The Press Gang, formed in late 2006, is a mixture of Punk, classic Heavy Metal, Riff driven Hard Rock, salt air, dirt, and kitchen parties all in one. Half the band hails from the East Coast and the other half the West. East meets West in a hodge podge of The Heavy. This mix of coasts and influences has bred something sweet and unique, otherwise known as ‘The Heavy’. The band consists of Colin McCulloch- Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Chad Laing – Lead guitar, Lindsay Arnold – Bass and Derek Lindzon – Drums. The Press Gang recently released their fifth album Medusa 5 back in October. You can check out a live song from the album below!
We manged to catch up with Colin as he talked about the band’s latest album, fans, proudest moment and more!
How has the release of Medusa 5 gone?
It’s been going great! Online it’s going well. I’m not sure how many people are hearing it, but just to see it being promoted online is enough for me to know something’s being done to raise awareness. if anything, this may be the catalyst to change format a little more and focus on a certain audience..people seem to have trouble placing us anywhere. People who have heard it cite it as our best yet, definitely the best sounding. But are real strength is in the live show.
Tell us a little bit about the album
This album was crafted during 2016. We took our time with it, and employed new recording techniques and equipment to yelied the best results we could. This is also our most ‘stripped’ down album to date, and therefore, in my personal opinion, our best sounding. We held ourselves more accountable for our guitar parts then previous releases. One track each. I think the guitars are far more powerful this way. I also left 4 songs to the last to write lyrics for to challenged myself intentionally. Quite pleased with how they turned out.
What is your favourite song from the release?
“Dagger For The Eye”, Blister & Boil” “Brontosaurus”, and “Kill The Bastards”
How much does the song ‘Dagger For The Eye’ mean to you?
It means a lot. It basically a “Shit or get off the pot” kind of song. Recognizing how frail and mortal we all are by the passing of musical heroes..
How much does your fans mean to you guys?
The more the better. I think we give them something they don’t often hear. The feedback is always great, and playing live to a front row of people moshing and banging their heads is better than any drug.
Is there any shows that you’ll be playing next year?
We’re trying to play Calgary as little as possible, and are trying to set up some strategic shows playing for larger acts. This of course is all “who you know and who you blow” politics of course. A game which we’re not very good at to be honest. But this is out 11th year, so we’re hoping someone takes notice. We play out of town as much as possible. Waiting on word back from some Festivals we applied to as well.
What has been your proudest moment to date?
Playing my Hometown in Dartmouth, NS and Sydney NS. Taking the band cross country.
If you could work with any band who would it be and why?
Definitely would love to open/tour with Clutch. I think we’re a good match. And i would have loved to win a contest where we would have opened for Sabbath on their last tour. That opening band we saw them with was fucking horrible and ill fitted for such an honour. ?