Born Ruffians

Canada's Born Ruffians craft an energetic style of indie rock distinguished by memorable guitar lines, infectious melodies, and clever wordplay. Their approach nods to longstanding alternative rock traditions yet originates chiefly from the group's internal creative impulses. Having surfaced amid the Toronto music community during the middle of the 2000s, the outfit has maintained a consistent output of dynamic and imaginative full-lengths, among them 2008's Red, Yellow & Blue and 2013's Birthmarks. They began the 2020 calendar year by unveiling the thematically linked JUICE and SQUEEZE.

The band took shape in Midland, Ontario during 2002 when vocalist and guitarist Luke LaLonde joined forces with his cousin, bassist and vocalist Mitch DeRosier, along with drummer Steve Hamelin. Initially performing as Mornington Drive, the musicians relocated to Toronto in 2004 and promptly adopted the Born Ruffians moniker. The trio swiftly built a following on local stages through their sharp, riff-driven material and animated performances. An early demo secured a contract with the British electronic imprint Warp Records for North American distribution, while XL Recordings managed European releases and Paper Bag handled Canadian issues. Their self-titled debut EP arrived in 2006, after which the group toured the U.K. and North America and made a guest appearance on the British television series Skins.

Born Ruffians delivered their debut full-length, the Rusty Santos-produced Red Yellow & Blue, in 2008. Supported by the singles "Hummingbird" and "Foxes Mate for Life," the record received favorable critical notice and brought an Independent Music Awards nomination for Pop/Rock Album of the Year. Cut over a two-week span with Santos again behind the boards, 2010's Say It marked the expansion to a quartet via the addition of guitarist and keyboardist Andy Lloyd. Following promotional tours for that release, the members paused to recharge, a period during which LaLonde issued his solo effort Rhythymnals near the close of 2012.

The collective reconvened by April 2013 to record their third album, Birthmarks, whose material largely took shape during a shared retreat in rural Ontario; the set became the first project issued under their American arrangement with Yep Roc. Once initial touring for Birthmarks concluded, Hamelin departed and Adam Hindle assumed drum responsibilities. The band resurfaced in 2015 with their fourth studio album, Ruff.

By 2017 Hamelin had rejoined Born Ruffians, coinciding with Lloyd's exit after the birth of his daughter. Reduced once more to the original power trio configuration, the musicians entered the studio and issued their fifth LP, the Richard Swift-produced Uncle, Duke & the Chief, to strong acclaim in February 2018. Two years afterward, JUICE and SQUEEZE emerged in quick succession, both reflecting a deeper immersion in colorful psychedelia and power pop. The trilogy reached completion with the early 2021 arrival of the companion release PULP.