Monday, November 21, 2011

Artist: Hooded Fang, Album: EP, Song: Land Of Giants

"In the land of giants there's a saying.  Sometimes it's better to fold than to keep on playing."  Hooded Fang are a seven piece Toronto band that formed in 2007.  The band began as a fun project among friends and the members at one time, totalled 12!  They had a very carefree live presence back in those days and would often exchange instruments on stage.  The band released their debut EP in 2008 to much critical acclaim and their popularity has continued to gain momentum.  They immediately began work on their first full length release and two years later, emerged with an album aptly titled, Album.  It made the long list for the prestigious Polaris Prize in 2011.  The band then embarked on their first cross Canada tour and a mere 9 months later released, their sophomore album, Tosta Mista.  This latest release is a real departure in sound from their two earlier releases.  The album has a real retro 60's garage rock sound that the band conveys remarkably well.  It is a very cool release.  Hooded Fang seem to tour relentlessly and they are returning from a west coast swing with the band, Cuff The Duke.  You can check them out at http://www.hoodedfang.com/.  In addition to producing and promoting their own work, the band also has their own label entitled, Daps Records (http://www.dapsrecords.com/).  They have a number of very interesting artists set to release albums in the coming year that are worth a listen.  Land of Giants is likely the song that started the big ball rolling for this band.  You can check it out on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOYTUnzMkmo).  There is also some footage of the band playing this song live at CBC's Q studios (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D2oMneP5y0&feature=related).  You can purchase the band's entire discography on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!