The Shilohs

Originating from Vancouver, the pop outfit known as the Shilohs blends clever lyrics with folk-inspired nuances and melodic craftsmanship reminiscent of 1960s traditions, all while avoiding any forced nostalgic imitation. Johnny Payne and Mike Komaszczuk established the group in 2008 after connecting through the local indie rock scene in Vancouver, seeking an outlet to showcase their compositions. Their mutual admiration for acts like Big Star, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and the Beatles shaped their direction, prompting them to recruit percussionist Ben Frey along with bassist Daniel Colussi—whom Komaszczuk had encountered during casual blues sessions—to complete the lineup. Local performances soon followed, leading to the creation of a five-track EP that faced numerous obstacles before seeing the light of day in 2010. Returning to the recording studio alongside producers David Carswell and Tanis Gibbons, the band worked on their debut long-player, which encountered similar setbacks and finally emerged in early 2013 via Light Organ Records under the title So Wild. Amidst the postponement, the imprint put out an interim single pairing "Private Lives" with "English Roads" on its flip side. Critical acclaim greeted the album's arrival, highlighted by CBC Radio's observation that "So Wild strips us of all our inhibitions and reminds us that great songs will win out all the time, every time."