Eye on the Arts: Explode When They Bloom
By Lindsey Rivait
Lance Arts Editor
June 18, 2008
 Kingsville, ON-based rock band Explode When They Bloom is exploding onto the Canadian music scene with the May 30 release of their first full-length album, As the Animals Make Their Way Through the Crowds.
Explode frontman Jay Ouellette and drummer Dave Allens first met in public school where they formed a Metallica cover band called Syndicate.
“After playing the worst grade school graduation show there ever was, we parted ways,” recalled Ouellette. In 2006, after Allen’s band Disposition called it quits, they teamed up once again and were joined by former Disposition guitarist Jon Hopper. Bassist Aaron Lynn later joined the band as well.
Their new album was recorded at the Sound Foundry, in Kingsville, over a year with producer Brett Humber. Recording the album served as an eye-opening experience for the band.
“We learned so much from the start to the end of making the record. When you lay stuff down you suddenly hear all the little minute things everyone else is doing,” said Ouellette.
The lengthy album title is courtesy of a Deftones lyric from their self-titled album.
“I just remember hearing it for the first time and loving the idea of that line. I always felt we were a band that tried to make good catchy songs that stuck in your head, but at the same time have a rawness that makes the music very real and alive. It seems like a lot of music today is picking only one of those directions, which seems just crazy to me,” explained Ouellette.
Each song from the album defines a time period for the band. Tracks “Got’em in Spades” and “Moonlighting Woman” were completed near the end of the album’s recording. Ouellette considers them the stand out tracks.
“We had more of a clear idea of how to make things sound a certain way, and they are just focused songs. I really like ‘Satisfaction’ because it leaves the record off, leaving hints toward where we want to go next,” said Ouellette.
Musically, each band member differs in their tastes and inspirations. Ouellette admits that it’s difficult for all four members to find something they all enjoy.
“The fact that we all have such diverse taste really makes the music unique,” he said.
Even though Explode has only been around for a couple of years, they’ve already talked to multiple production companies and a label.
“We’re really building up big plans so the rest of the year should bring in a lot of good things,” said Ouellette.
As for what the audience can expect at their live shows, Ouellette stressed not to expect the same thing twice. Explode is always working with their songs and are open to trying new things.
“We work constantly at taking our live shows to new heights every time we play,” said Ouellette. “Just because we are growing in taste and ability doesn’t mean we have to leave our old stuff behind.”
In addition to touring a lot more, Ouellette said he hopes Explode can change the way people think and feel about records.
“We’d like for people to fall in love with records again. With the way music is distributed and treated these days it seems like record infatuation is a ways away, but there are millions of people out there that want good records, not just hot singles. I think a song can capture a time in your life but a record can change it,” he explained.
As for what the future holds for Explode, the band plans to tour, record, and have a good time.
Ouellette is optimistic about the band. “Opportunities open up for us all the time, some big, some small. When we’re ready the right opportunity will come at the right time.”
As the Animals Make Their Way Through the Crowds is available online on cdBaby and iTunes. If technology isn’t your bag, you can always pick up a copy at Dr. Disc or at one of their live shows.
Catch Explode When They Bloom at 10 p.m. on July 11 at the Coach and Horses. For more information, visit them online at http://www.myspace.com/explodewhentheybloom.
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