Introducing Shattervox, the latest act to join Eastside Confectionery Records.  Founded in 2009 by “Eric & The Soo” frontman Eric Brombacher (lead guitar), Frank Miotto (lead vocals), Mike Mann (drums) and Jean Filippini (bass), Shattervox would go on to release two full length albums, a live album and numerous EP’s and singles before disbanding in 2016.  Four years on, in the midst of COVID isolation induced boredom, guitarist Eric (that’s me), dug through the detritus of old recording sessions and found a couple of rough-hewn gems.

Shattervox “Live Off The Floor”
(c) Eastside Confectionery Records
June 23, 2020

From the archives: a couple of lost out-takes from the final “Little Star” recording sessions. We spent a long day of recording what would turn out to be the final release of original material from Shattervox; the raucous (and simultaneously poignant) swansong “Little Star”. Our job was done, but the tape was still rolling, so we partied and jammed on. How fortunate that the tape was rolling, as this was, unbeknownst us at the time, our final occasion playing together. We hadn’t played a show in over year, so our memories were a little foggy on the songs, which led to some interesting improvisation. These final recordings capture what was so special about Shattervox: that feeling of almost going off the rails at any second, saved only by the determination to hold it together, for just one more minute!

First up was our own raggedly unique take on the Rolling Stones’ “Let It Bleed” … always a fun rocker, and one we’d played at pretty much every show in our 7 year history (plus an extra 4 years in Eric & Frank’s previous band, The Septembers).  And we almost nailed it!  Somewhere along the way, we forgot to play the bridge, and I think it took a while for Frank to remember the words to the second verse, so the solo goes on a little longer than planned, but hey, we did it! We made it through!

Next up was our take on Canadian classic “New Orleans Is Sinking”. We got lost after the first verse, so we all just improvised, and in the process came up with something special; a fitting homage to the Tragically Hip, a tribute, without being a copy.  And the whole song is us on the verge of falling apart, a perfect metaphor for Shattervox.

“Live Off The Floor”
Produced by Eric Brombacher

Frank Miotto – Vocals/Guitar
Eric Brombacher – Lead Guitar
Rob “Key Frame” Webster – Piano
Jean Filippini – Bass Guitar
Mike Mann – Drums

Recorded by Aaron Comeau at “The Trailer” in Toronto
February 2016

Mixed & Mastered by Eric Brombacher
(c) 2020 Eastside Confectionery Records

Enjoy this vintage-tinged video for new single “Picture” by Eric & The Soo.  A short and punchy rocker driving straight up the middle of the rock n’ roll highway, “Picture” features Eric Brombacher on lead vocal and acoustic guitar, along with Ken Yoshioka on lead guitar and harmonica, Ted Pruce on electric guitar, Tim Bradford on bass and harmony vocals, Dino Naccarato on drums and percussion and Julian Fauth on honky-tonk piano.

The video takes an unapologetic journey through the past featuring a rapidly changing backdrop of photographs, polaroids and cell-phone snaps from Eric’s early childhood in the 1970’s and 1980’s right through to present day.  Says Eric Brombacher, “it’s like watching my life pass in front of my very eyes.” Come along for the ride!

And of course the cover art for “Picture” also displays a decidedly vintage feel with an old Polaroid photo of Eric at age 17 in front his beloved orange 1977 Pontiac Acadian.

Listen to “Picture” on your favourite platform: https://sl.onerpm.com/4809902301

We’re proud to announce the third in an ongoing (maybe?) series of ‘hand-crafted’ videos from Eric & The Soo, featuring songs from the recently released “Modern Dystopia” album.  Take a psychedelic journey through your mind as you contemplate the evils of oppression and conformity:

“Modern Dystopia” is a concept album that explores the current social climate and the challenges we face as humankind. The songs touch on themes both personal and societal; including isolation, depression, homelessness, conformity, and social obedience. All while still offering some hope for change, as it explores an imagined pre-apocalyptic future. Are we really free? Or are we just slaves to the machine? Is it too late, or is there still hope for our beautiful world?

Enjoy previous videos from this series:

I think paintings are like steak, better under done than over done. A revelation I hope I can remember and put into practice often.

I was excited to be featured on an episode of Campfire Chords, a new YouTube series produced by Todd T. Hayes that showcases singer/songwriters from Toronto and beyond and allows them to share their music and give instruction on how to play a song of their choice.  In this video I give step by step instruction on how to play “Listening To Neil” from the Small Town Dreamer album.

Stay tuned for future episodes featuring more artists from Eastside Confectionery Records!

Good day rock n’ roll fans!  If you’re new to the ‘Eastside Family’ you may not know that we run a monthly podcast featuring our artists where we discuss songwriting, record making and general creative pursuits.  We also talk about happenings on the label and beyond.  Each show has a theme and as part of that theme we share insights about songs we’ve written and recorded, and songs that have inspired us.  This month’s theme is “Riffs & Licks” … catch the latest episode here on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-64591847/ecr-podcast-episode-004-riffs-licks

You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes:  Eastside Confectonery Records Presents

And don’t forget to stream the playlist on Spotify after the show! Episode 004 Playlist (Spotify)

What are your favourite riffs & licks?  Let us know!