Psychedelic rock lives in Chatham, ON
By Clara Musca
Lance Writer
September 7, 2010
 Chatham-based psychedelic rock band Square Root of Margaret (SROM) are excited to share the news about their upcoming album WYSiWYG to be released Oct. 15 at Phog Lounge.
It’s been three years since their last album, Teragram Photeur, and this record is a reflection of a bigger group effort and musical collaboration.
With influences like Butthole Surfers, Pink Floyd, and Ween, the band realizes that this album is probably going to be the most different one from the rest, since other influences have more recently made their way into songs. Bands like Sonic Youth, Sebadoh, and Flaming Lips have also served as huge influences over this album since the addition of new band members Ben Srokosz on drums and Eric Welton on synth, acoustic guitar, and vocals.
SROM actually formed back in 1992. Srokosz joined the band in 2007 and Eric in 2009.
The band admits that they love experimenting with new sound and playing around with gear.
“We’ve never tried to make the same record twice. I think we (as well as other bands) just naturally evolve. We learn from each record,” said SROM guitarist Po Kadot.
The boys also admitted that they love touring.
“It’s tough as hell, but equally fun. You also meet the most amazing people on the road. We’ve toured from coast to coast and I think one of our favourite venues has got to be the Canmore Hotel in Alberta,” Kadot added.
Recording WYSiWYG was a little different than previous experiences. “It was the first time we recorded with Ben and Eric in the band. It was done in three different studios as well. During the recording process we lost a member and had to put things on hold for a few months but once we got back into it, things smoothed out,” Kadot explained.
Anxious to share this album with fans, the band has many things in mind. On Sept. 17 and 18, SROM will be putting on a record release show at the Elephant’s Nest in Chatham (with special guest Baron Von Fizzwitch and the Eric Welton Band), and an evening with SROM at Phog Lounge, Oct. 15.
“After that we will be playing some Ontario dates. For the past two years we’ve been playing this great music fest in Toronto called The International Pop Overthrow Festival, and that is coming around again this November. We also plan on booking more shows during the winter,” Kadot said.
What does the future hold for Square Root of Margaret? Well, they don’t expect to hang up their instruments anytime soon. “We love sharing our music and it’s great that people enjoy it. It’s always been a labour of love for all of us. We’re all close friends and I can’t imagine a better way to spend time with your best buds,” said Kadot.
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