Local garage-pop band Reef Shark to celebrate new EP release at Biltmore Cabaret

In the summer of 2013, Devin Miller and Garth Covernton — two biology students with a mutual affection for pop music — decided to make an album together.

The pair completed their writing and recording process in just two months flat, with the assistance of local sound engineer heavyweight Jesse Gander (Japandroids, White Lung) who added in textured bass and delicate keys to heavy drums and swirling guitar. Going by the name Reef Shark, the Vancouver-based duo then went on to release 2014’s Better Weather — an impressive debut that fuses both psychedelic and garage rock elements.

Fast forward to a year later, and added to the lineup are guitarist Matty Jeronimo and bassist Grady Mackintosh, both who joined Miller and Covernton in Gabriola Island towards the end of last year to work on a new set of tracks. The expanded group recorded at the Noise Floor, this time with engineer and producer Jordan Koop who, known for his work with Weed, Dead Soft, the Courtneys, painted the band’s spacey pop with a slightly darker shade. The result is a new five-song EP titled Mind Race, which hits the shelves today through local label Big Smoke.

Mind Race, which showcases Reef Shark’s ability to blend genres while still sounding unified,  can be streamed in its entirety here. It is also available on a limited-edition cassette tape that can be purchased at most record shops, from the band at their gigs, and by mail order through Big Smoke. Reef Shark will be celebrating their new effort at a release party on Saturday, November 28 at the Biltmore Cabaret, alongside support from other local bands IN ODYSSEY and Little Wild.

https://soundcloud.com/bigsmokevancouver/leaving/s-S9XYv

Reef Shark Cassette Release Party

When: Saturday, November 28
Where: Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward Street
Tickets: $10 available online