Not long ago, New Jersey power pop band Kanak released their new EP, On The Outside — via via Pop Clique / The Orchard — and now they embark on a short regional tour! Kanak arrive in DC for a show at Pie Shop on Saturday, July 27, and Parklife thinks these veteran rockers will remind you quite a bit of Cheap Trick, so check it out!
The new EP includes the single “Not Right Now,” “which captures the essence of a struggle against the tide of challenges and unfulfilled expectations,” said Kanak lead singer/songwriter Tom Kanach.
The propulsive and driving single sheds a light on the reality of postponed dreams and aspirations, a common thematic thread that ties together their upcoming EP, On The Outside. Tom added, “’Not Right Now’ reflects on the universal experience of waiting for a better day, a breakthrough, or a turn of events, only to be met with the persistent reality of things remaining unchanged.”
Watch the official music video for “Not Right Now” by Kanak on YouTube:
Recording with legendary producer and mixer Ed Stasium (The Ramones, Talking Heads, Motörhead), who had previously worked with guitarist Johnny Rao on a different project, the band was hopeful to work with him on the EP and were floored when he said ‘yes.’ “Having three guitar players is a challenge and we thought Ed would be the perfect fit for us,” Tom said. “So, Johnny called Ed. Ed agreed to listen to the songs. He loved them, and we flew out to San Diego to record them.”
Big supporter and friend of the band, legendary musical pundit Matt Pinfield (MTV, MTV2) lauds, “There is a clear reason why legendary producer/mixer Ed Stasium — who was at the controls for the Ramones, Talking Heads, Smithereens, Motörhead, and The Replacements — is putting his talents behind the exciting and promising New jersey band Kanak.”
A veteran of the ever-thriving New Jersey rock scene in vital NJ bands such as Grimace, Well of Souls, and Mischief, Tom Kanach has built a formidable reputation and strong friendships with that traversed genres from Lords of the New Church to even Stiv Bators of the Dead Boys. Centralizing all of his focus and energy now into Kanak, he’s ready to push out far beyond and jump headfirst into the mainstream.
“There are two voices in your head,” Tom said. “One saying, ‘You need to fit in and be like everyone else’ and the other voice saying ‘Being different and unique is what separates us and makes us beautiful’.”
Kanak is Tom Kanach (vocals, guitars), guitarists Johnny Rao (David Johansen Band / Sylvain Sylvain) and Peter Wood (Dramarama), bassist Joe Rowley, and drummer Steve Brown.
Kanak
W/ Juno Dunes, Bender Street
Pie Shop
Saturday, July 27
Doors @ 7:30pm
$12
All ages