(The Rebel Spell)
The Rebel Spell is a punk band from Vancouver, BC. Active from 2002 to 2014. They came together in 2002 in East Vancouver, passionate about community building and social change. Throughout their time together they toured Canada countless times, through the United States, and even Europe twice. They played over 500 shows in the 12 years that they were together. The final show being at our local Wise Hall & Lounge in Vancouver BC on New Years Eve, December 31st, 2014.
The group came together by their shared passion for punk music and activism. A tandem that goes hand-in-hand for the artistically inclined and politically charged. Not only is punk a safe space to take out ones frustrations with the way the world works, but also a space where change can be made. Minds can take spark by emotionally fuelled lyrics, and internal synapses could be changed forever with the mere line of your favourite punk band.
(The Rebel Spell)
Their first album ‘Expression in Laymen’s Terms’ was released in 2003. This was filled with DIY ethos and emotive lyrics and tunes.
As stated on their webpage, “We hand cut and glued cases for the first 500 CDs. Chris Rebel did the artwork and change it over subsequent pressings. Later on our friends from Seattle released it on vinyl on Out of Tune Records.”
The band later went on to create album ‘Days of Rage’ in 2005. This is a fiery, politically charged album that channels their beyond-frustration with systemic injustice, environmental destruction, and societal complacency. It reflects the band’s strong anarcho-punk ethos and activism-centred worldview. Many of the songs in this album call to action against authoritarianism, capitalism, and war.
Their next album ‘It’s A Beautiful Future’ brought in many guest musicians. Kytami played the violin on one track, Troi Poison sung in another, and Nate Cunnings played keys. This album wasn’t created as a prediction, but instead a challenge for it’s listeners to fight for a better world.
(The Rebel Spell / Facebook)
The group consisted of Todd Serious (aka Todd Jenkins), the charismatic frontman on lead vocals. Wretchederin, guitar and founding member. Chris Rebel on bass, while he played a significant role in shaping the band’s early music, he left the band in 2009 – after which Troi Poison and Evan Catalano filled in on bass. Then Stepha on drums, the band’s original drummer who also shared vocals on tracks like ‘All This Costs’ on their final album.
With a heavy heart and shortly after their final show in 2014, frontman and lead vocalist Todd Serious passed away. On March 7, 2015 Todd died in a rock climbing accident in Black Velvet Canyon near Las Vegas. His death rocked the group and shook them and the adoring community to their core.
“Todd had a profound and lasting impact on all of our lives. We will never forget him, and his spirit lives on in our music.” – The Rebel Spell webpage.
(The Rebel Spell / Facebook)
My favourite song by the band has to be ‘I am a Rifle’, it contains the anger and frustration felt across the nation about the impact of violence and colonialism. Take a listen below:
Find out more about The Rebel Spell through the links below:
You can also find their music on Bandcamp and Spotify.
Written by Volante Matheson, Radio Arts & Entertainment at BCIT
Contact: vmatheson1@my.bcit.ca