Chinese Medicine burst onto the Toronto punk scene four years ago and have been a force to be reckoned with ever since. The band – made up of lead vocalist and guitarist Juno Hailey, guitarist Andrew Pearson, bassist Jack-James Lemaire, and drummer Stefan Hegerat – kick out songs that marry post-punk, hardcore punk, and garage rock together to create an urgent, cathartic sound that has continued to grow since the release of their debut EP Die Aspora.
Recorded during a whirlwind day and a half at Palace Sound and produced by Graham Walsh of Holy Fuck, their sophomore EP The Trans Agenda (out May 16 via Twin Fang Records) showcases this growth and then some. The arrangements are inventive and sharp, complementing the emotions contained within the lyrics perfectly whether they are taking aim at the church’s hypocrisy on the furious “Gospel”, talking about family dynamics on the poignantly intense “Speaking in Silence”, or embracing self-acceptance on the joyful “Project Runway”. The band’s collaborative side also shines through on songs like “Acetone” which finds Juno and Andrew sharing vocal duties as well as “Total Happiness” which features guest vocals from Shiv Scott of fellow Toronto punks (and Twin Fang label mates) Shiv and The Carvers.
The energy of The Trans Agenda cannot be overstated. It is impossible not to move in some way or feel the urge to throw down in a moshpit while listening to this record. It leaves no doubt that Chinese Medicine are one of the most vital punk bands active today and couldn’t have arrived at a better time.