A little under two years ago, four childhood friends started making music in a Toronto basement. They dubbed themselves ‘Topanga’ either after the character on the popular television show Boy Meets World, or a canyon in California—take your pick. They had few expectations and no goals in mind—just a shared love of punk rock. The band produced a four-track EP titled Lionheart in 2011 as a result of this common enthusiasm; though they describe themselves as a “punk band,” a pop influence is hard to deny. However, the band strives to differentiate itself from the whiny, power-chord ridden stereotype of punk rock, using the term “punk-pop” to break away from some of the former genre’s connotations.
“We like to play aggressive music and push the boundaries without losing that catchiness element,” says lead singer Stefan Babcock. “We try to use interesting time signatures and stuff like that, but also [try to] write memorable hooks that people can sing along to.”
For a while, Topanga remained just a group of friends without any concrete musical aim. They were serious about staying together as a band, but largely in order to satisfy their personal desires to play, rather than take their music to the next level. This all changed when producer John Drew—who has worked with the likes of Tokyo Police Club and Fucked Up—came into the picture, and gave the four the push they needed.
“We owe a lot to that guy [John Drew],” Babcock says. “He made us realize, maybe there is something there and we should maybe work a little harder, have a go at music as a career.”
The band sent Drew a few tracks, which he loved, and together, they produced a 7-inch record titled Oceans, released in early 2012.
Only a year and a half old, Topanga plans to re-enter the studio following their current tour and stay in Montreal to record a full length album. They will be collaborating with Dave Schiffman, who has worked with bands like The Bronx—a favourite of the four. The album is expected to debut in the spring of 2013.
As a testament to the group’s dedication, all four have recently quit their jobs. The band is still fledgling; youthfulness permeates every aspect of their approach. This freshness, which comes out in their recordings, is ingrained in their style as musicians and is palpable in the atmosphere of their live shows. They admittedly like to jump around, and rowdiness is encouraged at their performances.
“We started out pretty much exclusively playing house parties, so that has informed a lot of how we are on stage,” Babcock explained. “The four of us are best friends and we just try to have the best time ever no matter what we are doing, including playing shows.”
The group plans to play at POP Montreal again this year, performing with bands such as Hollerado and Born Ruffians. They will also be playing on October 16 at Casa del Popolo along with The Pack A.D., a garage punk duo from Vancouver.
Those even mildly interested in rip-roaring, youthful, and catchy punk-esque music will enjoy listening to Topanga’s newest single “Guilt Trip.” The band’s musical future holds a good deal of promise—check them out, and get caught up in the fervor.
Music and tour info are available at musicoftopanga.tumblr.com.
