I Spy (band)
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Winnipeg , Canada |
| Products | Hardcore punk music |
I Spy was a Canadian hardcore punk group that originated in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1991. The band moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1994 and ultimately dissolved in 1996. They gained recognition for their fusion of humor and politically motivated, emotionally intense hardcore music. Their discography includes multiple releases under Recess Records, and they embarked on tours across various countries. After the band's end, frontman Todd Kowalski became a member of Propagandhi.
Career
Initially called Clump (or Klump), the lineup consisted of lead vocalist and guitarist Todd Kowalski (nicknamed "Todd the Rod"), lead guitarist Jeromy Van Dusen ("Rary"), bassist Juan David Guerrero ("Guido" or "Olive"), and drummer James Ash ("Jimmy Juice Pig"). Their combination of satirical elements with strong leftist political themes helped them build a dedicated fanbase within the Canadian punk community. They issued several records via Recess Records and performed extensively on tour.
In 1994, they collaborated with Winnipeg's Propagandhi on a split 10" release titled I'd Rather Be Flag-Burning, followed by a joint western Canadian tour that year. Subsequently, they toured the Midwestern United States independently. By 1995, their touring circuit expanded to include western regions of both the US and Canada as well as Europe. Following the European tour, Van Dusen departed, and the band continued as a three-piece. Sean Talarico took over bass duties from Guerrero, who returned to Regina.
Post-breakup
G7 Welcoming Committee Records brought together I Spy's entire recorded works into a single CD compilation called Perversity Is Spreading... It's About Time!, which featured all previously released tracks along with bonus material such as covers of songs by Diana Ross and Youth of Today. In 1997, Kowalski joined Propagandhi after their bassist John K. Samson left to form The Weakerthans. Propagandhi’s 2001 album Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes includes their rendition of an unreleased I Spy track titled "Fuck the Border". Additionally, Kowalski performed with grindcore band Swallowing Shit.
In 2002, all four original members reunited at Propagandhi vocalist Chris Hannah’s studio to re-record their cover of Diana Ross’s "When We Grow Up" for the Somebody Needs a Timeout compilation released by Campfire Records.
Band members
- Todd Kowalski – vocals, guitar (1991–1996)
- James Ash – drums, vocals (1991–1996)
- Juan David Guerrero – bass guitar (1991–1995)
- Jeromy Van Dusen – guitar (1991–1995)
- Sean Talarico – bass guitar (1995–1996)
Discography
- Self-released four-track demo cassette (1993)
- I'd Rather Be Flag-Burning (1994: split 10"/CD with Propagandhi, released by Recess Records/G7 Welcoming Committee Records)
- Revenge of the Little Shits (1995: 10"/CD via Recess Records)
- Split 7" record with ...But Alive (1995)
- Perversity Is Spreading ...It's About Time!!! (1998: comprehensive discography on CD/LP from G7 Welcoming Committee Records)
I Spy also appeared on various compilation albums throughout their career.
External links
- I Spy profile at G7 Welcoming Committee Records
- I Spy at Allmusic