Vancouver rock/ metal band No Other Way were so inspired by one of Southern Alberta’s most distinctive landmarks, that they saw it as a metaphor for touring and named their new CD after Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump.
“SNFU has a song called Head Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump, but we don’t. I’m glad you asked that,” said guitarist Sam Welland of the new CD, which was recorded last year and was just released, Oct. 21. They will be back to play a headlining show at the Slice on Wednesday, Nov. 10.
“Last time we were out here with White Cowbell Oklahoma, we saw the sign and I said, ‘We have to go there.’ I always wanted to get there so I did some historical research on the place,” he said adding he was surprised by the number of buffalo killed there.
“It just seemed like, with always being on the road, that we were like the buffalo,” he said.
“Life on the road can be long and frustrating but it also can be very rewarding. It always is a blast,” said Welland, along with his brother Luke on lead vocals and guitars, bassist Pete Dimov and drummer Sean Laframboise, make up No Other Way.
Their new music combines the vocal stylings of Roger Daltrey with the harmonized guitar riffs and solos of Iron Maiden, a touch of Zakk Wylde and the punk energy of Sum 41.
“Yeah, that’s me and Luke harmonizing on guitar,” Welland described of the harmonized guitar playing in the band’s music, adding the music has changed over 2.5 albums.
“There’s less hate. No, there’s still lots of hate, but also more rock and roll,” he said adding the tour in support of the CD is going well.
“We have two days in Saskatoon, and that is always a good time,” he said adding, while they’d rather play for a big audience, they’d also rather play for a small audience who is into the music as opposed to an indifferent large audience.
“As long as there are people there enjoying themselves, we’re enjoying ourselves. We’d rather play for four people who like the music than 400 people who aren’t enjoying it. No, make that 14. If it’s only four people, it makes us bitter and angry, but 14 can be a crowd,” he continued.
Before the White Cowbell Oklahoma gig, the last time they played Lethbridge was years ago at the Tongue N’ Groove.
“It was pretty cool,” Welland recalled adding they haven’t played with White Cowbell Oklahoma again since their tour, but have a few dates lined up with Kobra and the Lotus.
“We hope some of the people who saw us with White Cowbell Oklahoma will get the memo that we’ re coming back and come and enjoy the show,” he said.
The show begins at approximately 9 p.m. at the Slice, Nov. 10.
