Draft:Mile End (band)

Mile End in 2021

Mile End is a Canadian hardcore band from Brampton, Ontario that formed in 2018. The band consists of members Jake Thompson (vocals), Alex Orenczuk (guitar), Brandon Follett (bass) and Patrick Linardic (drums). The band has gained a dedicated following in the Ontario hardcore scene, and has subsequently toured across North America.

History

Mile End was formed in 2018 by childhood friends Patrick Linardic and Alex Orenczuk. The two had grown up together in Brampton, attending elementary school together and eventually writing songs under the moniker Better Known. After meeting in their high school drumline at St. Roch Catholic Secondary School, Patrick Linardic invited Brandon Follett to join the group on bass, forming a trio. The band subsequently began their search for a vocalist, going through multiple members before Patrick met Jake Thompson through a mutual friend, solidifying the four piece line-up. The band got their name from the Mile End neighbourhood in Montreal, which was referenced in the liner notes of Canadian band Godspeed You! Black Emperor's debut album F# A# ∞.

First Demo and EP (2020-2022)

After consistently playing shows in and around the Greater Toronto Area DIY scene, Mile End self recorded and produced their first demo, which was self released through the band on Bandcamp and Spotify. Shortly after the released of the demo, the band's activities were put on pause due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 Pandemic, forcing the band to periodically pause from playing shows. However, over the course of the pandemic, the group continued to write music.

In July 2020 during the midst of the pandemic, the band self recorded their debut ep, with drums being done in Linardic's basement, and the rest of the instrumental recording and production done with Robert Ortiz of DEAR-GOD.

In July 2021, after many months of promotion, the band self released the single Choose Life accompanied by a music video, and shortly following the release of the single released their first EP on Spotify and Bandcamp, and began playing regularly again throughout Southern Ontario and also played their first out of province shows in Montreal. This also included shows with other Canadian punk bands such as Cancer Bats, Single Mothers, Comeback Kid. The band was also positively reviewed multiple times by internet music critic Anthony Fantano.

In late 2022, Mile End went into the studio with producer Davis Maxwell in Hamilton, Ontario to record a promotional EP, which included the singles FCHC and Avarice, which were released as singles prior to the release of the promo.

Promo and NMZ (2023-present)

In 2023, Mile End began collaborating with Chicago based label New Morality Zine. with help from local booking agents and New Morality Zine, Mile End embarked on their first Canada-wide tour in Summer 2023, with a few stops in the United States. Shortly before the tour, Mile End released their promo EP through New Morality Zine. It contained three original songs and had a limited pressing of cassette tapes, and was generally positively received by critics.

In fall 2023, the band began regularly touring the United States, playing in hardcore scenes across the midwest and east coast. Following this, the band entered the studio with Davis Maxwell to begin work on their debut album. Recording wrapped up in December 2023, and the album is set is be released through New Morality Zine in 2024.

Musical Style

The band plays hardcore with many different stylistic influences ranging from classic punk, to post hardcore to metal. The band cites early influences such as Alexisonfire and Refused as important stylistic influences to the bands sound.

Band Members

• Jake Thompson - vocals
• Alex Orenczuk - guitar, backing vocals
• Brandon Follett - bass, backing vocals
• Patrick Linardic - drums, percussion

Discography

• Demo (2019 self-released)
• Mile End EP (2021 self-released)
• Promo EP (2023, New Morality Zine)
• Debut Album (TBA, 2024, New Morality Zine)