As the world of music becomes increasingly congested, it seems that fewer bands actually use what they truly believe in to procure their success. The rock and roll path has never been a smooth one for the DUPEs but their dedication and perseverance have paid off. For this quartet from New Hamburg Ontario, the pressures and obstacles of the industry have more often then not made it particularly difficult to hold onto their original intentions and creative ideas. However, this isn't about embracing such hollowness. It's about giving back to the fans and harnessing the ability to steer clear of the bland monotony that clutters the Top 40 charts and radio play lists on a weekly basis. This is about making good music.
Fast, catchy, and sarcastic, Ben McKenzie (guitars/vocals), Chris Pellarin (bass/backing vocals),
Buck Fitzpatrick (drums), and Kyle Lackenbauer (guitars/vocals) started hammering out power-punk/pop in 1996. Originally conceived to remedy the evils of small town boredom, the DUPEs were soon able to transform from garage band to local favorites as their dynamic breed of guitar driven punk rock quickly started spreading throughout Southern Ontario. Acquiring influences that span
from the likes of The Alkaline Trio to Screeching Weasel, the DUPEs have developed a fan base that stretches from London to Ottawa and continues to grow rapidly. With the release of their first full length record entitled In the Key of Idiot in 2001, the DUPEs saw themselves opening for the likes
of Moneen, Digger, Belvedere and other established bands.
In 2003, the DUPEs signed with Year of the Sun Records and in January 2004 their second full length album The Long Way Back was released. A solid indie-rock accomplishment, the album's 11 tracks successfully showcased the DUPEs' ability to meld attitude with pop-punk sensibilities. With the undeniably catchiness of tracks such as "Cobra's Revenge", "Dream This", and "You're not to Blame", it was clear that the band's hard work and determination was starting to pay off. The new album also struck a chord with their fans as the new songs energized crowds every time the band hit the stage to punch home their message: Have some god damn fun!
In 2005, the DUPEs re-entered the studio with a fresh batch of material and producer Mike Borkosky. What resulted was a five song EP entitled A Parting Gift which was released on Year of the Sun on July 12th 2005. The recording process this time around was a defiant turning point in the band's career. After some careful planning, the DUPEs decided to deconstruct themselves in the studio and, while working closely with Borkosky, rebuilt their band into a more polished and orientated collective. With songs such as "Thoughts of Tomorrow" and "A Nice Excuse", the new recording successfully captured and explored the DUPEs' new focus and more mature songwriting style. Following the release of the EP, the DUPEs embarked on a three week tour of Eastern Canada while also filming a music video for the EP's first single "Don't Let Me Fall" upon their return.
With plans to hit the road again in the near future and with the "Don't Let Me Fall" video hitting the airwaves this September, the future looks bright for these four accomplished musicians from New Hamburg. Their uncompromising breed of punk rock has allowed the DUPEs to evolve from just another band into one of the most refreshing voices in Canadian music today. With plenty of hooks
to reel you in with, the only thing that the DUPEs are guilty of is being too infectious. So next time you're blazing down the highway, windows down, the wind chilling your arm as you hang it out of
the car, throw in the DUPEs and let them guide you in the right direction. This is the soundtrack
to your summer.
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NEW VIDEO, DON'T LET ME FALL, watch @ www.yearofthesun.com!!
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