Destroyalldreamers
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Montreal , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
| Website | destroyalldreamers |
Destroyalldreamers was a Montreal-based Canadian instrumental quartet specializing in post-rock. The group consisted of guitarists Eric Quach and Mathieu Grisé, drummer Shaun Doré, and former bassist Michèle Martin. Their musical style fused elements of 1990s shoegaze with the cinematic and expansive qualities reminiscent of Godspeed You! Black Emperor. They issued two full-length records through the independent Montreal label Where Are My Records.
The band gained recognition for their heavy reliance on effects pedals, merging shoegaze textures, wall of sound dynamics, and post-rock influences into what is often described as post-shoegaze. Although they expressed interest in creating new works, the band has been inactive since 2007 as members shifted focus to other endeavors.
History
The formation of Destroyalldreamers occurred in 2002 when guitarist Eric Quach and drummer Shaun Doré adopted the band’s name from a phrase found on the debut release by Montreal experimental rock ensemble Thee Silver Mt. Zion. Shortly thereafter, guitarist Mathieu Grisé and bassist Michèle Martin joined to complete the lineup and contribute to initial songwriting efforts. Within their first year, they released a self-titled debut EP.
In 2004, the band recorded their first full-length album À Coeur Léger Sommeil Sanglant [sic], which garnered critical acclaim and solidified their position within the shoegaze community. This success led to appearances on various compilations alongside artists such as Hammock and Eluvium. Two years later, in 2006, they released the EP Glare/Halo via Claire's Echo, containing tracks that would later feature on their sophomore album alongside exclusive material.
Their follow-up album, Wish I Was All Flames, was completed in late 2006 but its release was postponed until autumn 2007 following Martin’s exit from the group. Maxime Racicot stepped in as bassist for live performances supporting the album. The album’s launch event took place at Montreal’s Divan Orange on October 21, 2007; this concert was subsequently made available as a complimentary download through the band’s Myspace page.
Studio albums
- Destroyalldreamers, 2003 EP
- À Coeur Léger Sommeil Sanglant, 2004 LP
- Glare/Halo, 2007 EP
- Wish I Was All Flames, 2007 LP
Live album
Compilations
- Je l'ai fait pour toi, 2003, released on Where Are My Records – Track: Victoire sur le Soleil
- Never Lose That Feeling, Volume Two, 2006, issued by Club AC30 – Cover version of Souvlaki Space Station originally by Slowdive
- Ode to Roger, 2006, distributed by Autres Directions in Music and Diesel Combustible – Interpretation of Propergol y Colargol's "Charly Roger..."
Original line-up
This ensemble recorded all studio albums and performed collectively until autumn 2006.
- Eric Quach – Guitar
- Shaun Doré – Drums
- Mathieu Grisé – Guitar
- Michèle Martin – Bass
Other musicians
Following Michèle Martin’s departure in late 2006, the group continued as a trio during 2007 with various bassists joining for live performances.
- Maxime Racicot – Bass on Live @ Divan Orange 2007-10-21
Other musical projects
Eric Quach leads the ambient/drone venture thisquietarmy, which also operates as an independent label. Since approximately 2005, he has released numerous EPs, LPs, and collaborative works with artists including Aidan Baker from Toronto-based drone metal group Nadja, with whom he toured Europe in 2009.
After leaving Destroyalldreamers, Michèle Martin embarked on her "classical romantic electronica" project titled Dianes in Danger, where she performs most instruments alongside programmer and sound designer Erroir. Some recordings feature guest musicians from the Orchestre Métropolitain.
Mathieu Grisé records under the alias Ixe-13—named after the Jacques Godbout film—and participates in Le Chat Blanc Orchestra alongside Pascal Asselin of Millimetrik.
See also
References
- Sources
External links
Official Resources:
- Destroyalldreamers Official site
- Destroyalldreamers on MySpace
- Destroyalldreamers at last.fm – last.fm profile
Critical Reviews:
- Destroyalldreamers – Almost Cool
- [ À Coeur Léger Sommeil Sanglant] – Allmusic
- À Coeur Léger Sommeil Sanglant – Somewherecold Webzine
- À Coeur Léger Sommeil Sanglant – Montreal Mirror
- Wish I Was All Flames – Losing Today