A History Of Go Through Victory Atlas To Make Their Way West

A History Of, a quartet of Halifax hardcore/math rockers, honour the rich antiquity of the port city's music scene. Their Victory Atlas debut EP is an intensified electric shock of sound, as each member serves as a mapmaker contributing to their dense, sporadic outbursts of tempo and time. It all ties in to their moniker.

"Band names are an awful, lengthy experience," says lead singer/guitarist Jeff Parker. "It's a long process.

"A History Of just seemed to fit the aesthetic. The topics I sing about are nautical-themed, mountains, history, the North Atlantic and youth."

On the brink of his thirties, Parker returned home from a five-year globetrotting stint to enroll in Dalhousie University's medical school this coming semester. Since his arrival last year, he rounded up guitarist Noel MacDonald, drummer Lance Purcell and bassist Andrew Gordon MacPherson. All members either have been or are part of other projects — including The Plan, HOTSHOTROBOT, Intercity Runner and Tomcat Combat — but these outside endeavours are taking a back seat as A History Of embark on their first tour.

"We're touring with our friends Medium Mood, which works out well considering Andrew is in both bands," says Parker. "It certainly helps with packing people into the van — one less person to squeeze in."

A History Of aren't nostalgic per se, as their music is a radical rhythmic response to their current surroundings and political views. With precision, stressed and unstressed time changes, volume and stamina, they create music akin to defunct but notable Halifax acts North Of America and Sharp Like Knives.

Catch historically significant performances by A History Of and Medium Mood in these cities:

July 17 Hamilton, ON @ Casbah
July 18 Windsor, ON @ Phog Lounge
July 19 Toronto, ON @ Silver Dollar
July 21 Sackville, NB @ George's Roadhouse
July 22 Truro, NS @ Truro Boys And Girls Club
July 25 Halifax, NS @ Reflections
Aug. 31 Halifax, NS @ One World Cafe