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Superconductor (band)

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Superconductor
OriginVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Genresalternative rock
Years active1990 (1990)–1996
LabelsBoner Records
Past membersCarl Newman
Sean Elliot
Pat Hogue
Scott Gubbels
Brian Gillard
Warren Westling
Mike Kerley
Mike Rohaly
Keith Parry
Joe Preston

Superconductor was a Canadian alternative rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia, active in the 1990s.[1] Led by Carl Newman,[2] the band was known for an unusual instrumental approach which saw up to six guitarists and two bassists performing simultaneously on each song.[1]

History

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Formed soon after Newman finished high school,[3] the band included guitarists Sean Elliot, Pat Hogue, Scott Gubbels, Brian Gillard and Warren Westling, bassists Mike Kerley and Mike Rohaly, and drummer Keith Parry.[1] They released the single "The Most Popular Man in the World" in 1991 and the EP Heavy with Puppy in 1992.[4] In 1993 Superconductor released their full length debut album Hit Songs for Girls,[1] which included aspects of metal and punk music mixed with rock.[5]

The band toured to support the album as an opening act for Guided by Voices.[6] Around the same time, Newman joined the side project Zumpano, to concentrate on more pop-oriented music.[7]

The band followed up in 1994 with Anvil to the Fucking Head, an eight-song EP released in the vintage 8-track tape format. Their second and final album, Bastardsong, was released in 1996.[8]

The band broke up following Bastardsong, with Zumpano continuing as Newman's primary band until he formed The New Pornographers.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Guitar army on march: Superconductor declares war and wages melodic mayhem". Vancouver Sun, December 16, 1993.
  2. ^ "New Pornographers frontman Carl Newman catches us up". A.Side TV, April 2, 2017.
  3. ^ Michael Barclay, Ian A.D. Jack and Jason Schneider, Have Not Been the Same: The Can-Rock Renaissance 1985-1995. ECW Press. ISBN 978-1-55022-992-9. p. 640.
  4. ^ "Superconductor". Trouser Press.
  5. ^ "Superconductor Hit Songs for Girls". AllMusic Review by Nitsuh Abebe
  6. ^ a b "The New Pornographers: Together Forever". Exclaim!, August 27, 2014.
  7. ^ "Zany Zumpano: Canadian band latest to join Sub Pop". Montreal Gazette, January 29, 1995.
  8. ^ "Superconductor: Bastardsong". The Province, November 28, 1996.