The two young men who form the band Jupiter Hollow reckon their sound is just a natural for fans in Barrie, and they look forward to proving it next week at Foxx Lounge on Dunlop East.
“Our sound,” says Grant MacKenzie, “is usually referred to as spacey, experimental and refreshing, reminding listeners of bands like Tool, Rush, A Perfect Circle, Karnivool, Rishloo, Tesseract and The Contortionists.”
And wherever the 21-year-old MacKenzie – who grew up in Oro-Medonte – and 18-year-old cohort Kenny Parry (a Barrie boy) roam, it’s good to come back to the place where it all began for them.
“Barrie has a pretty good music scene for our style of music.”
The twosome’s debut EP, Odyssey, has called on a number of influences besides the ones listed above. But, above all, says MacKenzie, “we really influence each other musically as band members.
“Bands like Rush and Pink Floyd definitely played a part in our early development of musicians, as they are some of the pioneers in progressive rock. We have people say they hear similarities to Rush and us which is a huge compliment, but it didn't directly influence our writing for the EP.”
MacKenzie describes Odyssey as Jupiter Hollow’s own “twist” on progressive rock, reviving some of the sounds that probably haven’t been heard for some time.
“We feel that everyone wants the good old rock/metal to make a comeback and we plan on being a part of this new wave! A lot of people might not realize that the whole EP was done by just the two of us; Kenny does vocals, drums and piano and I do the guitars, bass and synth. This is something that most people seem to be surprised by.”
The EP is self-released five-track concept record, done as a prelude to Jupiter Hollow’s planned full-length work, Ahdomn, due out sometime in the near future.
The two have also enjoyed their tilt at making videos of their music, the visuals aimed at enhancing the emotions behind the songs. Fans can hear and see that on the videos for Deep in Space, Hades Heart, and a mini-medley of a tune called Ascending combined with Hades Heart.
MacKenzie and Parry have showcased their music and honed that sound in clubs in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, and while they both know this area pretty much like the backs of their hands, the atmosphere they encounter at the Foxx is something that blows them away.
“The Foxx is a must-stop venue for rock and metals bands touring through Barrie. Everything from the lighting, the weird stuff on the walls, the arcade games, the great food and the overall atmosphere is great.”
The two musicians are sure fans who take their rock and roll seriously will take in that atmosphere and add to it.
“The (Foxx has) a pretty serious rock crowd there, too... the kind that get up close to the stage and go crazy! We have had so many good times at this venue and are stoked for our show there on Aug. 3!”
You can listen to and purchase the debut EP directly from their official website, available by clicking here, a site which also has links to social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, etc!
After the duo finishes at the Foxx, it’s back on the road to Ottawa and Montreal for a few more gigs on their summer tour.
Jupiter Hollow plays the Foxx Lounge, 16 Dunlop St. E. in Barrie Thursday, Aug. 3. Show begins at 7 p.m. For tickets and information, just click here.
