Superconductor (band)

Former Canadian alt rock band

Superconductor

Origin| Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Genres| alternative rock
Years active| 1990 (1990)–1996
Labels| Boner Records
Past members| Carl Newman
Sean Elliot
Pat Hogue
Scott Gubbels
Brian Gillard
Warren Westling
Mike Kerley
Mike Rohaly
Keith Parry
Joe Preston

Superconductor was a Canadian alternative rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia, active in the 1990s.[1] Led by Carl Newman,[2] the band was known for an unusual instrumental approach which saw up to six guitarists and two bassists performing simultaneously on each song.[1]

## History

[edit]

Formed soon after Newman finished high school,[3] the band included guitarists Sean Elliott, Pat Hogue, Scott Gubbels, Brian Gillard and Warren Westling, bassists Mike Kerley and Mike Rohaly, and drummer Keith Parry.[1] They released the single "The Most Popular Man in the World" in 1991 and the EP Heavy with Puppy in 1992.[4] In 1993 Superconductor released their full length debut album Hit Songs for Girls,[1] which included aspects of metal and punk music mixed with rock.[5]

The band toured to support the album as an opening act for Guided by Voices.[6] Around the same time, Newman joined the side project Zumpano, to concentrate on more pop-oriented music.[7]

The band followed up in 1994 with Anvil to the Fucking Head, an eight-song EP released in the vintage 8-track tape format. Their second and final album, Bastardsong, was released in 1996.[8]

The band broke up following Bastardsong, with Zumpano continuing as Newman's primary band until he formed The New Pornographers.[6]

## References

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1. ^ a b c d "Guitar army on march: Superconductor declares war and wages melodic mayhem". Vancouver Sun, December 16, 1993.
2. ^ "New Pornographers frontman Carl Newman catches us up". A.Side TV, April 2, 2017.
3. ^ Michael Barclay, Ian A.D. Jack and Jason Schneider, Have Not Been the Same: The Can-Rock Renaissance 1985-1995. ECW Press. ISBN 978-1-55022-992-9. p. 640.
4. ^ "Superconductor". Trouser Press.
5. ^ "Superconductor Hit Songs for Girls". AllMusic Review by Nitsuh Abebe
6. ^ a b "The New Pornographers: Together Forever". Exclaim!, August 27, 2014.
7. ^ "Zany Zumpano: Canadian band latest to join Sub Pop". Montreal Gazette, January 29, 1995.
8. ^ "Superconductor: Bastardsong". The Province, November 28, 1996.

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