The Speaking Canaries

The(e) Speaking Canaries are from Pittsburgh, but after hearing their music, it wouldn't be implausible if someone told you they came from Mars. The band is essentially the twisted vision of guitarist/singer/UFO expert Damon Che, who can also be found playing drums at times in the group Don Caballero. Bassist Karl Hendricks and drummer Noah Leger join Che, and they fill up quite a lot of space for just a trio. Although the group has been well documented as a bunch of Van Halen aficionados, they are not shameless ripoffs. Like other misunderstood artists (J. Mascis, Captain Beefheart, Roky Erickson, etc.), Damon Che has his very own vision and approach. Guitar pyrotechnics, lengthy songs that reach epic proportions -- nothing is off-limits to Che and company. The group embarked on a long tour after the release of their critically acclaimed double-record debut, Songs For the Terrestrially Challenged, in 1995. Due to the originality of the album, the group found themselves mentioned in such high-profile mags as Rolling Stone, Guitar World, and Raygun. It's also a safe bet that one day Che will be recognized as the great guitarist he is in the often cliquish circle of rock guitarists. The group will be unleashing their long-awaited follow-up album in 1998.