Junior Pantherz
| Company type | Independent |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Saskatoon , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, vinyl compilations |
Junior Pantherz (commonly known as JPZ) is a post-rock band originating from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, formed in 1999. The group took its name from the Sloan track "Junior Panthers." The founding members were Terry Mattson (guitar and vocals) and Arnold Van Lambalgen (drums). Over the span of eight years, they produced five studio albums along with a retrospective vinyl collection titled ...Discover Vinyl. Currently, the band remains largely inactive, occasionally reuniting for select performances.
Gravitational Pull and Polar Opposites
In early 1999, Corey Dahlen joined the band on bass, completing their three-piece lineup. That same year, they released their debut EP Gravitational Pull. After performing several shows locally, their first full-length album, Polar Opposites, was issued in 2000. This album included newly recorded versions of tracks from the EP alongside fresh compositions. Both the EP and album were produced in limited runs of 50 handcrafted copies, which quickly sold out.
The Last Two Million Years
The independently released 2001 album The Last Two Million Years helped to further solidify their reputation within the post-rock community.
Ballistics
Their fourth studio effort, Ballistics, arrived in 2003 as an independent release, continuing to refine their musical identity and strengthen their position in the market.
Death by Life
June 2005 saw the release of Death by Life, an album that delved into darker and more intense themes than their earlier work. Despite this creative direction, the band encountered difficulties and ultimately disbanded during their summer tour. Their concluding performance took place on June 24, 2005, at Louis' Pub in Saskatoon, sharing the stage with Whitey Houston and Voyd.
Rejoice, Remain and ...Discover Vinyl
In 2006, Junior Pantherz reunited and made their live comeback in October by opening for Danko Jones in Regina. The lineup was expanded with keyboardist Maygen Kardash, who is the sister of bassist S.J. Shortly thereafter, they began crafting their sixth album with a focus on sophisticated arrangements and instrumentation. Released in October 2007, Rejoice, Remain showcased this evolved sound. Additionally, that year Calgary-based label Saved by Vinyl issued a limited edition vinyl compilation titled ...Discover Vinyl, featuring selected previously released tracks pressed on 500 numbered white vinyl copies.
Discography
- 1999 Gravitational Pull (EP)
- 2000 Polar Opposites
- 2001 The Last Two Million Years
- 2003 Ballistics
- 2005 Death By Life
- 2007 Rejoice, Remain
- 2007 Discover Vinyl (vinyl compilation)