The Decoys play Valley First Music in the Park in Armstrong Aug. 19.

The Decoys play Valley First Music in the Park in Armstrong Aug. 19.

It’s classic rock for The Decoys

Kamloops-based band plays Valley First Music in the Park in Armstrong Aug. 19

Valley First Music in the Park is proud to announce that The Decoys will be playing Friday, Aug. 19.

What originally formed as a band to support guitarist and vocalist Matt Stanley’s solo EP, The Life & Times, in 2008, has developed into a three pieces of good old rock n roll fun known as The Decoys. Comprised of Stanley on guitar/vocals, Sean Poissant on drums and Sean Schneider on bass, the Kamloops, B.C.-based band delivers raw and honest tunes influenced by the spirit of artists like Neil Young, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Led Zeppelin.

Their 2011 debut album Stripped, Bare, And On Display, co-produced by Henry Small (Prism, Scrubbaloe Caine, John Entwistle Band) garnered much support from western Canadian radio for their singles I Know and Modern Disaster leading them to be one of western Canada’s most active independent touring acts. With that support and a growing fan base, The Decoys are getting ready to release their follow up and sophomore album, In Our Blood, which has evolved on a musical level.

“We definitely have a power trio kind of sound now,” said Stanley. “We have a different bass player on this album and when we parted ways with our former lead guitarist, I went from playing rhythm guitar to playing lead guitar. We’re also better players and songwriters at this point.

“The last album was pretty much straight rock and alternative. We’ve dug a little deeper this time around, incorporating elements of punk, grunge, folk and country rock and taking lyrics from everyday life plus the best inspiration for writing songs, which is getting out there, playing live and be a touring rock ‘n’ roll band.”

Released April 15, In Our Blood is already gaining buzz for its infectious first single, Don’t Hesitate, and the band recently completed a tour to Ontario and back in support of the new album. For more information, please visit www.thedecoysband.com

Valley First is proud to sponsor the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce Music in the Park series all summer long until Aug. 28 in Memorial Park, Armstrong! In the event of rain, the event will move to Armstrong Bible Chapel, 2145 Rosedale Ave.

As well as presenting the series, Valley First will also be promoting hunger awareness through its Feed the Valley program each evening. Please support the program by bringing a non-perishable food item to Music in the Park or making a donation at the nearest Valley First branch, online through www.valleyfirst.com or through the Food Banks B.C. online donations portal.

Well-maintained by the Armstrong Spallumcheen Parks and Recreation, Memorial Park is one of Armstrong’s most scenic spots with a swimming pool, children’s water park, playground equipment and lots of shade for people to come and relax all summer long.

Bring a blanket, chairs, snacks and beverages – even your dinner! Relax, enjoy the fresh air and time with family and friends.

 

Vernon Morning Star