| The plan was to start a band that was all longtime friends. The idea was to embrace the scene they grew up in. The conspirators are as follows: Matty Matheson (singer), who grew up in the Niagara hardcore scene (with his late '90s band, HANGING HEARTS), and who has gone on to become a chef and restaurateur. Wade MacNeil (guitarist), an active member of ALEXISONFIRE and DOOM'S CHILDREN. The Romano brothers, Daniel (guitarist) and Ian (drummer), rock'n'roll veterans from Daniel Romano' Outfit (TOMMY AND THE COMMIES), and Tommy Major, (bassist) of YOUNG GUV. What resulted is the band PIG PEN. And, from this flash of inspiration, the group's debut fulllength, Mental Madness. It's tough and it's harsh, the music is dark and noisy, and it's got depth. There's an ease to the energy too that spiritually aligns it with those rare fully realized hardcore demos from the classic eraone of those golden, hallowed megaphone announcements that show up now and then in the scene from a band with good ideas, who seemingly came out of nowhere, but who knew what they were from the jump, and who just did it. |
