In their own words, Woodhawk are made of equal parts 1970s Birmingham and a myriad of 21st century heavy who’s who. Calgary trio Woodhawk are purveyors of riff centric rock and roll. Capable and original, the band is able to craft anthemic fist pumping songs while forgoing tired stoner rock clichés. 

Here, Woodhawk singer, Turner Midzain, talks of one of his favourite acts…Alexisonfire.

For me, I’ve always loved Alexisonfire. They’ve probably been my favourite band since I was in High School. Doesn’t matter how my music tastes have changed over the years, they always hold a special place and I haven’t tired of them.

I remember when I first heard them, probably around 2004. My first initial impression was “why is this guy screaming so much. And why have a screaming vocalist when you have a really good pretty voiced singer.” It just didn’t make sense to me off the bat. But I found myself so drawn to it. And then just one day, it clicked and everything made sense. Haven’t looked back since, and none of the copy artists that came after them did anything for me. But they hold strong to how I felt about them then, and how I feel about them now.

The first song I ever heard of there’s was probably “Accidents” off Watch Out! There was something about the duelling guitars, and duelling vocals that just sounded so beautifully chaotic. It was new and exciting. Throughout all the albums they released in their time, I’ve always loved the next one more than the last. As they got older and changed, so did I. So I was able to grow with the band.

I think when I first started playing music more seriously, I always wanted to make a band like Alexisonfire. Despite my hate for all the copycat bands that already existed. Unfortunately for me, and probably for the best, it never worked. But I still always took ideas I was inspired by, and put them to use in Woodhawk. Does Woodhawk sound like Alexisonfire? Not at all. And that’s good. I can still take my inspiration from them, and use it in a different tone.

Beyond the music, Alexisonfire always had great album art. I probably like Old Crows/ Young Cardinals the best. Mainly due to its simplicity in just being a brown jacket with a red cardinal on it. But I remember being fond of 2004’s Watch Out! because of it’s comic book style graphics.

Through all the time I loved that band, I’m still hearing new things for the first time, reminiscing of old memories and being inspired by it. I’ve seen them live countless times, and like a good wine, they only get better with age.

Many thanks to Woodhawk for taking the time to talk to us about Alexisonfire. You can listen to their latest single below, and connect with them online.

Alexisonfire on tour in 2020; you can check their tour dates here.

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