Belvedere

Belvedere is a Canadian punk band from Calgary, Alberta, formed in 1995. The group plays melodic punk and hardcore-influenced skate punk, and its line-up has changed several times over the years. The verified membership listed for the act is Graham Churchill and Steve Rawles. In its early form, the band begins as a trio with Steve Rawles on guitar and vocals, Brock on bass and Dan Hrynuik on drums.

Background and style

The band takes its name from the 1980s sitcom. Its sound centres on fast, technical playing with melodic vocals, and it develops within the melodic pop-punk tradition, with Bad Religion and NOFX cited as reference points. Although it starts without the intention of playing live, it builds a cult following in the Canadian punk scene.

Recordings and touring

After recruiting second guitarist Scott Solo, drummer Jay Hollywood and bassist Jaison Synclair, Belvedere releases its debut album, Because No One Stopped Us, in 1998 on Hourglass and 206 Records. After a year of extensive touring, including dates with Bad Religion and Strung Out, 206 Records issues Angels Live in My Town in 2000. The Montreal label Union 2112 releases 'Twas Hell Said Former Child in 2001, which coincides with the band’s first European tour. A split release with Downway, Hometown Advantage, follows in 2003.

Later releases and activities

For Fast Forward Eats the Tape, Belvedere works with producer Blair Calibaba in Calgary. The band continues to play shows with Death by Stereo, Tsunami Bomb and Misconduct in 2004. It performs at Warped Tour and Groezrock, and it also appears on bills associated with those festivals. The group breaks up in 2005 after a final hometown show in Calgary, then later reforms for further shows in Europe, Canada and Brazil, including a return appearance at Groezrock.