About Volcano Playground

Bingeing on decades of organized (and disorganized) sound stemming from many genres, letting it soak in the stomach to finally purge it through reverb-laced esophagi is the m.o. of Volcano Playground. The group formed in November 2008 as an experiment, not foreseeing that a band would soon form. Trying to decide what style of music to create, what timbres to sing, which lengths of time to dance in, or whether or not computers can really be trusted are all daunting tasks. This band remains in avoidance of all boundary based logic whenever possible, an important feat for a sonically nesting band striving for post-modernism. “It's spacey shoe-gazing for a diorama of celestial cutouts clad in aluminum, creaking on a string, foam planets and candy-coloured rocket ships.” (William McGuirk - Whitby/Oshawa This Week). Volcano Playground is an amalgamation of three suburban Toronto musical acts, The Recroom, Thee Side Project, and Antique Toys all hailing from the Whitby/Oshawa music community. “Waiting”, the new EP was self-released by the band in September 2009 to much positive review. (“This is a band that makes music on their own terms, pushing the sonic horizons of swirly shoegaze lushness with somber dream-pop. Embracing the past and sculpting it as their own unique musical vision.”(Lonely Vagabond- Exclaim). On the strength of the EP as a demo, VP is currently working hard to find its place within the Canadian music market. Starting with shows in and around Toronto, the group works to popularize its name and sound via word of mouth. And with digital promotion at their fingertips, they’re looking to develop potential touring draw in the near future. Immensely inspired by the genre-busting music, DIY business and production, and communal ideals of many independent artists and labels, Volcano Playground have a few Canadian road maps available to follow. Having members training in Music Business Management (Jackie Game) and Graphic Design (Jakub Hladik) does not hurt either, not to mention a hunger for self learning in the world of music production and engineering (Mark and Peter Plischewsky). A four member band maxed out on multi-instrumentalists and songwriters, Volcano Playground confidently have their bases covered. Moreover, they are laying the foundation for a long and prominent career in the industry with future plans to; manage other artists, secure design contracts, build a studio, and produce more records, taking their DIY attitude to the professional level.

"The Shwaltz started at 1 p.m. but I didn't arrive until just before 6, meaning I'd missed a few bands but fortunately I was in time to see Volcano Playground. This was my first live taster of the mysterious aural candy being created by Volcano Playground, a band formed from the remains of three other bands; The Recroom, Thee Side Project and Antique Toys. VP play a minimalist or 'far out' style of rock, with swirling sounds that create the kind of cosmic energy that you can easily zone out to. The energy of their music would be better channeled in a dimly-lit venue full or at home in your bedroom as you stare at the ceiling and ponder life and universe. However, this energy was not lost at The Shwaltz, as Volcano Playground set the tone for the evening, as people chilled-out, and in some cases spaced-out, as they sat back on the grass and benches and enjoyed the music. If your a fan of Sigur Ros then you must seek out Volcano Playground".

- Brian Banks, editor of Music Vice Magazine

Read full article here

"It's spacey shoe-gazing for a diorama of celestial cutouts clad in aluminum, creaking on a string, foam planets and candy-coloured rocket ships..."

- William McGuirk, writer for Oshawa/Whitby this week.

Read full review here

"This is a band that makes music on their own terms, pushing the sonic horizons of swirly shoegaze lushness with sombre dream-pop. Embracing the past and sculpting it as their own unique musical vision".

- Lonely Vagabond

Band Members