Rock My World Canada, chapter 93: KENmode

[Mike Car has created a catalogue/reference work featuring all kinds of Canadian rock and alternative releases from the past few decades. Check out his a massive volume on Canadian music history entitled Canadian Alternative & Indie Reference and Collector’s Guide. It’s an incredible discography of hundreds of bands. – AC]

KENmode is comprised of Jesse Matthewson (Guitar, Piano, Vocals), Shane Matthewson (Drums) and bassist Skot Hamilton. Formed in 1999, in Winnipeg, KEN mode cut their teeth in the early aughts with a pair of records 2003’s Mongrel and 2006’s Reprisal. The group would find breakout underground notoriety with their Juno award-winning album, 2011’s Kurt Ballou (Converge, High on Fire, Code Orange) produced Venerable. This marked a decided shift for the band, embarking on an unrelenting touring schedule for the following 5 years; releasing two additional full lengths – 2013’s Entrench and 2015’s Success (both Juno-nominated and highly critically-acclaimed). Burnout was inevitable, and in 2016 the band took a step back to regroup. In 2017 the band began writing with a newfound focus and desire, in the most collaborative effort they have ever put together. – KENmode

Find out more about this artist and hundreds of other Canadian artists in the softcover edition of Canadian Alternative & Indie Reference and Collector’s Guide. Get your copy here. Follow Mike on Facebook and Twitter.