Sketchy Poutine “Sketch EP” Review & Interview
Sketchy Poutine
“Sketch E.P” Review
James Rockso
Sketchy Poutine from Ottawa, Ontario features four members who have come together to form a gravy covered cheese monster with tons of beer for everyone to drink. The band released their debut EP, “Sketch EP” on April 5th, 2014 for all of their fans to jam to while they party. Originally, I thought the band had split because I hadn’t heard of them – but that’s just me because I don’t pay attention to the punk scene for some reason.
Sketchy Poutine’s drummer, Stephane Gaudreau, was gracious enough to give me a copy of their EP so I could check it out. Keep in mind, I’m more in the metal community so I wasn’t too sure about reviewing a punk rock EP. Although they are labeled as punk rock – the amount of influences featured in the EP is ridiculous. On one hand, you have the speed from punk music in songs like “This Is War” and heavy metal in songs like “Enough Is Enough” and “Two Faced”.
If you’re looking for an energy, partying and beer guzzling rock band – I highly suggest checking out Sketchy Poutine. These guys are absolutely insane, but in a good way. The quality of the EP is actually pretty decent as well – which is incredibly rare for punk music nowadays. They may come across as guys that don’t really care, but the work that went into the EP obviously defies that.
Sketchy Poutine is the band to check out if you like beer, cheese, gravy, french fries, partying, broken teeth and Jack Daniels. I had an awesome interview with them for you to check out below!
SKETCHY POUTINE
Where did the name “Sketchy Poutine” come from? I feel there is an awesome story behind this.
When did you guys form?
Who are the members and what do you play?
Sean – The name “Sketchy Poutine” is something that proceeds me, but Chris or Jake should be able to answer that one. Technically, I’m not an original member, nor the first singer. I joined the band in fall of 2006, after a very, very short run from the first singer, Charles, whom never played a show with us and only wrote lyrics to one song before quitting the band for not being, uh up to par with the band – I guess you could say, haha.
Chris – The name “Sketchy Poutine” is a perfect mix of the constant random cripple that spews from my watering hole and a very shitty “poutine” I ate once while in Hull at a shawarma place.
Sean – The current line up consists of Jake on guitars, Stephane on drums, Chris on bass and myself on vocals.
Tell me about your new EP, the “Sketch EP”?
When did you go into recording it?
Who did you work with?
How was the recording process?
Stephane – We recorded with Dale Sauve and Franky Falsetto of “Endemise” at the Bunker Recording Studios in Ottawa, Ontario. It was a booze fuelled few days… There are twerking videos, me looking like I have cancer, and multiple naps……you can really tell how drunk we were on the super secret bonus track “Only Love Can Stop Us”.
Jake – The recording process was a completely new experience, but the beer/weed was nice, so it worked out well.
What is the writing dynamic like in the band?
Stephane – The way we write now is kinda like drinking too much and going on the zipper at the ex. Fuckin’ awesome. But seriously we get drunk, rock out a few new riffs, argue, kiss and make up and than finish what is in my opinion a better song every time, and then continue to drink.
Jake – Writing happens spontaneously for the most part. I would say we write better without any kind of deadline.
You guys like to party – what’s the best show you’ve had so far?
Chris – Best show has to be the EP release. It was packed, they ran out of pabts like 4 times, my mom and dad showed up and I got to punch someone in the face. Quite a good night if I say so.
Stephane – Our shows have been known for their destruction and injuries. Our first show, Sean broke Franky’s front teeth, Chris punched a guy during a set at the EP release and there’s been talk of flipping table at Avant Garde, which I personally think was the best show yet.
Jake – Multiple crazy, awesome shows, but our show at a house in Hull where the wall of the house ended up disappearing was probably at the top of the list.
What band influenced you to start playing punk rock?
Chris – I am heavily influenced by a band called R.K.L (Rich Kids on LSD). I’m not even going to tell you about them, just go research them and see all the power and energy yourself. I am blame that band for my teenage years, and the Deftones. The Deftones are badass.
Stephane – There was a lot of creative differences, power struggles and general focus struggles at first with the band. We all listen and play such diverse styles, and meshing them together was a problem. We have had enough band drama to star in our own series, but since the EP was released we have definitely found our flow and can pump out songs together like it’s nothing. I don’t listen to punk music at all, except the Misfits, but who doesn’t? So I based it mostly off The Ghost Inside.
Drink of choice? More specifically, what beer do you guys drink?
Chris – I like what I can get. PBR in cans or fancy vodka. Or Blackbull 40’s from Hull!
Stephane – PBR, Old Mill and Jack Daniels!
Jake – That works for me!
Do you guys have any upcoming shows that we need to check out?
Chris – You can always check our Facebook out for new shows and news. We do have a few shows lined up;
May 9th at Avant Garde with Not Scientists, No Guts No Glory, Upheaval of Outcasts & Annoize
May 19th at Luneta Café with Trophy Lungs, Elder Abuse & Spaz Out.
Although the EP was just released – when will we be seeing new material?
Chris – We’ve been writing new stuff since our first jam, even once we finished the EP. Come check us out, chances are we will having something new almost every show!
Stephane – We release new material almost every show – so it’s incentive to show up!
Plans for the rest of 2014?
Chris – I didn’t even know it was 2014. Cheers!
Stephane – Things to look forward to for the rest of 2014 will definitely be the video for “Enough Is Enough”, which is being released in a few months. A newer, heavier live set (keeping its punk roots, of course!) and our “Don’t Sleep, Repeat” Sketchy Poutine shirts!
Stream “Sketch EP” – https://www.facebook.com/sketchypee/app_204974879526524
James Rockso – Host of CKCU 93.1 FM’s “Morning Metal” & Producer/Engineer at “Pebble Studios”
Morning Metal 2014.