A rock & roll outfit from Toronto, the Deadly Snakes came together when a circle of local friends decided to start making music in 1996. André St. Clair handled vocals and guitar, Max Danger played organ and piano, Matt "Dog" Carlson took care of trumpet and harmonica, Yuri Didrichsons held down bass, Andrew Gunn sat behind the drums, and Carson Binks rounded out the lineup on saxophone. Their high-voltage '60s Southern soul stayed grounded enough to sidestep any hint of affectation, quickly earning them a modest local following through rowdy, high-spirited performances. After one particularly charged show in Memphis, the band brought Greg Oblivian aboard to helm their first album. By the time sessions began, James Sayce had already taken over bass from Didrichsons. Sympathy for the Record Industry issued Love Undone in May 1999; the record drew strong notices, and the ensuing tour helped solidify the group’s standing. When they prepared to cut the next album, Didrichsons returned to the bass chair, Jeremi Madsen stepped in for Binks on saxophone, and Oblivian became an official member. In the Red released I'm Not Your Soldier Anymore in August 2001.
