Summer Bruises is a Calgary-based band that combines indie rock flair and dream pop melodies. Made up of former members of iconic and beloved Calgary bands Hot Little Rocket, High Parade, Committee of Public Safety, Edmonton’s Nature Of, as well as Nova Scotia’s The Mean, Summer Bruises features the extraordinary vocal and writing talents of newcomer Elyse Szabo. The band’s layered sound has earned comparisons to Beach House, St. Vincent, Wye Oak, Daughter and Timbre Timbre.
Summer Bruises recorded their sophomore album, ‘Out of Body’, in July of 2024 with producer Lorrie Matheson. Out of Body is a cold, dark, but danceable bleed-out, and it doesn’t pull any punches. The songs explore themes of abusive relationships, escaping them, the loneliness of loss, living with the mistakes we make, and the desire to heal. The album has less of a political tone than the tender Light to Waste’, their debut album, and feels more like a late-night, candid and impassioned conversation with someone who has just seen the light for the first time after spending years trapped in a dark room.
Name:
Summer Bruises
Genre:
Dream pop, Indie Rock
Founded:
2019
# of Albums:
Two albums: 1) Light to Waste and 2) Out of Body
Latest Album:
Out of Body
Latest Single:
Death Disco
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Joe Strummer. Listening to the lead singer of the Clash taught me that music can be meaningful and purpose-driven while also being fun and joyful.
Favourite musician now:
Joe Strummer
Guilty pleasure song:
Girl from Ipanema by Astrud Gilberto
Live show ritual:
Post show Dim Sum! Usually at U and Me. A great opportunity to relax and reconnect as a band over wonderful orders of steamed dumplings.
Favourite local musician:
Lorrie Matheson. No other musician I know is as passionate as he is, with a motive operandi similar to that of Joe Strummer.
EP or LP?
LP. It’s more work but it’s a more fulfilling listening journey.
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl. Creativity flows at night, maybe as inhibitions and anxiety decrease.
Road or studio?
Studio. Being in the studio is like a wonderful holiday in which you can focus on your art and hear the result of all the hard work from the time of the writing process.
Any shows or albums coming up?
We just had our release show on September 13. Stay tuned for a follow-up show in November!
Where can we follow you?
Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Tokyo Street Market. Their ramen is delicious!
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
17 Ave SW. There are so many great record stores (Sloth Record, Blackbryd Myoozik, Melodiya Records), coffee shops (Analog, Cafe Beano), and restaurants to choose from.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
North Glenmore Park. Lots of hidden gems in the Weaselhead area for biking, hiking and mischief.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
The Palomino Smokehouse. It’s been a staple in the Calgary music scene for years, with two great stages to play. Plus a delicious menu! Dan Northfield has always supported local independent music.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Long & McQuade Chinook. They have such a great variety of instruments, a good selection of quality, used gear and amazing sales.
