and really good." The favorable reception continued with 2010’s March to the Sea. However, their two 2011 albums—Ma vie banale avant-garde and Live: An Insane and Abstract Hell (Dedicated To Two Dudes From Rusted Shut)—received minimal attention. Between major releases, AIDS Wolf issued various EPs and collaborative split records with other artists.
Their tours mainly supported album launches within the US market. To promote Ma vie banale avant-garde, they presented Nocturne, a 3D projection art event at the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, followed by an extensive month-long tour across the United States.
In March 2012, Desranleau, Lum, and Moskos announced the dissolution of AIDS Wolf, citing time limitations as the primary reason.
Discography
Albums
- The Lovvers LP (2006), released on vinyl by Skin Graft Records and on CD via Lovepump United Records
- Cities of Glass (2008), available on CD through Skin Graft Records and on vinyl by Lovepump United Records
- March to the Sea (2010), Skin Graft Records
- Ma vie banale avant-garde (2011), Lovepump United Records
- An Insane and Abstract Hell (Dedicated To Two Dudes From Rusted Shut) (2011), Zum Records
Splits
- AIDS Wolf/Dmonstrations/Pre/Crack und Ultra Eczema (2006), Lovepump United Records
- Clash of the Life-Force Warriors, AIDS Wolf versus Athletic Automaton (2007), Skin Graft Records
- Live Dates (2007), collaboration with Pre, Skin Graft Records
- Pluck Out Glass Eyes (2008), paired with Night Wounds, Nail In The Coffin Records
- AIDS Wolf/Satanized (2010), joint release with Satanized via Badmaster Records & Suicide Tax Records
EPs
- Live Deth (2005), Kitty Play Records
- The Fugue (2005), Blood of the Drash Records
- Chipped Teeth (2008), SlowBoy Records
- Pas Rapport (2009), self-released
- Dustin' Off The Sphynx (2009), Skin Graft Records
- Very Friendly remix (2010), Lovepump United Records
- Soaked in Oil (2011), We Are Busy Bodies
Singles
- "Freedom Summer" (2005), Pasalymany Tapes
- "Can-D" / "Chew-Z" (2012), Deathbomb Arc
- "Soaked in Oil" / "Foreign Hairs" (2012), We Are Busy Bodies