Representative Albums: "Sweet Homewrecker", "The Great Pacific Ocean
Representative Songs: "Hated It", "Oh My Soul", "North Dakota
Biography
Compared to fellow Halifax bands Sloan and the Super Friendz, Thrush Hermit is the only one that could be called a hard rock band. Their heavy guitar sound, wailing and pouty vocals, and obvious love for '70s album rock and punk sets them apart from the others -- who are known for their melodies and wistful musings, not their aggression and raw energy. Thrush Hermit was formed in 1992 by Joel Plaskett (vocals/guitar), Rob Benvie (guitar/keyboards/vocals), Ian McGettigan (bass/vocals), and Cliff Gibb (drums). After releasing several cassettes (Nobody Famous, John Boomer, Ammo) and a single, the band signed to Murderecords (Sloan, Super Friendz, Eric's Trip) and the Smart Bomb EP was released in 1994. Their second EP, The Great Pacific Ocean, followed in 1995, and the group appeared on the Mallrats soundtrack as well. Their first full-length, Sweet Homewrecker, was issued by Elektra in 1997, but the label dropped the band soon after the single "North Dakota" was released. By 1999, Gibb had left and been replaced by Benn Ross, Thrush Hermit had signed to the Hamilton, Ontario, label Sonic Unyon, and Clayton Park was issued in February of that year. On September 21, 1999, the band announced its amicable split, but toured with the Flashing Lights and the Local Rabbits in the fall before they broke up permanently. ~ Gina Boldman, All Music Guide
Thrush Hermit was formed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1992 by Joel Plaskett (vocals, guitar), Rob Benvie (vocals, guitar), Ian McGettigan (vocals, bass), and Michael Catano (drums). Catano was replaced by Cliff Gibb in 1994; Gibb in turn left the band in 1999 and was replaced by Benn Ross.
They signed with Murderecords, the label of fellow Haligonians Sloan, in 1994 in time to release their Smart Bomb EP, which featured songs such as Benvie's "French Inhale" and Plaskett's "Hated It". The former would get some rotation on MuchMusic, which then held a reputation for more alternative programming, while the latter would end up in the Kevin Smith film Mallrats.
Following the release of the band's second EP, The Great Pacific Ocean, the group signed in 1996 with Elektra Entertainment which released their first full-length album, Sweet Homewrecker, in 1997. The Memphis-recorded album features tracks showcasing the songwriting of Plaskett, Benvie and McGettigan. The album proved a disappointment from Elektra's standpoint however, and Thrush Hermit was bought out of their contract.
After their foray into the United States market, Thrush Hermit returned north to release their final album, Clayton Park, on Sonic Unyon in 1999. Despite the critical success of the record, Thrush Hermit announced their amicable[citation needed] split on September 21, 1999. However, they would do a farewell tour just before permanently breaking up. During the tour, a few shows were canceled due to Plaskett's health. Medical examinations showed that he had a dangerously low level of white blood cells. Later examination showed that he was back to normal and could continue remaining shows. Thrush Hermit played their final show on December 2, 1999 with The Deadly Snakes and split up thereafter.[citation needed] Plaskett's medical problems inspired his own solo album In Need of Medical Attention.
Plaskett went on to begin a fruitful recording career with his band The Joel Plaskett Emergency. Benvie released a solo record under the moniker "Tigre Benvie", and McGettigan began producing records by Canadian rock acts such as The Flashing Lights. McGettigan also produced records for Plaskett, and later became a member of The Joel Plaskett Emergency. Benvie and McGettigan are now the main members of Camouflage Nights, which features a revolving door cast of musicians.
Thrush Hermit reunited for a brief set following a Joel Plaskett Emergency show at the Marquee Club in Halifax on December 31, 2005.
Joel Plaskett has confirmed that the band will be reuniting for a brief tour in March 2010. Locations include Moncton, two nights in Halifax, Ottawa and 2 nights in Toronto.
In 2008 a tribute CD was released on Gooseberry Records, featuring covers of Thrush Hermit songs by many artists including Jon McKiel, Rebekah Higgs, Sleepless Nights, thomas/richard and The Establishment.
References
Barclay, Michael; Jack, Ian A.D.; Schneider, Jason (2001). Have Not Been the Same: The CanRock Renaissance. Toronto: ECW Press. ISBN 1550224751
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