MICO

A beacon of light in the back-asswards cattle-ranching haven/oil patch known as Alberta, mico mix dark yet melodic punk rock with intelligent socio-political insight.

Mico formed in 1998 by John and Troy in Banff, Alberta following the dissolution of Johnny's previous band, Red Fisher. Originally a three-piece, the band expanded to a five-piece, three-guitar attack in 2001. Their debut CD "Standing Inside A Shadow" was released in North America by Does Everyone Stare? in 2002, and worldwide on Boss Tuneage shortly thereafter. Various split 7"s and comp appearances followed, and in 2003 the band signed with G7 Welcoming Committee for their second full-length "Outside the Unbearable Grows". A picture-disc LP version was released in limited quantities by Boss Tuneage/Does Everyone Stare as well.

A series of lineup changes and members moving all over the country/world led to band leader Johnny enlisting Troy's brother Mark to take over drum duties, and a slew of guest musicians (including fellow mico members Todd, Pat and Troy) to record the epic third album, "Our Living Language". The album was released digitally by G7 in 2006, along with a short run of physical CDs that are now sold out.

While rooted in punk rock, both in their ideals and musical inspiration, the band drifts into several musical styles in any given song. You're just as likely to find 8 minute long shoegazer-ish compositions as you are 30 second punk songs, and sometimes a combination. The difficulty in pigeon-holing the band means that they were often branded with the misleading "emo" label - something they are less than comfortable with. Although "the personal is political" label applies here, vocalist and key songwriter Stewart is also not afraid to cut the shit and say exactly what's on his mind.

In 2009 the original members of the band reconvened and began practicing for the first time in nearly 5 years for a series of reunion shows in Calgary to celebrate their favorite radio station, U of C's CJSW. CJSW was key in helping the band achieve any level of success it had in their hometown and as such wanted to pay tribute in some small way. The shows were a success and there is talk of more shows in the future. Stay tuned.



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