 In 2005, 54-40 returns to the Canadian pop music landscape
with a new member, a new label and a brand new album – Yes to Everything.
Collectively these developments represent a reminder that this enduring quartet
remains one of Canada’s preeminent ambassadors of modern rock.
The new member is veteran guitarist Dave Genn. Although Genn’s musical credits
read like a who’s who of Canadian rock — having recorded with and/or toured with
the likes of Mathew Good, Holly McNarland, Art Bergmann, Grapes of Wrath and Bif
Naked — his presence on the 11 tracks found on Yes To Everything is much more
than a grace note. It signals his arrival as a permanent contributing member of
the group replacing Phil Comparelli. His entry into the mix was both organic and
influential.
“Dave had been on the road with us for well over a year before we engaged him
into the writing a new album. That was a very important step.” explains vocalist
Neil Osborne. “ When musicians play together consistently they develop a
collective rhythm or dance that is unique. Once that was established we started
- in earnest - to create. Dave was very present and into it every step of the
way.
Osborne also points to the impact concerning the timing of Genn’s arrival. “Dave
was instrumental in re-injecting a lot of inspiration into 54-40,” says Osborne.
“The guitar work alone is stellar and fits the intention of each new song. I
guess that's what pleases me the most - how Dave fit so well into the 54-40
'vibe' in creating new material.”
From Genn’s point of view, joining 54-40 provided more than just a solid
professional opportunity. He found himself with a unique offer to collaborate
with a group of musicians that he not only respected as peers; but also had been
a source of profound inspiration during his formative teenage years on the West
Coast.
Genn, who has worked with many great artists over the years points out that this
situation is different. “ A chance to collaborate with one of my favorite bands
in a completely open and supportive creative environment.” says Genn. “
Personally, I think the album speaks for itself as some of 54-40's and my best
work.”
The new material pumps with the vitality of a mature band of musicians in full
stride — vibrant, self-aware and fully completely rock and roll. Lead track Easy
to Love serves notice that this version of the group has not only found its
groove but is collectively focused to what they do best — consistently creating
some of Canada's most recognizable and memorable classic alternative rock. From
the driving beat and bass attack of drummer Matt Johnson and Brad Merritt
sliding into mondo guitar licks and then Neil Osborne’s ever-distinctive vocal
timbre it’s a tightly wrapped, no nonsense package that continues throughout the
album: A body of work that also reveals a moveable feast of tasty melodic hooks
and a sophisticated range of creative sonic construction that in part, puts the
spotlight on the talents of producer of Warne Livesey.
“This friendship allowed us to communicate our ideas to each other, and for him
to challenge us - like never before, “ says Merritt. Hs emphasis on
pre-production was something we hadn't experienced on our other records but was
welcomed enthusiastically. He particularly challenged the rhythm section early
as players, and emphasized ‘keeping the groove going' through all sections.
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