Biography
Yesterday's Ring emerged as an acoustic project spun off from the Quebec punk outfit the Sainte Catherines, retaining the same raw drive and intensity despite their country leanings and quieter dynamics, while revealing an emotional depth that balances grit with warmth. Longtime friends guitarist Frederic Jacques and singer Hugo Mudie had already launched the Sainte Catherines back in 1999, building a following across Canada and the United States via relentless live shows. During a 2001 tour stop in Memphis, TN, the pair spent a day off crafting country-tinged ballads over a case of beer, eventually completing six numbers they felt deserved proper recording. Enlisting Louis Valiquette of Roller Starter and Akiata for additional guitar and vocal work, they issued a split release with the ska-punk band the Couch Addiction just months afterward. Strong critical response prompted regular gigs around Montreal, where the lineup grew to a quartet once Marc-André Beaudet, also a Sainte Catherines and Rollerskater member, joined on guitar. By 2003 the group tracked its debut full-length effort, 11 Chansons Pour Faire Pleurer les Morts-Vivants, incorporating piano, violin, and percussion alongside the core guitars and voices. Further Canadian acclaim led to expansion into a seven-piece configuration that welcomed drummer Rich Bouthillier, bassist Pablo Boerr, slide guitarist Ryan Batistuzzi, and Malcolm Bauld, who stepped in for Beaudet while contributing keyboards, harmonica, and accordion. Their second album, El Rancho, arrived in spring 2005, followed by the EP Back from El Rancho the next year.
Albums
