Salmonblaster
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | July 1994 |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Headquarters | London, Ontario , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Salmonblaster was an alternative rock group originating from London, Canada. The band consisted of vocalist and guitarist Matt Werm, drummer Brady Parr, and bassist Mat Davis. They achieved notable attention with their 1996 single "Freeway," taken from their eponymous album, which enjoyed frequent rotation on the Canadian music channel Much Music. Their 1996 release climbed to number 5 on Canadian college music rankings, and by November of that year, they were recognized as Toronto's leading indie band in sales.
Early years (1994–1996)
Established in July 1994, Salmonblaster's members were drawn from several local London bands: Werm (originally Matt Wormsbecher) came from Boris is Back, Parr was formerly with Petch, and Davis had played in M.A.D. Initially, bassist Dave Hall (also from Petch) held the position before leaving due to his move to Ottawa.
In 1994, the band issued a three-track cassette that received substantial airplay on CHRW-FM, the University of Western Ontario's campus radio station. Their song "Chomalungma" was featured on the compilation London Underground III. The following year saw the release of a second three-song cassette containing early versions of "Sugar Rush" and "Brian Jones," both of which were later included on their debut album.
Self-titled album and early achievements (1996–1998)
Salmonblaster launched their first and only full-length album on July 16, 1996; it debuted at number 5 on college music charts. Throughout 1997, the band toured extensively, opening for notable acts such as I Mother Earth, Stabbing Westward, Econoline Crush, Glueleg, and The Gandharvas, as well as performing alongside numerous Canadian indie groups. During this time frame, Davis departed and was succeeded by Eric Howden, bassist for The Gandharvas who now records solo under the name Raised by Swans.
On March 20, 1998, Salmonblaster made an appearance on the Tom Green Show, presenting a new track titled "Secret Agent." This performance featured an uncredited bassist who was soon replaced by Jesse Buchanan, who remained with the band until its end. "Secret Agent" was planned as the lead single for their forthcoming second album, provisionally called Headfuls of Chills. However, shortly after this television performance, creative disagreements led to the band's dissolution. Following the split, Werm and Parr went on to form Panic Coast and Tournament!. Werm later cited external pressures as a contributing factor to the breakup. The group's Tom Green Show appearance was later included in the 2005 DVD collection The Tom Green Show: The Complete Series - Inside and Outside the Box.
Aftermath
Post-Salmonblaster, Werm and Parr established Panic Coast, which released the album Future Projected in 2000. This ensemble eventually changed its name to The Black Saturdays and produced a self-titled record. Additionally, Werm took part in Viperscheme, who launched the EP Sell the Sky in 2001. Currently, Parr and Howden perform with the critically praised indie act Raised by Swans, while both Parr and Werm continue their involvement with Tournament!.
In 2024, Yeah Right! Records reissued Salmonblaster’s self-titled album as a double vinyl edition that includes tracks from their unreleased sophomore effort.