Alexisonfire

Alexisonfire is a Canadian post-hardcore band from St. Catharines, Ontario, active since 2001. The group forms in late 2001 after the break-up of three other bands. Its line-up includes George Pettit, Dallas Green, Wade MacNeil, Chris Steele, Jordan Hastings and Jesse Ingelevics, with Ingelevics playing drums from 2001 to 2005 before Hastings joins in 2005.

Style and vocals

The band’s music combines turbulent, explosive dynamics with intricate guitar melodies. It is associated with post-hardcore, screamo, hardcore, emocore, emo, alternative rock, experimental rock, noise rock and pop screamo. Alexisonfire uses two main vocal approaches: George Pettit provides screamed vocals, while Dallas Green sings, with additional vocal support from Wade MacNeil. Its lyrics range from relationship problems to go-karting.

Name and early history

The band name comes from Alexis Fire, a lactating contortionist stripper. After the group uses the name and the alexisonfire.com web address, she threatens legal action, but no lawsuit follows because the title is not trademarked. The band then changes its website address to theonlybandever.com.

Releases

Alexisonfire releases a series of demos, EPs, albums and a live album/DVD. These include the Math Sheet Demos, Pink Heart Skull Sampler, the self-titled debut album, Brown Heart Skull Sampler, Watch Out!, The Switcheroo Series split EP with Moneen, Crisis, Old Crows / Young Cardinals, iTunes Original, Dog's Blood, Death Letter and Live at Copps. Two bonus-track releases appear on Japanese pressings of Crisis and Old Crows / Young Cardinals.

Awards, touring and reception

The band’s largest fanbase is in Canada, although it also gains popularity in Australia, Europe and the United States. In 2010 it tours Australia with Break Even, Europe with Chickenhawk and The Computers, and Canada with Norma Jean and La Dispute. It is nominated for “ugliest rock band ever” at the CASBY awards, where it loses to Sum 41, and it wins the “Best New Single” award for “The Northern” in 2010.

Related projects

The band members are also involved in several side projects. Dallas Green runs City and Colour. Wade MacNeil forms Black Lungs and later serves as vocalist for Gallows. George Pettit runs Strange Notes and forms Dead Tired. Jordan Hastings plays in Cunter and Say Yes.