The PepTides take to the stage on Saturday, October 13 at 8pm at Heartwood Concert Hall.
Hailing from Ottawa, Canada, The PepTides is a nine-member band with a distinctive larger-than-life pop sound. The five vocalists and four instrumentalists draw on funk, electronic and disco influences. They have been described in the press as "the B52's crossed with The Manhattan Transfer backed by Arcade Fire."
The group is noted for its extravagant live performances featuring thick vocal harmonies, theatrical choreography and colourful visuals. The PepTides' songs juxtapose upbeat music with lyrics that comment on far-reaching themes like love, hate, revenge, sex, religion, war—and getting ready for dates. In 2013, The PepTides garnered national attention by producing a full-length album in collaboration with Stuart McLean of CBC Radio's Vinyl Cafe. They performed selections from the album live on the 20th anniversary recording of the show. Their 2014 release Love Question Mark was lauded by Exclaim! as "an ambitious collection of fun, daring, unadulterated, true blue art." For Those Who Hate Human Interaction (2010) was named best album of the year by the Ottawa Citizen.
If Claude could be viewed as the sun-like centre that provided the conceptualization of the band as well as the songs they would sing, the other members would move in flux with each other in the kind of synchronicity you may not completely understand but know is necessary to keep everything positioned in a delicate gravitational embrace.
There's DeeDee Butters with her off-the wall ideas and diva soprano chops. Olexandra Pruchnicky is all about the charisma and charm. Rebecca Noelle brings the sounds of jazz and soul. Andrew Burns has the funky bass hooks. Juan Miguel Gómez Montant is the guitarist with the Latin flair. Dale Waterman is the fuel in that ever important warp drive. Alex Wickham brings precision and a unique fashion sense. Scottie Irving injects the science behind it all.
"Nine members may seem excessive at first blush but we all fell in love with each other so now it's too late," says Scottie , both keyboardist and band manager.
The band prides itself on their diversity. When all nine are on stage together it is as though they represent a world map of cultural identities. They are Scottish, English, Ukrainian, Mexican, Guyanese, Armenian and Cree. Within this melodic melting pot naturally boils an eclectic broth of musical influences for a rich experience that can switch gears quicker than the Bugatti Veyron.
Advance tickets are available for $20 at Heartwood Home and Birgit's Pastry Café in Artists Co-op. $25 at the Door. Doors at 8pm. Show at 8:45pm.
source: media release
