11 Questions...With Haunter

Photo: Craig William Dueck

Homegrown rockers Haunter are a band who unapologetically channel the early-to-mid 90s indie spirit and fuse it with some modern college-rock. The resulting sound, then, is a pensive, subtly distorted and undeniably familiar one that should win over many folks during their current Western Canadian swing with noise-rockers Mt. Royal. Had I not been at the Dears on Saturday, I would’ve been at their Lo Pub gig.

Even though they're on the road, the traveling foursome - Matt, Jory, Marie-France, and Ryan - took the time to answer 11 questions for yours truly; and, by doing so, revealed why they’d choose Invisibility over Flight; debated who’s better: Colbert or Stewart (a draw!); and stated a pretty good reason why Michelangelo is the best ninja turtle.

(But I still think Leonardo and his katana-wielding prowess is the coolest.)

1.Where are you right now?

Lydia's in Saskatoon, SK with Mt. Royal. First gig outside the province!

2. Who is the best Winnipeg-based band (other than your own, of course)?

Right Through (their forthcoming LP sounds fantastic)

3. What’s the worst bus route in the city?

Matt says the 20 Academy, it's never on time, it never runs, and it goes past Kelvin.

4. What are your top three, all-time favourite records?

We can only decide on what our CURRENT favourite albums are... soooo...
Matt: Clayton Park by Thrush Hermit, Darkness on the Edge of Town by Bruce Springsteen and Right Through's soon to be released debut album.
Ryan: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco, Electric Mud by Muddy Waters, Doolittle by Pixies
Marie-France: Sun City Girls - Torch of the Mystics, Poison Idea - Pick Your King, Diamanda Galas - La Serpenta Canta
Jory: Weezer - Blue Album, A Catholic Education - Teenage Fanclub, Savvy Show Stoppers - Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet

5. PC or Mac?

Mac.

6. Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert?

A tie between the 4 of us. Marie-France and Matt say Colbert is "more entertaining and sassier," while Ryan and Jory prefer "intelligence."

7. Would you rather have Invisibility or Flight?

Invisibility has certain advantages like "change rooms and free concerts" according to Ryan and Matt; Despite its pervy associations we choose it.

8. What is one song you love, but dismiss as “a guilty pleasure”?

"Tempted" by Squeeze

9. What was the last great concert you saw?

Marie-France: Leonard Cohen
Ryan: Sam Roberts
Matt & Jory: My Bloody Valentine

10. What book(s) are you currently reading?

Mef: Talks and Dialogues by J. Krishnamurti
Matt: On A Cold Road by Dave Bidini
Ryan: All That is Solid Melts Into Air by Marshall Berman

11. And finally…who’s your favourite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, or Raphael?

Michelangelo, he's a good fighter, but still knows how to have a good time.

***
Some shows to pass your way…

Montreal indie-rockers Sunset Rubdown stop by the West End on July 5th w/ Witchies and Elfin Saddle.

Fred Eaglesmith drops in at the WECC on August 11th.

The Special Consensus are there on August 29th.

The Gaslight Anthem, who skipped our happening city during their Canadian tour this spring, are making right, playing the Garrick on October 1st.

Dragonforce rock the Burton Cummings Theatre on September 26th w/ Sonata Arctica.

Infinite Playlist: M83 - Saturdays = Youth