Update (Feb. 28):
Please note that the date of the AHRF show has been moved to March 22. Tickets bought for the March 9th show are still valid for this new date.
"For those who cannot attend the new date, refund options will be available," reads at post about the change by the Brackendale Art Gallery.
—Original story—
They got to rock out the Brackendale Art Gallery (BAG) before it shut for renovations last spring, and now they are excited to be one of the bands opening the refreshed culture hub back up in March.
AHRF will take the upgraded stage at the BAG on March 9. (7:30 p.m.; tickets are $10 plus fees.)
The indie rock band is made up of school friends—James Feschuk on guitar, Liam St John on drums, vocalist Miles Lawlor, and Dan Turrene on bass—from Ottawa, but who have all made their way to B.C.
"We were floored last time we played here," said Feschuk, 24, who now splits his time between Squamish and Revelstoke.
He added that the spring show sold out quickly, and the audience was really into the set, crowd surfing and creating a mosh pit.
"I think whenever we get together as a band and talk about our favourite shows ever, that's definitely number one," Feschuk said.
The band's name stands for All Hail Rob Ford (AHRF), after the controversial and infamous Toronto mayor who was embroiled in a drug scandal when the band members were in high school back in 2014.
"Surprisingly, a lot of people get it. So, it's definitely a good joke," said Feschuk. "Someone thought they were being really funny when all the news was coming out—a little high school rebel."
The band takes their inspiration from a variety of artists
"We do pride ourselves on taking inspiration from other Canadian bands," Feschuk said, noting the lyrics of Barenaked Ladies are ingrained in their heads from hearing them growing up.
"Those simple, very easy to understand, straight to the point lyrics."
Of course, they are inspired by The Tragically Hip, covering some of their songs in AHRF's shows.
"Joel Plaskett on the East Coast is another fantastic songwriter; we've covered one of his songs, and he's definitely one of the band's favourites."
The band also writes its own songs.
AHRF released their first studio LP, Extracurricular, in 2022. It was created during the pandemic, while the bandmates were all finishing up at university.
Thus, the lyrics deal with a lot of the angst and feelings of transition from that time.
"You know, I'm finishing up school, what am I going to do with my life? School sucks a little bit, but also, it's going to put me in this cool position in life," Feschuk recalled.
The band is starting to ink more songs for another album, but there isn’t a set date for its release.
When it is ready, it will focus more on where the members are now in their life which is a little more grown up, though not all the way fully adult, joked Feschuk.
"Since we've all moved out and ... started our lives on the West Coast, I think a lot of what we're focusing our writing on is being away from home, being so far away, starting a new life, starting a job—that kind of thing. The next chapter in life, which will automatically be quite different than what we were writing before."
Currently, they are focused on a set list for a summer tour.
But first, they are excited to return to the BAG.
“The BAG is such a special place, and such a great community hub … we definitely really appreciate this opportunity. It's something that's really cool for us.”
Find out more about AHRF on their social channels, go to the Brackendale Art Gallery website for tickets to this show and to keep up with the latest news on the Bag’s renovations.
