Edmonton’s Passenger Action not choked up about previous band’s demise
After the dissolution of Edmonton’s beloved rock outfit Choke bassist Clay Shea and vocalist Shawn Moncrieff vowed to continue their quest to make music worth listening to. Quick to capitalize on the natural chemistry he and Moncrieff share Shea began the process of building a new and better band with the assistance of guitarist Ryan “Pod” Podlubny (Thefullblast) and drummer Allan Harding (48). Thus the complex fast-paced tech-rock quartet known as Passenger Action was born. While 13 years spent under the banner of Choke has left an indelible mark on the quartet’s clean-cut sound it’s obvious that they have stamped their own passport to awesomeness.
“We’ve had to think more about the dynamics of what we’re about” explains Shea. “There are a lot of people who are big fans of Choke and I’m sure they’ll hear some aspects of that sound in what we’re doing now because half the band is represented. Shawn has a character voice and people are always going to recognize that but I think the guitar style is more refined and we’ve gone back to a more traditional songwriting structure. When we were in Choke we had this idea that we were going to change music and the ways songs could be written. Later on you realize that the formula exists for a reason.”
Fresh unassuming and armed with a snappy name inspired by a EuroRail term for delays caused by human beings Passenger Action slide in under the listener’s radar only to explode at close range. Canada’s farsighted Smallman Records home to wave-makers like Propagandhi Comeback Kid and Daggermouth was keen to release the band’s stellar self-titled debut which features a dozen multi-layered masterpieces.
“Part of it is trying to sneak in stuff that speaks to us directly while still writing songs that are accessible” Shea says of keeping his songwriting interesting over the years. “Hopefully enough sneaks by that our stuff doesn’t bore us. The biggest difference [between Passenger Action and Choke] is that we don’t put a crapload of pressure on ourselves anymore. In terms of paying our dues we’ve put in our time. “
Playing the waiting game has kept Passenger Action hungry for just that action. Braving the perils of the Canadian winter they have set out on a tour that has already seen them lose control of their vehicle eight times. Harrowing though their travel conditions may be one thing remains effortless for the foursome — making beautifully intricate rock music that lacks neither subtlety nor substance.
“We knew what we were getting into” says Shea. “We’re road warriors riding the storm across the country. We finished recording in June and it’s been tough to sit on this album so long. You can be proud of your accomplishments but you’re never fully happy until you have the experience of sharing them with others. We really wanted to hear that feedback. It feels so good.”
