'Punk isn't a business, it's a way of life'
Who: The Rebel Spell
What: The Punk Night
Where: The Boot Pub
When: Sunday, Dec. 28
Tickets: $5
Vancouver's The Rebel Spell are a two-guy, two-girl punk quartet in the old school mould currently tearing up the underground and making sure their fans can afford to come along for the ride.
"We recorded, packaged and independently released our debut CD Expression In Laymen's Terms , making us capable of selling it for $3," says bass player Chris Xavier.
"Most of the time if you really want one, we will just give it to you. Punk isn't a business, it's a way of life."
Three dollar CDs along with the $5 Punk Night cover makes for an $8 total, something even Whistler renters can afford.
The anti-commercialism stand is all part of staying honest, something the band holds to adamantly. Spiritually and sonically, they count iconic punk artists of the '80s as influences, but as Xavier explains, The Rebel Spell is no tribute project.
"A lot of genres influence our band independently, but pretty much old school, political, working class street punk narrows it down," he says. "We definitely don't come out sounding old school, 'cause it's 20 years later and the sound of punk has definitely progressed, but the old school flavour is still there."
It's the band's first time in Whistler and Xavier says they're looking forward to the trip, for one reason or another.
"We all have friends and family up there so Sunday we will play for our friends, make new friends, and probably just enjoy the scene and scenery."
"Me," he adds, "I'm pretty stoked to get out of the rainy city for a while. I'd really enjoy throwing a few snowballs at some kids, preferably smoking teenagers."
Catch The Rebel Spell with The Worst at The Punk Night this Sunday at the Boot Pub. Call 604-932-3338 for information.
