CAR287 releases debut album

CAR287’s story begins in Winnipeg back in 2014 when four musicians came together in a basement to pay homage to their heroes. Inspired by the sounds of Canadian artists like The Tragically Hip as well as international acts such as The Killers, the group, featuring Jay Yarmey on vocals and acoustic guitar, Travis Wog on guitar and vocals and Terry Ferguson on bass, first set out to recreate the rock they admired. Their passion project soon grew into something with its own identity as the band began exploring themes that spoke directly to modern life, social issues and relationships via their own material.

As their sound developed, CAR287’s ability to blend influences spanning five decades of rock struck a chord with local audiences and beyond. Their growing live presence was strengthened in 2023 with the arrival of drummer Ryan Olenick, whose talents injected energy to their performances. By that point, the band had already spent years developing their sound in front of audiences, building momentum toward recorded work that would capture the flair of their live shows.

In 2022, CAR287 released their eponymous debut EP, recorded at Bedside Studios, presenting a release that offered fans studio takes of some of their most popular songs. Following a string of well-received singles, their next chapter arrives with Looking Through The Lens, the band’s debut full-length record. Recorded live at Winnipeg’s iconic Private Ear Recording, a studio that’s hosted artists like Begonia and Propagandhi and engineered by Derek Benjamin, the album captures CAR287 in their most spectacular form.

Across thirteen tracks, the record balances warm vocal harmonies, driving acoustic rhythms, intricate guitar work and heavy bass grooves, all tied together by a storytelling context that tethers their music in place and history. Each song on the album stands independently while contributing to a larger theme that reflects the life and spirit of the Canadian Prairies.

Opened by the bright vocal harmonies of “Gateway To The West,” the strum of acoustic guitar sets the song in motion as picture painting lyrics provide a transportive listening experience brimming with charming melodies and a gently developing arrangement. “Passing of Days” leans into the band’s more emotive side with elegant piano lines met with heartfelt vocal performance, casting a dreamy scene that develops with delicate guitar tones before rising with the laid back patter of drums and smooth electric guitar flourishes.

“Road Rage Leady” injects bouncy rock swagger with the fuzz of riff-driven energy and punching drums underpinning commanding vocals, resulting in a charged up anthem. With “Muddy Waters,” the band takes inspiration from the region’s floods to serve up a gritty blues rock jam packed full of grooving energy and belted vocal performance.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “Highway Strong” with its hurried rhythms and slick interplay between the vocals and twang of slide guitar, rising to a delightful pop-focused rock chorus that’s truly impossible not to love. “Back and Forth” brings crunchy guitar lines and snapping drums capped by expressive vocals carrying angsty lyrics to craft a lively pop punk outing.

Closing the album with “Take my Picture,” the soft plucks of lightly hazy guitar notes usher in moving vocal leads which drift above before the arrangement jumps with driving percussion to form an uptempo yet melancholic track to conclude the band’s sensational debut album on a highly memorable note. Commenting on the release, frontman Jay Yarmey offers, “This album is about perspective-how we see ourselves, our families, our city, and the memories that shape us. It’s rooted in Winnipeg and in the experiences we’ve lived, but the themes are universal-everyone can find a piece of themselves in it.”

Listen to Looking Through The Lens below