Pirates Press Records – 03 Nov 2023
Territories may be that best Canadian band you’ve never heard of, and Colder Now may be the sleeper hit of 2023.
Alberta, Canada’s Territories seemed to come from out of nowhere in 2018 and bowled a lot of folks over with their self-titled debut. The truth is, Territories were the former Knucklehead making a conscious decision to reinvent themselves after 16 years as a street punk band. The “new” quartet arrived fully formed, playing an infectious and melodic style of punk.
They followed up Territories with a six-song 10″ and a split 7″ in 2020. Like a lot of bands who launched just before Covid, they could have easily fallen by the wayside. Instead they’ve come roaring back with their sophomore full-length, Colder Now. It’ll only take a minute to remember everything you loved about this band.
Like previous Territories records, the simple title and minimalist art give you very little idea what to expect from Colder Now. The raging guitars that start two minute side A opener “Pacific Ghost” recall Leatherface at their most aggressive. Lead single “Superhero” also burns with more intensity than most of the band’s previous material. “Hello Outsider” and “No Ball & Chain” are hopeful behind the melancholy sounds. The punk is augmented with subtle bits of new wave and alt-rock. The lyrics are so ambiguous that it’s hard to tell if “Powder Keg” is about punk kids or immigrant farmers.
Side B kicks off with “Hometown Calling”, which is clearly a follow up to the band’s 2020 song, “Quit This City”. “7lbs of Hope” references the power a baby can hold. The lead guitar glides over the overdriven but not harshly distorted rhythm guitar on “Do It Alone”. “The Company” is a working class anthem. Woody Guthrie filtered through punk rock. They may have saved the best for last in closer “Recognize the Game”. It gives the record its mysterious title. “Hey kid I see you’re growing older/And maybe the world feels colder now”. Powerful stuff.
Territories feel like a band that could potentially succeed outside of the punk box. Not in a sellout kind of way. They’re definitely punk at heart. It’s just that the songs are catchy enough for commercial radio, and they pack a real emotional punch. Their sing along choruses are big enough to hang with arena rockers. Arriving late in the year, Colder Now may be the sleeper hit of 2023.
For vinyl fiends: The jacket art and insert are all in stark black and white. The bright colored vinyl is a striking contrast. First pressing is 700 on neon orange and 300 on neon violet.
Territories Bandcamp (digital DL, vinyl options)
Territories Spotify
Pirates Press Records webshop (merch, vinyl)
Part-time punk writer, suburban dad and angry old man. Follow my adventures on the Punk Till I Die podcast!
