Calgary, Alberta is a generally pretty cold city I know little about apart from that it hosted the Winter Olympics when Jamaica entered; and I only know that because Cool Runnings was my favourite film when i was a kid (I still think it’s great. And, interestingly, pint-sized gambling football substitute Michael Owen claims it’s the only film he’s ever seen). There’s something in this cold, bleak environment that must inspire dark, post-punk bands. I guess having to wear big coats and seeing steam come out of your mouth must make everyone feel a little more like Ian Curtis.

Sharp Ends make icy, stark, post-punk that certainly reflects the general climate of their city. Yes, they are a little early Joy Division, but in a way that actually understands what Joy Division were about and doesn’t just ape their singer’s voice over some average echo-y chorus sounds. Anyway, the track below is great and is released on Mammoth Cave Records, they have another 7″ out on Hozac and forthcoming releases on Volar and Pizza Records.

SHARP ENDS - CRACK TRAP

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JOEL WRIGHT