You have heard many multi-award-winning bands come out of Vancouver, but what about multi-award losing? That is the self-proclaimed title of The Zolas, an alternative rock band born in Vancouver, British Columbia.
They’re doing quite well for themselves, sitting at a comfortable 60 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify. If they sound familiar but you can’t quite place a name to a face, their track Molotov Girls off Swooner (2016) might ring a few bells.
There are two faces The Zolas have worn, and they are before Swooner, and after Swooner.
Released under Light Organ Records in 2016, it is an understatement to say that this album just impacted the career of The Zolas, it put them on the map! In October the band will be playing shows all across Canada, beginning on October 7th at The Pearl in their own hometown, Vancouver. The musical sound of The Zolas is more indie pop than it is rock. Their music is consistent though, and if you are a fan of The Zolas, or even just that genre, you will find peace in their music.
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The band relies heavily on fast rhythms and synthesizers. The Zolas without a hi-hat is like a fish out of water, their music is bright and rhythmic to a fine precision. I’m using their album, Swooner, as a point for my reference when I say that The Zolas are reminiscent of the band Sloan. The similarities come from their power-pop melodies and bright guitar. Both bands also write for the audience in the crowd with hooks that are bigger and broader than most, making it easy for you to grasp on to them and sing along.
Have you spent much time at The Pearl? It is a popular spot for local bands, especially ones who swing by on tour. The Zolas are hitting that venue twice in October 2026, once of the night of the 7th, and the other on the 10th.
It is so easy to immerse yourself into the music and personality of The Zolas and if you are a Vancouver local, I recommend stopping by to see a home band.