Biography
Originating from Vancouver, the Canadian power pop outfit Odds came together in 1987 around vocalist-guitarist Craig Northey, guitarist-vocalist Steven Drake, bassist Doug Elliott, and drummer Paul Brennan. At first the musicians sustained themselves by performing covers under the name Dawn Patrol, yet a relocation to Los Angeles and a contract with Zoo Records—the label home of Matthew Sweet—enabled them to concentrate on the concise, melody-driven material that earned Odds a devoted following. Their style, recalling Elvis Costello and XTC, would later shape acts such as Weezer and Sloan.
Neopolitan, the group’s first album, surfaced in 1991 and produced two modest Canadian successes. Bedbugs followed, highlighted by the college-radio favorite “Heterosexual Man.” In 1995 Paul Brennan departed to join Big Sugar for blues work, with Pat Steward—previously the drummer for Bryan Adams—taking his place. The updated lineup issued Good Weird Feeling the next year. Nest appeared in 1998 and yielded the modest radio success “Someone Who Is Cool.” Shortly afterward Odds backed Sir George Martin for several Vancouver performances, but Craig Northey exited in March 1999 for a solo path and the band soon entered a lengthy hiatus.
Throughout the early 2000s the members explored separate endeavors while frequently collaborating. Official reunion arrived in 2007 with Murray Atkinson joining on guitar. Spring 2008 brought the Cheerleader LP, their first studio release in a decade; it was initially credited to the New Odds during efforts to regain rights to the original name and later circulated in the United States under the Odds moniker. With the one-word name restored, they released the Noise Trade EP in early 2009.
Early in the following decade the musicians served as house band for Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics and for the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks during the 2010 and 2011 postseason runs. Additional EPs arrived, among them 2013’s The Most Beautiful Place on Earth along with 2014’s Game Face On and Party Party Party. The single “Love Is What You Get” appeared in 2016.
Neopolitan, the group’s first album, surfaced in 1991 and produced two modest Canadian successes. Bedbugs followed, highlighted by the college-radio favorite “Heterosexual Man.” In 1995 Paul Brennan departed to join Big Sugar for blues work, with Pat Steward—previously the drummer for Bryan Adams—taking his place. The updated lineup issued Good Weird Feeling the next year. Nest appeared in 1998 and yielded the modest radio success “Someone Who Is Cool.” Shortly afterward Odds backed Sir George Martin for several Vancouver performances, but Craig Northey exited in March 1999 for a solo path and the band soon entered a lengthy hiatus.
Throughout the early 2000s the members explored separate endeavors while frequently collaborating. Official reunion arrived in 2007 with Murray Atkinson joining on guitar. Spring 2008 brought the Cheerleader LP, their first studio release in a decade; it was initially credited to the New Odds during efforts to regain rights to the original name and later circulated in the United States under the Odds moniker. With the one-word name restored, they released the Noise Trade EP in early 2009.
Early in the following decade the musicians served as house band for Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics and for the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks during the 2010 and 2011 postseason runs. Additional EPs arrived, among them 2013’s The Most Beautiful Place on Earth along with 2014’s Game Face On and Party Party Party. The single “Love Is What You Get” appeared in 2016.
Albums
Monocle
2022
Odds and Fightbacks
2021
Party Party Party
2014
Game Face On
2014
The Most Beautiful Place On Earth
2013
Universal Remote
2013
Cheerleader
2009
Cheerleader (Deluxe)
2008
Nest
1996
Good Weird Feeling
1995
Singles
