Local indie band Smothered in Hugs will heat up the Island on June 14 when they take the stage with Montreal rockers Mobile during a free concert at the Confederation Centre outdoor amphitheatre at 7:30 p.m.!
Formed by brothers Aaron and Ryan Crane and friend Josh Byrne in 2003, Smothered in Hugs was rounded out by the addition of Todd MacLean (formerly of the Rude Mechanicals and cousin to the Crane brothers) in 2004. The combination has proved powerful and the band is thriving, here in their hometown of Charlottetown, across the Maritimes and well beyond!
Vocalist and guitarist Ryan Crane attributes their success to their propulsive sound. “Smothered In Hugs plays high spirited pop-rock, full of unrestrained energy that is sometimes yearning, sometimes jubilant,” he says, listing REM, Guided by Voices and Pavement among their influences. Those influences are the foundation on which the band builds their own sound, variously referred to as pre post-indie, power pop or torch pop by Crane.
And the band is looking forward to sharing their sound with a wider audience than usual – the concert is free and held in conjunction with Tour de PEI. The distinct yet complementary difference between their style and that of headliner Mobile will also widen their exposure to others who may not otherwise listen to their brand of pop.
Their first release, Fancy Demo EP, garnered enthusiastic reviews in 2006 and stoked anticipation for the release of their first full length album, scheduled to hit stores this fall. The boys are currently in the recording booth laying down tracks for the as-of-yet unnamed effort. The Fancy Demo EP is available at CD Plus, Back Alley Discs or their MySpace page, www.myspace.com/smotheredinhugsband.
Headliner and JUNO New Group of the Year (2007) Mobile takes an innovative and inventive approach to music, combining rock sensibilities with musical-gadgetry know-how to create a unique listening experience for their audience.
Mobile was also nominated for JUNO Rock Album of the Year for its debut CD Tomorrow Starts Today, released in Canada in 2006. It will be released in the United States on July 24. Years of practice have honed these musicians’ skills, and they’re ready to rock the Island before moving out on tour across the United States and Ontario!
Mobile and Smothered in Hugs kick off the 2007 Confederation Bridge Concert Series with this free show. The show is held in conjunction with Tour de PEI, PEI’s first-ever international women’s cycling event. The 2007 Confederation Bridge Concert Series is sponsored by Confederation Bridge, Tourism PEI and the City of Charlottetown. For more information please visit www.confederationcentre.com.