COUNTERPARTS

Counterparts have come quite a long way since their formation in 2007. With a fan base that has progressively expanded beyond their home province, the young artists have toured Canada relentlessly since March 2009. The band’s upward trajectory truly took off after the release of their debut full-length, Prophets, in February 2010. The Verona Records release turned heads across the country, as well as past its borders. The record proved to be an immediate hit among fans of the hardcore genre, simultaneously garnering praise from scene luminaries and newcomers. Its impact was bold and far-reaching, going so far as to earn the band several award nominations throughout Ontario. The positive response caused the band’s touring regimen to quickly increase in intensity, with a slew of tours taking place both at home and in the United States alongside prominent hardcore acts such as Shai Hulud and It Prevails. At a point when most bands would take time off to relax, Counterparts proved themselves once again to be as hardworking as they come. In November 2010, the band released a split EP alongside Ontario-based hardcore unit Exalt. The EP was another instant hit among fans, and proved that the band still had plenty left to offer, both musically and lyrically, that had not been showcased on their debut. In October 2011, Counterparts released The Current Will Carry Us via influential independent label Victory Records. The sophomore LP saw the band pursuing a more raw, straightforward sound, and achieving a new level of honesty through their lyrics. Tossing any idealistic rhetoric aside, TCWCU offers listeners an extremely introspective listening experience that depicts the band in their most sincere, vulnerable state. While the album marks a clear thematic departure from its predecessor, its unrestrained aggression makes an emotional impact that’s even more genuine. The record’s reception easily exceeded the expectations of the band members, landing them a selection as one of Alternative Press’ “100 Bands You Need To Know In 2012” and solidifying plans for the group’s first ever expedition into Europe, in which they would bring their unforgettable live presence to listeners who’d spent years anxiously awaiting the opportunity. If there’s one thing that’s abundantly clear about Counterparts’ career, it’s that none of the success – the building of an incredibly passionate and supportive fan base – has come about without a great deal of struggle and sacrifice. Like many bands who strive to do things on their own terms, Counterparts have had to face adversity in many different forms, including being stricken down by legal sanctions, having their touring vehicle obliterated, and having to cope with the ill-fated return of a founding member. Counterparts’ story, while perhaps still in its infancy, has been one of a constant battle to find stability in an increasingly unpredictable music landscape. Nonetheless, the band have consistently proven themselves to be steadfast in the face of any impediment that comes their way. After years of dutiful exertion, the band are finally entering an era in which the future looks bright, and they’ve been able to reach this plateau without once compromising any aspect of their art. Through sheer hard work and dedication, Counterparts have been able to overcome innumerable obstacles in order to hold on to their elusive dream. Armed with heart and hope, Counterparts plan on spreading their music and message as far and wide as humanly possible in the coming years.