Constantines

Emerging from Guelph, Ontario, in 1999, The Constantines featured Bryan Webb and Steve Lambke sharing vocals and guitar, bassist Dallas Wehrle, keyboardist Will Kidman, and drummer Doug McGregor. The group shifted its base to Toronto by 2001 and released its debut self-titled album, whose raw, moody mix of arty dub-punk with trad rock energy and pop angles drew immediate widespread embrace. That record earned a Juno nomination for Best Alternative Album while reaching the top of college radio playlists across Canada and the United States. The band maintained a heavy touring schedule throughout 2002 and put out the Modern Sinner Nervous Man EP on Suicide Squeeze that April. Constant road work and mounting critical praise generated strong anticipation by summer 2003, which Shine a Light—issued on Sub Pop in August—only amplified further, prompting the group to remain on tour through October. After extensive live dates and studio sessions filled much of 2004, The Constantines returned in 2005 with Tournament of Hearts before signing with Arts & Crafts for the more restrained Kensington Heights in 2008.