Southpacific
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 in Ottawa, Canada |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Southpacific—often referred to as "SoPac"—is a Canadian band blending elements of post-rock and space rock, heavily influenced by shoegaze. Initially formed in Ottawa, their sound is characterized by psychedelic, guitar-centric compositions layered with extensive reverb, occasionally incorporating noise textures and vigorous percussion.
History
The group comprises multi-instrumentalists Joachim Toelke on electric guitar, Graeme Fleming handling drums and percussion, and Phil Stewart-Bowes on bass. Established in 1997, Southpacific began performing live the following year and released two records under the Turnbuckle label.
Their 1998 self-titled EP/mini-album, also known as 33, was reportedly recorded inside a ski chalet. Subsequently, the band moved to the musically dynamic city of Toronto. Their debut full-length work, Constance, was recorded in 1999 and made available in early 2000. The band avoided issuing singles; their studio productions featured multiple guitar overdubs and nuanced sampling techniques to build complex soundscapes. Vocals appeared on only one track, "Built To Last."
In 1999, Southpacific played at the Canadian Music Week Festival and toured across Canada alongside indie groups such as Tristan Psionic and Crooked Fingers during April and May 2000. Their last performance took place on August 26, 2000, sharing the stage with shoegaze outfit SIANspheric.
Following a period of inactivity, Southpacific digitally released "Depths," their first new composition since their breakup, on February 21, 2020.
In February 2023, they unveiled the EP Radar Road, which was produced by Fleming and recorded in Toelke’s basement studio.
Post-breakup
After disbanding in August 2000, Joachim Toelke embarked on an experimental music venture named Frihavn, releasing a demo CD. With the closure of Turnbuckle Records shortly thereafter, Southpacific’s albums became unavailable in print. While Fleming and Stewart-Bowes continue to reside in Toronto, Toelke has been living in Europe since 2003.
Albums
- Constance – Turnbuckle, 2000
EPs/Mini-albums
- 33 – self-released August 15, 1998; promotional issue (green cover) via Turnbuckle in 1999; reissued (purple cover) in 2000
- Radar Road – 2023
Singles
- Depths – 2020
External links
- Southpacific Official website
- "Here Come The Waves" Eye Weekly feature on CMW showcase Archived via Wayback Machine
- Southpacific at eMusic