Two Hours Traffic
| Company type | Indie rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Headquarters | Charlottetown , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Two Hours Traffic is an indie rock ensemble originating from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Their name is inspired by a phrase from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Influenced heavily by 1970s power pop, the band often references artists like Nick Lowe and is frequently likened to Big Star.
They achieved notable acclaim with their 2008 release Little Jabs, which earned a nomination for the esteemed Polaris Music Prize. Active between 2000 and 2013, the group concluded their initial run with a farewell tour before disbanding. They later reunited in 2025 to produce and distribute new recordings.
History
The band was established by Liam Corcoran (lead vocals, guitar) and Alec O'Hanley (guitar, keyboards, vocals). In 2002, while studying at the University of Prince Edward Island, they expanded their lineup by adding bassist Andrew MacDonald and drummer Derek Ellis. At just 19 years old, they recorded a demo named The April Storm. After handing a copy to Canadian musician Joel Plaskett during a Charlottetown performance, a collaborative partnership was formed. Their debut full-length album, Two Hours Traffic, was released in 2005.
Touring extensively with fellow East Coast acts such as Plaskett, In-Flight Safety, and Wintersleep, their first album garnered a nomination for Rock Recording of the Year at the 2006 East Coast Music Awards. Music videos for tracks like "Better Sorry than Safe", "Stuck for the Summer", and "Jezebel" received airplay on MuchMusic. In September 2006, they issued the six-track EP Isolator, also produced by Plaskett, which led to a 2007 nomination at the East Coast Music Awards for Alternative Recording of the Year.
Their sophomore album, Little Jabs, launched in July 2007 under Bumstead Records and produced by Plaskett, became their most successful chart-wise, reaching the top ten on Chart magazine's Canadian College Radio Top 50. The video for "Jezebel" was directed by documentary filmmaker Ron Mann. At the 2007 Music P.E.I. Awards, the band secured honors for Group of the Year and Alternative Rock Recording of the Year.
Songs from their catalog have been featured on television series including Gossip Girl, The O.C., The Secret Life of the American Teenager, One Tree Hill, and Castle. In 2008, Little Jabs was shortlisted for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize.
Their third studio album, Territory, released in 2009 and produced once again by Plaskett with mixing by Howard Redekopp, continued their artistic partnership. The band won the Vox Pop award for best Poster at the 8th annual Independent Music Awards, with artwork created by Rebecca Ford.
In September 2011, guitarist Alec O'Hanley left the group; however, plans to proceed with new material were announced. On January 26, 2012, Nathan Gill joined as bassist while Andrew MacDonald switched to guitar duties.
Their fourth album, Foolish Blood, debuted on February 19, 2013, receiving favorable critiques. Blurt Magazine highlighted its compelling melodies and hooks; Exclaim! awarded an 8/10 rating emphasizing its layered diversity; NOW Magazine gave it four stars applauding their pop craftsmanship.
On October 28, 2013, they revealed intentions to embark on a farewell tour across Canada in December. Corcoran explained that financial difficulties sustaining income despite success played a significant role in their decision to disband.
In 2025, the band reunited to release new songs beginning with the single "Keep It Coming" in January, followed by the EP I Never See You Anymore in May. Among these new works was a rendition of Joel Plaskett’s "Deny, Deny, Deny" included on the tribute compilation Songs from the Gang.
Additional Endeavors
Liam Corcoran has embarked on a solo musical journey. Alec O'Hanley contributes as a member of Alvvays, whereas Andy MacDonald and Derek Ellis are active with the Charlottetown-based group Golden Cinema.
Recognitions and Accolades
Polaris Music Prize
- 2008 - Included in the Short List for ("Little Jabs")
- 2008 - Featured on the Long List for ("Little Jabs")
East Coast Music Awards (ECMA)
- 2014 - Nominated for Album of the Year ("Foolish Blood")
- 2014 - Nominated for Pop Recording of the Year ("Foolish Blood")
- 2011 - Nominated for Fan's Choice Video Of The Year
- 2010 - Nominated for Group Recording Of The Year ("Territory")
- 2010 - Nominated for Pop Recording Of The Year ("Territory")
- 2008 - Nominated for FACTOR Recording Of The Year ("Little Jabs")
- 2008 - Won Pop Recording Of The Year ("Little Jabs")
- 2008 - Nominated for Video Of The Year ("Jezebel")
- 2007 - Nominated for Alternative Recording Of The Year ("Isolator")
Music Prince Edward Island (MPEI)
- 2014 - Nominated for Pop Recording of the Year ("Foolish Blood")
- 2014 - Nominated for Group Recording of the Year ("Foolish Blood")
- 2013 - Nominated as Entertainer Of The Year
- 2013 - Nominated for SpinCount Touring Artist Of The Year
- 2013 - Nominated for Video Of The Year ("Amour Than Amis")
- 2011 - Nominated for Video Of The Year ("Noisemaker")
- 2010 - Nominated for Songwriter Of The Year ("Noisemaker")
- 2010 - Nominated for Group Of The Year
- 2010 - Nominated for Album Of The Year ("Territory")
- 2010 - Nominated for Pop Recording Of The Year ("Territory")
- 2007 - Awarded Group Of The Year
- 2007 - Awarded Alternative Rock Recording Of The Year
Releases
- 2003: The April Storm (EP)
- 2005: Two Hours Traffic
- 2006: Isolator (EP)
- 2007: Little Jabs
- 2009: Territory
- 2012: Siren Spell (EP)
- 2013: Foolish Blood
- 2025: I Never See You Anymore (EP)