There’s an Arthurian quality shining from the cover of SaveNone’s debut album Always Never. A mysterious twisted hand reaches out from a roiling lake while dark clouds hint at an upcoming storm.
“I guess it symbolizes us starting on our journey. It shows people what’s to come,” says founder and lead guitarist Timathy Wingo.
The Vancouver-based band is unusual in the world of hard rock. For starters, there are six full-throttle rockers. “We have a unique dynamic between two lead singers and two lead guitars. Most rock bands have four musicians. We have six. It gives us a more layered sound, and vocals are a key aspect of our show,” explains Wingo.
To maintain a high performance level, the band rehearses about 18 hours every week and choreographs different moves for their live shows, one of which is Saturday at The Taphouse starting at 9 p.m.
“Our shows always look visually stimulating. We don’t just stand on a stage and sing. We try to entertain the crowd. We put a lot of energy and stage theatrics into our show without a budget for pyrotechnics.”
It’s only been two years since the band surfaced on the West Coast rock scene, but already they’ve gelled into a signature sound with influences from Metallica, Tool and Linkin Park.
But more telling are the versatile band members’ backgrounds added to the mix. Mike Brooks (lead singer) was trained in contemporary vocals and classical/jazz piano. Jay White (lead singer) has a decade’s worth of experience under his belt and is the one pushing past mediocrity to new heights.
Wingo, originally born in Edmonton, took up classical and jazz guitar lessons after being awestruck by Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. Richard Collins (lead guitar) is another Pink Floyd fan that over the years has played everything from AC/DC to ZZ Top.
With a take-no-prisoners approach to music, Bobby Gottschalk, the band’s self-taught gnarly bassist, has developed a stomp and destroy reputation while drummer Mike Collins pounds out some body-vibrating beats.
Up to now the sextet has only played the club circuit. In recording their 12-track produced by Tim Neuhaus at EarArt Studio, they’re hoping to grab a share of the bigger Canadian spotlight.
All the album’s songs are about relationships. “We’re always in and out of relationships. We’re trying to juggle a lot of things — work, rehearsals, band business and touring. We’re lighting the candle from five sides. It’s hard to work at relationships but our songs are something everyone relates to.”
For more information visit www.savenoneband.com.
