Canuck Style: John Westhaver's zippered flares (1980)

Long before making noise with Ottawa's TBWNIS, the stylish John Westhaver tried adding a zipper to his torn flared jeans. 

Get a copy of Here Comes Sickness by The Band Whose Name Is A Symbol via Bandcamp right here. 

 

That time Damo Suzuki sang with The Band Whose Name Is A Symbol

Here's Can's Damo Suzuki with Ottawa's Band Whose Name Is A Symbol performing at the Dominion Tavern back in 2012. 

Ottawa's The Band Whose Name Is A Symbol unleash Symbol Ensemble III

On the cusp of Ottawa Psych Fest II, The Band Whose Name Is A Symbol are releasing Symbol Ensemble III in an edition of 100 copies.

Here's the scoop...
On Wednesday, July 4th, 2018, The Band Whose Name Is a Symbol had a regularly scheduled rehearsal. Perched on the eve of the inaugural Ottawa Psychfest, an “Ensemble” recording had been organised to coincide. This would be the 3rd such gathering with an expanded lineup and the sole intention to roll tape and improvise. Outside Birdman Sound it was a humid 42 degrees and warmer still in the culture bunker downstairs. Scheduled to arrive by air was The Golden Rule, a North West, UK based duo who straddle the Penines and feature top lads Brett Savage (Dead Sea Apes) & Dave Cambridge(Cardinal Fuzz). TBWNIS co-founder Mark McIntyre, coming from Canada’s west coast would also be joining us!

What you hear on “Symbol Ensemble III” is 9 people celebrating friendship and commonality with regard to the simple love of music through free improvisation. This event was captured live off the floor and you hear exactly what went down, unfettered by any foolery or gimmicks what so ever. Super pleased to present this super ltd. edition LP that serves to mark the occasion and hope you all dig! Listen to "Mending Fences" below.



The Band Whose Name Is A Symbol – Symbol Ensemble III 
(Birdman Sound Records) # BS 017
Side A
Mending Fences 9:04
Mancunian Blues 7:05
Side B
Atlantic Barnacles 7:31
March Of The Teutons 9:36

Ltd. 100 vinyl 12” LP w/silk screened covers on recycled chipboard jackets. Includes download code with extra tracks.

Symbol Ensemble III
Dave Reford – guitar
Bill Guerrero – guitar
Mark McIntyre – guitar
Brett Savage – guitar
Dave Cambridge – guitar
Nat Hurlow – bass
Scott Thompson – space horn and electronics
Jason Vaughan – synth, keys, percussion
John Westhaver – drums and percussion

For more info about Ottawa Psych Fest II, check the Facebook page right here. 

Whaddya mean you don't know The Band Whose Name Is A Symbol

The latest album from Ottawa's TBWNIS, Droneverdose, is available as a limited run LP from Cardinal Fuzz.