Summer is around the corner, and with it the search for 2016’s sunshine anthems begins. Vancouver power pop band Sightlines offers a handful of frontrunners on their latest LP, "North." The album is packed with hook-laden pop-kissed gems, perfect for sunny days with the windows rolled down and the stereo cranked.
But make no mistake, this isn't saccharine pop fluff. Led by guitarist/vocalist Eric Axen (formerly of Hermetic and Painted Black), Sightlines creates undeniably catchy songs about some pretty heavy subjects, including rape culture and Axen’s own convalescence for blood poisoning. The songs are earnest and deeply personal, but also oddly optimistic, not unlike the first reprieve from six months of Vancouver rain. "The spring will come again," Axen softly reassures us on "The Tent."
Axen’s gentle voice works in perfect contrast to his distorted guitar, C.A. Chux’s bass fuzz, and Graeme McDonald’s sea of crash cymbals, bringing to mind early Superchunk or Moncton noise pop pioneers Eric’s Trip (who the band credits as a major influence).
Sightlines is celebrating the release of "North" on Friday, April 15 with an all ages show here in Vancouver. Check the band’s Facebook page to find out where and when.
Westender picked Axen’s brain to find out where he stands on the subject of delicious sandwiches and viral videos.
Who are you?
Eric Axen, vocals and guitars for Sightlines.
Where are you from?
Vancouver. In my case, by way of Smithers.
How do you describe your sound?
Fuzzy power-pop/punk.
Who are your major musical influences?
Jawbreaker, Eric's Trip, Guided by Voices.
Favourite sandwich?
The BALT (coconut bacon, avocado, lettuce and tomato) from the Black Lodge (or homemade – sorry, Black Lodge).
Best live music performance you’ve ever seen?
Fugazi at the Bill Copeland Arena, July 2001.
Closest you’ve ever come to death?
Possibly when I was hospitalized for septicemia, as documented in our song "Hospital."
Finish this sentence: When I’m not writing and playing music, I spend my time…
Cooking, reading and watching movies.
First record/CD you ever bought?
Red Hot Chili Peppers, What Hits!?
What is one place you will never play again, and why?
There's a few venues I'd rather not badmouth in print, but they're out there. I think I could never play Thunder Bay again and still die happy.
Super secret fact about you that (almost) no one knows?
Our drummer's biggest claim to fame is a viral Internet video known as "The Meat Sorcerer."
• Check out Sightlines on Friday, April 15 at their all ages record release show in Vancouver (details on Facebook). Their album "North" is out on 12-inch vinyl and digital download courtesy of Big Smoke and Alarum Records.
