Draft:Mechanical Canine


Mechanical Canine
OriginPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres
Years active2017–present
Labels
Members
  • James Walsh
  • Jon Herroon
  • Jake Hoffpauir
  • Nick Mongelli
  • Matt Kelly
Past members
  • Alex Grant
  • Eric Kohlenstein
  • Alec Martin
  • Jamie Conroy
  • Jonah Gallagher
Websitemechanicalcanine.bandcamp.com

Mechanical Canine is an American emo / punk rock band formed in Philadelphia in 2017.[1] They are currently signed to Don Giovanni Records.[2]

History

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Early years (2017–2019)

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Mechanical Canine formed in late 2017 at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Their first releases came the following year in the form of a couple singles on Bandcamp, and the EP Magellan.[1] In support of the release, the band embarked on their first tour at the end of 2018.[3]

Throughout 2019, they would record what would become their first album in the studios at Drexel University. Drummer Alex Grant parted ways with the band mid way through production.

In December 2019 Mechanical Canine, now with Alec Martin on drums at live shows, released the single "Souter / Most Important Thing" from the forthcoming album Good Photography.[4] The band played another regional string of shows in December 2019 in support of the upcoming release.[3][5]

Good Photography (2020–2022)

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Mechanical Canine’s first full-length album, Good Photography was released February 28th, 2020 via Fire Hazard Records on Vinyl LP / CD and free digital download. Punk zine Razorcake spoke positively of the release, commenting: "There’s enough dissonance and creativity in it to keep it from sounding like prefab major label radio fodder, which is definitely a blessing."[6] A few shows were played in celebration, but all touring plans were scrapped with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after the album's release.[4] During the break from playing shows, the band began working on new material, and founding lead guitarist Eric Kholenstein left the group.

Mechanical Canine resumed playing shows and touring in late 2021, and embarked on a tour of the Midwest in December 2021.[3]

On April 29, 2024, Mechanical Canine released a Split EP with Philadelphia emo act Precious Little Life.[7] The two bands played a few shows in the Northeast together in support of the co-release.[8] Around this time, drummer Alec Martin stepped away from the band to pursue other projects. Jamie Conroy was recruited to fill their spot, though Martin had already recorded the next release.

Walls Covered In Mildew (2022–2024)

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On July 8, 2022 the single "Twitch" was released,[9] but the album the single was taken from would not be announced until its surprise release later that year.

On September 23, 2022, Walls Covered In Mildew was released. Publication Maximum Rocknroll described the record as "catchy" and "like a punk version of The Rentals."[10] Over the following year, the band toured heavily in support of the release.[11][12]

On July 29, 2023 the band entered the studio to begin work on what would become their third full-length album.[13] Later that year, drummer Jamie Conroy departed the band, citing a desire to stop touring. Jonah Gallagher was enlisted as a temporary replacement for the then upcoming Fall tour.

To My Chagrin (2024–present)

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During Spring 2024, Mechanical Canine released 7 Dollar 7 Song 7 Inch; a 7 inch EP which featured seven songs and was sold at shows for $7. Three of the songs are songs from the then upcoming album the EP was promoting, while the other four are exclusive b-sides.[14] The regional shows in promotion of this EP in April 2024 were new full-time drummer Matt Kelly's first with the group.

On July 2, 2024 the group's third full-length album, To My Chagrin, and the group signing with indie label Don Giovanni Records were announced, along with the release of the single "Mechanical Canine Saves Emo".[2][15]

On July 24, 2024, a music video for the single "Property Line" was released on YouTube.[16]

On August 2, 2024 To My Chagrin was released on LP / CD / cassette / digital download. AllMusic described the record in a review as "Impressively catchy and turbulent".[17] The band has continued touring heavily since the album's release.

Band members

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Timeline

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Discography

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Studio albums

  • Good Photography (2020)
  • Walls Covered In Mildew (2022)
  • To My Chagrin (2024)

Compilations

  • Tour Sampler (2019)

EPs

Singles

  • "Jimmy Neutron Theme Song" (2018)
  • "Southbound Past Exit 40" (2018)
  • "New Song" (2019)
  • "Souter / Most Important Thing" (2019)
  • "Twitch" (2022)
  • "Mechanical Canine Saves Emo" (2024)
  • "Property Line" (2024)
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References

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  1. ^ a b Crane, Natalie (October 17, 2018). "INTERVIEW & PHOTOS: Mechanical Canine – WHIP Radio". WHIP Radio. WHIP Radio. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Lankford, Nathan (July 2, 2024). "Don Giovanni Signs Mechanical Canine". Austin Town Hall. Austin Town Hall. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Mechanical Canine Gigography, Tour History & Past Concerts – Songkick". Songkick. September 1, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Hagen, Thomas. "Listen to Good Photography, the punchy debut album from local indie-punk trio Mechanical Canine". WXPN. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  5. ^ "Mechanical Canine". Bandsintown. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  6. ^ Alvarado, Jimmy. "MECHANICAL CANINE: Good Photography: LP - Razorcake". Razorcake. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  7. ^ "Split EP". Spotify. April 29, 2022. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  8. ^ "Precious Little Life Gigography, Tour History & Past Concerts – Songkick". Songkick. May 11, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  9. ^ "Twitch". Spotify. July 8, 2022. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  10. ^ McCracken, Matt. "Mechanical Canine". MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  11. ^ "Mechanical Canine Gigography, Tour History & Past Concerts – Songkick". Songkick. October 1, 2022. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  12. ^ "Mechanical Canine". Bandsintown. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  13. ^ To My Chagrin liner notes. Retrieved September 24, 2023
  14. ^ 7 Dollar 7 Song 7 Inch liner notes. Retrieved September 24, 2023
  15. ^ Moore, Em (July 3, 2024). "Mechanical Canine announce new album, share "Mechanical Canine Saves Emo"". Punk News. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  16. ^ "Mechanical Canine - "Property Line" Music Video". YouTube. July 24, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  17. ^ Donelson, Marcy. "To My Chagrin - Mechanical Canine | Album | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved September 24, 2024.