"Five Star are immediate. In scope and feeling. With a great cool intensity. Kicking it out hard to a slow rolling acclaim. Go to the edge of this volcano and throw your money into it." –Gord Downie, The Tragically Hip
The lights are dim and the exposed ceiling reveals pipes and valves usually hidden, like an architectural secret whispered in your ear. The only sound is the gentle hum of current passing through endless yards of cable, as analog machines mysteriously turn voice into physical etches on a roll of used 2-inch tape. There’s an antique toaster collection in the kitchen. This is not a place of slick urban cosmetics. This is where music is made. Welcome to the Rogue.
Five Star Trailer Park sits in the warm cocoon of the studio on a frigid night in January, in the very same seats some of their musical heroes – Hawksley Workman, Sarah Harmer, and Blue Rodeo – have sat in the past. The band is frustrated. Lead singer Nick Spence is sweating between takes, but something isn’t right. James Paul, the band’s multiple Juno-award winning producer at the helm of the soundboard, leans forward and speaks. “I need you to testify.â€
This sense of conviction and belief is what powers Five Star Trailer Park, a prominent band from Toronto's vibrant independent music scene. Drawing comparisons to bands as varied as the Foo Fighters, The New Pornographers, and Ryan Adams, this sextet is reputed for songs crafted with both beauty and tension.
"Big sound, powerful energy and finely sculpted lyrics ensure that this trailer park lives up to its rating and has set up camp for a long time to come." -Brian Corcoran, CBC's The Hour
The band is homegrown. The Fight That Broke Your Heart (2008) pays homage to their Canadian roots, from the prairies of Alberta (Aviator) to the paralyzing snowstorms of Montreal in the late 90s (Last Train to Montreal). The bands they choose to cover – Vancouver’s The New Pornographers and Guelph's The Constantines – reside north of the border. Five Star actually enjoys loading out gear at 3am through blizzards and minus 30-degree winds. It somehow seems patriotic and right.
"Five Star Trailer Park's new album 'The Fight That Broke Your Heart' is a pleasant surprise, very reminiscent of early Pearl Jam. It's one of the best rock records I have heard in a long time." -Slavo Kovac, Indigo Music
Five Star Trailer Park has much to be happy about these days. Since the release of their debut album, they’ve had the incredible opportunity to share the stage with some of Canada’s most legendary acts, such as The Tragically Hip, Sam Roberts, and Sarah Harmer, as well as rising stars like Attack in Black and Justin Rutledge. This was followed by a self-made tour of Ontario and Quebec, where the band played to packed houses. They are now routinely selling out Toronto institutions like the Horseshoe Tavern and the Rivoli.
"Wildly infectious rock nuggets with a shot of pop, hooks-a-plenty, not straying too far from heavy guitar-driven theatrics. Simple no-fuss melodies, vocalist Nick Spence is great to watch, posturing and strutting like nothing else matters. A cohesive sound, polished songwriting that captures the passion of high-energy, soaring rock." –The Lonely Vagabond (dot com)
Plans are afoot to begin recording their highly anticipated follow-up album, Dark As The
North Atlantic, due for release in the summer of 2009. Stay tuned. You’ll be hearing lots about Five Star Trailer Park in the upcoming year.
"I really love it. The lyrics and delivery of them is honest...FSTP is totally on the right track. In fact, they're driving the train." -Amanda Putz, Host, CBC Radio 3 Podcast
FIVE STAR TRAILER PARK
