Chris Lee hangs out with The Galpines!

April brings us Maritimers sunny days and warmer weather (ideally.) But more than that it brings us killer shows. Chris Lee got a chance to hang out with The Galpines and talk about their upcoming EP release show this Friday at the Esquire Tavern.

(Photo by: Lori Murray Wishart)

The Galpines are a four piece act made up of your favourite Rockin for Dollars legends Mother Jugs & Speed, Amy Stone (guitar/vocals,) Abbey Warren (mandolin/guitar/vocals,) Heather Narduzzi (ukulele/harmonica/vocals) and the latest edition to the group, Mandi Allain (bass/vocals.)

Allain joined the group by coming across an ad on kijiji. "I had known Heather for over 10 years, I didn't even know they were looking,” she said. “I was in another band at the time then I saw an ad… I messaged Heather right away and then went to practice the next night."

With the addition of a new member, and new tunes in the works the four women decided to update their name too. "We had a ton of names that were in the running, but couldn't decide on which one to use,” said Warren.

"We did a sort of weighted vote where we voted for our top three and the one with the most votes won. We lived with it for a week and realized that we didn't like it,” she said.

At the next jam session they voted again over a couple cold drinks.

"The one we decided on was nixed after a couple days too, then we were down to three potential names and we stood on The Galpines (due to our love of the delicious beer,)” said Warren

It’s easy to hear how much fun The Galpines have creating music together. "Our crass country style evolved naturally as we started playing covers together and then writing our own lyrics and tunes,” said Narduzzi.

Developing a sound that complimented their vocal abilities played a part in delivering their unique sound. "We're all strong vocalists, so we try to play to that strength and support it with our instruments,” said Narduzzi.

They all agree that there have been several influences that can be attributed to their sound.

"Birdcloud and Garfunkel and Oates are a couple bands that we play covers of, we just love their humour really. I don't know if they really shaped our sound, but the simplicity and humour from both follow through to our style,” said Warren. "To describe our sound to someone who's never heard us… We sound like the Dixie Chicks banging Tenacious D."

If the lyrical content doesn't have you busting at the seems, the banter between songs is bound to keep you laughing well into the night.

Their EP, Truck, was a local effort both lyrically and musically. It was recorded in the Galpines jam room/studio with help from Kyle MacDonald to bring your ears that East coast sound.

"We did the tracks live off the floor at our spot, with some vocal work at Kyle’s studio, but for the most part we got to do the recording here,” said Narduzzi.

“We chose The esquire to launch our EP because we love Kyle. He did our record and we trust him to make us sound rad. In fact he just won an ECMA for his mad skills as a live sound engineer,” said Warren.

There will be copies of the album available at the show on Friday, but if you don't get a chance to grab one they’re at Spin-It Records on Main Street. You can also order a copy from there website and get it shipped to your door.

Their release show Friday will be with Jessie Browne, and Rockabilly favourites The Shakedown Combo. Cover is $10, doors at 10 p.m. Listen to: https://soundcloud.com/thegalpines/drunk-tank