Lowest of the Low, the legendary Canadian Indie Rock Hall of Famers, have just released their sixth studio album, Welcome to the Plunderdome. The album features 12 self-produced tracks that showcase the band’s revitalized sound and their commitment to delivering melodic and thought-provoking rock.
The album, released via Sonic Envy Music, has already gained attention with its lead single, “Hey Kid (You Got Soul!)”, which has garnered over 130K views on its joyous video. The song features a strong ska element and sizzling guitars, highlighting the band’s passion and commitment to their unique Lowest of the Low style.
Directed and shot by Low drummer David Ray Alexander, the video for “Hey Kid (You Got Soul!)” features @Aranivah, a popular social media influencer known for her alternative dance videos. Aranivah created some of her videos specifically for the song, adding an extra layer of energy and excitement to the visuals.
Currently, Lowest of the Low is on the road, with their tour set to wrap up in Hamilton on November 9. The band’s guests for the remaining shows include The Discarded and indie rock band By Divine Right. This tour marks six years since bassist Greg Smith (The Weakerthans) and guitarist/vocalist Michael McKenzie joined core members Ron Hawkins, Lawrence Nichols, and David Alexander, and according to frontman Ron Hawkins, this lineup has never felt tighter as a unit.
Hawkins emphasizes the camaraderie and creative freedom within the band, stating that everyone has the freedom to play what they want and arrange songs together. In their regular Monday rehearsal sessions, they even write songs together, embracing a youthful and carefree spirit.
Unlike their previous album, 2019’s Agitpop, which was produced by heavyweight producer David Bottrill, the band took the reins of production for Welcome to the Plunderdome. They recorded bed tracks at Green Door Studio, as well as at Red House and Ron’s house. The engineering credits are shared by John Critchley, Hawkins, McKenzie, and Nichols. Hawkins expresses his excitement about producing the record together, stating that it captures the energy of the band while adding beautiful touches like the judiciously-employed horn section provided by top local players called The Legitimizers.
Lowest of the Low has built a faithful following and a reputation for their joyous live shows, where they showcase their clever wordplay, razor-sharp hooks, and airtight harmonies. Their debut album, Shakespeare My Butt, released in 1991, became a platinum-selling landmark and the best-selling independent release in Canadian history at the time. It was honored by Chart Magazine in 1996, 2000, and 2005, earning spots in the top 10 of the Top 100 Canadian Albums of All Time. In 2008, the band was inducted into the Canadian Indie Rock Hall of Fame.
Welcome to the Plunderdome features the following tracks: “Brave New World,” “Hey Kid (You Got Soul!),” “On a Bad Day,” “Cheer Up, Charli,” “Armageddon Street,” “Wrong Way Round,” “Boomerang,” “Landslide,” “When the Boot Comes Down,” “Glass Towers,” “S.O.S.,” and “Rainy Day Parades and Purple Hearts.”
Fans can catch Lowest of the Low on their upcoming tour dates, including Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa, Peterborough, and Hamilton. With their renewed energy and commitment to their craft, Lowest of the Low is sure to deliver an unforgettable live experience.