The Skitzos

Infobox musical artist
Name = The Skitzos


Img_capt = The Skitzos live in Okotoks, February 24 2007.
Background = group_or_band
Origin = flag|Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Genre = Hard rock, Punk rock, Pop punk
Years_active = 2004 – 2008
Label = Longshot Music
Current_members = Ryder Thalheimer (vocals)
Mark McLennan (guitar)
Aaron Arseneau (bass)
Josh Boley (drums)

The Skitzos were a punk rock band from Calgary, Alberta, Canada [http://www.myspace.com/theskitzos Skitzos Myspace] ] , but according to The Skitzos they play "rock and roll". They performed around Western Canada from 2005 until 2008 and are regarded as Calgary's "thrashiest and trashiest", and best contemporary punk rock band [ [http://www.ffwdweekly.com/article/music/music-previews/pythagorean-progression/ Article from Calgary staple FFWD] ] . The band consisted of Aaron Arseneau (bass), Josh Boley (drums), Mark McLennan (guitar) and Ryder Thalheimer (vocals).

History

The Skitzos formed in north east Calgary in 2004. Original guitarist Geoff Reynard quit just after releasing their independent demo 'Modern Youth' right before any local success was achieved. Mark McLennan then took over guitar and the band started making strides. Just months after the new addition The Skitzos began preparing to release what would become the Faster Louder Better! EP.

The Skitzos then began a rigourous live schedule, playing almost weekly around Alberta. The Skitzos were regarded as one of the best local live acts at the time, noted for their energetic and highly volatile performances [ [http://www.last.fm/music/The+Skitzos Review of performances] ] . As well, The Skitzos were subject to much talk revolving around their offstage antics. This is best represented by their notorious run in with the police in the summer of 2006 while finishing the recording for their Longshot Music release. It has been rumoured that one of the members was knocked unconscious in a Junior High school field in northeast Calgary by a policeman while running from the police for an unknown offense.

Upon releasing their highly anticipated [ [http://www.beatroute.ca/view_archived_article.php?id=25&sectionID=15&articleID=647 Beatroute Magazine] ] and well received debut EP Faster Louder Better! which kick started a vinyl resurrection in Calgary [ [http://www.beatroute.ca/view_archived_article.php?id=35&sectionID=15&articleID=1255 Article on vinyl releases in Calgary] ] as well as a number of similar bands. The Skitzos then went on a brief tour of Alberta, most notable was their notorious weekend in Banff. After being kicked out of Banff nightclub Aurora for nudity and disorderly conduct The Skitzos then got into a fight with a taxi driver who proceeded to notify the police. The Skitzos then had to bribe the hotel concierge, by purchasing marijuana from him, to tell the police that they had not entered the building. Front desk Fred reportedly had to stop the police from entering the hotel numerous times throughout the night after being called due to illegal drugs being used through a window looking out onto Banff Ave as well as noise complaints. It is not known what exactly took place in the hotel room that night.

The Skitzos headed back into the studio to record two new tracks. These tracks quickly became crowd favorites but were never released officially even though they received much praise from the local Albertan punk rock scene. They then only played a few shows before suddenly breaking up rather ambiguously at their final show at the Pengrowth Saddledome. A small statement was released on their myspace blog.

:"It's been a great couple of years. One of us is going somewhere down under. And hauling our equipment for 5-6 people hasn't helped much either.. A lot of blood, sweat and beers have gone into the Skitzos, but you'll see us around... Thanks again. We hope to see everyone come out and let goose at our last couple of shows. Sorry there won't be any good bands around. See ya soon."

Recently there have been rumors that the band would make a comeback [According to recent tour date posting on the band myspace.] .

Discography

EPs

* "Modern Youth" EP (2005)
* "Faster Louder Better!" EP (2007, Longshot Music) [ [http://www.longshotmusic.com Longshot Music] ] .

B-sides

There are two unreleased tracks recorded during the Faster Louder Better! sessions. The first is a cover of the Exploding Hearts classic 'I'm A Pretender', the other called 'The Terror Song' is a more hardcore influenced song, featuring the bands trademark energy and features an intense breakdown. Both of these songs were performed live numerous times but were never officially released.

Two new tracks appeared on The Skitzos myspace in October 2007 entitled 'Let Loose' and 'Catch Me'. Both were recorded in one day, live to tape, at Calgary's Ear Candy studios. These tracks have a more Rock and Roll sound to them and have yet to be released officially, though are critic, band and fan favorites. As well Rolling Stone have hailed them 'the greatest songs ever written' [ [http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs RS Article] ] .

References