It can be a bit of a funny experience to get your hands on Alexisonfire merch and albums for the very first time. Naturally, musically inclined people are quite adept in crafting well worded compositions. This Canadian group however is a rare gem because of its wit. This is pretty obvious when you consider that the band has
works entitled Pulmonary Archery and Boiled Frogs.
The group’s uniquely funny witticisms were already a part of their identity early on. They picked the group’s name from Alexis Fire, a pornographic performer who is known as the sole lactating contortionist stripper in town. Fire originally sought legal action against the group’s move to use her name but no conflict ensued because the name was not copyrighted.
The first group line up was formed in 2001 when then founding members merged after their respective bands had broken up. On vocals is George Pettit from Condemning Salemn. Sharing vocals duty as well as guitar and piano is Dallas Green from Helicon Blue. Also on vocals and guitar is Wade MacNeil from Plan 9. Bassist Chris Steele came from the same defunct band as MacNeil. The group tapped Jesse Ingelevics as drummer to complete the group.
The band’s unusually funny side became obvious once more in their 2002 EP that came with the title Math Sheet Demos. This, they say, was because the EP was first wrapped up in one of the members’ math homework. After this, the first Alexisonfire album was born and debuted with some caustic humor. The cover was of Catholic school girls in a knife fight and has been cited by the group as an accurate description of their music.
The group’s attractive self-packaging is probably the reason why the members were immediately able to draw attention to themselves. Shortly after they formed, they were able to get a deal from Distort Entertainment and a distribution agreement with EMI. Despite the obvious potential of being able to grab the attention of bigger labels, the group chose to remain largely independent. This didn’t seem disadvantageous for the group at all since they have been able to sell their work relying on fan support and touring.
The group followed up on their first success with their second album Watch Out! which was released in 2004. In only three months, the album was already certified gold in Canada. Although the first release was seemingly good enough, this second group brainchild was even better. Pettit attributes this to the band becoming better the more they do what they do. Fans however attribute their improvement to greater emotional release. The taste of initial success prompted the group to work on succeeding projects. Crisis came out in 2008 and was very quickly followed by Old Crows/Young Cardinals in 2009.
The only time the band seemed to have suffered a slight setback was when Ingelevics left in 2005. Prior to this, he was already at odds with the other members. Jordan Hastings jumped in to take over.
There is no doubt that Alexisonfire albums are making a mark on the scream sub genre. Surprisingly though, even people who don’t like listening to all that screaming can still definitely appreciate the band’s work if only because of their humorous wit. Listen long enough to this group and you might just become a convert and begin sporting their music fashion.