Hey Predator! was a five (sometimes six) piece emo/math-rock/"post-whatevercore" band out of Montreal, Quebec (Canada) that existed between 2008 to late 2010. Members included: Mathieu Bernard Ball,
Taylor Fredericks,
Tristan Matthews,
Vincent Richard, and
Zakir Jafry.
Now, I say the same things pretty often, as I'm not the best at making descriptions sometimes, but these guys we're really good. One of the best bands out of Canada for the brief period that they existed, without a doubt, and one that is wholly underappreciated.
These boys played a math-y style of post-hardcore/emo with plenty of character, which, after all these years, still holds up really well. It's definitely some of the more creative and somewhat colorful post-hardcore/math/indie/whatever I've heard, with the bands focused execution and musicianship. All the members went on to various different projects, some of which are quite well-known, such as; Worksworksworks (Tristan, Zakir, Vincent (FKA Girl Arm)), Big Brave (Mathieu Ball), and Big Share (Luke Fowlie, their "guest" baritone guitar player). So, they've kept themselves busy all these years.
Sadly, HPs discography is quite sparse, with only two sole releases, each of which are CD releases; a full-length and EP respectively. Put out via Aribin Sillah Records, both releases are seamlessly crafted pieces of math/indie/emo/post-hardcore. The bands growth between the two releases is quite remarkable also, as they quickly refined their sound after a little over a year, though it wouldn't last long.
Firstly, there's their 2009 full-length, titled "Spit Smoke, Black Factories". Essentially the bands beginnings, while also nearly their end. A full 12 tracks long, this record is stuffed to the brim with wit and soot, all of which is seamlessly woven together to make for one hell of a debut. This record is loaded with some great arpeggiated guitar leads, and sharp, rhythmic inflection scattered throughout. Instrumentally, the record kills it, and the vocal performances are in the same boat. Plenty of character, and whine galore, it's practically quintessential vox in the genre. Songs like "Pregnancy Pact" and "How I Learned To Stop Worrying..." are most certainly highlights here, as they are great displays of the bands sound, as well as tightness. A great first effort, and one that more people ought to hear. It's was put on Bandcamp way back when, and is still up to this day, I urge you to check it out!
These boys played a math-y style of post-hardcore/emo with plenty of character, which, after all these years, still holds up really well. It's definitely some of the more creative and somewhat colorful post-hardcore/math/indie/whatever I've heard, with the bands focused execution and musicianship. All the members went on to various different projects, some of which are quite well-known, such as; Worksworksworks (Tristan, Zakir, Vincent (FKA Girl Arm)), Big Brave (Mathieu Ball), and Big Share (Luke Fowlie, their "guest" baritone guitar player). So, they've kept themselves busy all these years.
Sadly, HPs discography is quite sparse, with only two sole releases, each of which are CD releases; a full-length and EP respectively. Put out via Aribin Sillah Records, both releases are seamlessly crafted pieces of math/indie/emo/post-hardcore. The bands growth between the two releases is quite remarkable also, as they quickly refined their sound after a little over a year, though it wouldn't last long.
Firstly, there's their 2009 full-length, titled "Spit Smoke, Black Factories". Essentially the bands beginnings, while also nearly their end. A full 12 tracks long, this record is stuffed to the brim with wit and soot, all of which is seamlessly woven together to make for one hell of a debut. This record is loaded with some great arpeggiated guitar leads, and sharp, rhythmic inflection scattered throughout. Instrumentally, the record kills it, and the vocal performances are in the same boat. Plenty of character, and whine galore, it's practically quintessential vox in the genre. Songs like "Pregnancy Pact" and "How I Learned To Stop Worrying..." are most certainly highlights here, as they are great displays of the bands sound, as well as tightness. A great first effort, and one that more people ought to hear. It's was put on Bandcamp way back when, and is still up to this day, I urge you to check it out!
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Spit Smoke, Black Factories
1. Pageantry
2. Devastation Works
3. Pregnancy Pact
4. Program And Practice
5. Puncture Wounds
6. Harms
7. How I Learned To Stop Worrying...
8. Voyeurs
9. Martyr Heap
10. Chants
11. Ochre Essence
12. The Things We Carried
1. Pageantry
2. Devastation Works
3. Pregnancy Pact
4. Program And Practice
5. Puncture Wounds
6. Harms
7. How I Learned To Stop Worrying...
8. Voyeurs
9. Martyr Heap
10. Chants
11. Ochre Essence
12. The Things We Carried
Lastly, and very abruptly, is the EP "Foxholes And Atheists And So Forth", released October 30, 2010. Put out just one month before the band would part ways, this EP is the band fully realized, with their sound completely honed. The bands personality, versatility, and effervescent wit come together to craft tightly woven, angular pieces of math/post-hardcore. Everything displayed in their previous release is now bearing it's full teeth here, pun intended. It's certainly their crowning achievement, for what that's worth. I'm unsure which is my favorite, as I'm not always one to pick, but regardless, they're both incredible releases that definitely stand on their own. It's also up on Bandcamp for anyone to listen to, and I absolutely recommend it. (Shown below is official product images of the CD package (which I am a proud owner of))
Foxholes And Atheists And So Forth
1. This Is Water
2. No Stars, Just Coins
3. These Lines Don't Mean
4. Things They Don't Teach You In Flight School
5. H1NE1
1. This Is Water
2. No Stars, Just Coins
3. These Lines Don't Mean
4. Things They Don't Teach You In Flight School
5. H1NE1
Now as I've repeatedly foreshadowed, this is the point where the band broke up. No bad blood or anything like that to my knowledge, just adulting and such. I think the band hasn't really gotten their due, however, Tomb Tree put out a discography tape not too long ago, which absolutely rules. It was distributed by Zegema Beach Records, whom you should definitely check out, as they also rule. There's no bonus material on the tape, but it is there for those who are interested. If copies are still around, I recommend picking one up!
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