Canadia Skatepunks Curbside are hitting the streets

14 years since their last release Canadian punks Curbside are back with a blazing melodic punk rock single. The melody soars like Bad Religion with a driving bass drum rhythm pounding along. 

This is a precursor to an album coming out later this year. I’m looking forward to that collection of high speed harmonies.  I sent some questions off to Patrick in the band and got the following back

A little bit of history of the band for those of us on this side of the Atlantic?
Way back in 2008, the long-running Canadian punk band HANDHELD decided to hang up their skate shoes—well, temporarily, as it turns out. But Pat from HANDHELD wasn’t ready to put the pen down. Songs kept pouring out of him, and rather than let those ideas gather dust, he rallied a few comrades from the local punk scene (folks from Some Other Influence, Frank Dux, and, of course, Handheld) and CURBSIDE was born. What started as a fun side project quickly took on a life of its own. We dropped our debut full-length in 2012, followed by a punchy little EP in 2016. Then life got busy, but the songs never stopped coming.

How’s life going in Canada these days?
Oh man… it’s a bit of a chaotic circus up here at the moment with our neighbors to the south —picture maple syrup slowly spilling over a flaming tire fire. Honestly, burying ourselves in the process of finishing this record has been a welcome escape. Writing songs is therapy, community, and a much-needed outlet. Plus, nothing heals like yelling into a microphone.

First album in 13 years. Why now?
Believe it or not, a good chunk of these songs have been percolating since shortly after we released the EP in 2016. We just kept writing and stacking ideas like old pizza boxes in the rehearsal space. Then real life threw a few curveballs—schedules, families, a new bass player, the usual punk rock logistics. But once things aligned again, it was like lighting a fire under our skate shoes. It felt like now or never, and we picked now.

Is punk rock an important phenomenon for you?
Absolutely. Punk rock isn’t just a genre—it’s a lifeline. It’s been the one steady, unshakeable part of our lives for as long as we can remember. It’s the soundtrack to our best memories, our biggest meltdowns, and all the ridiculous road trips in between. That’s actually a big theme in this new record—how punk stays with you, no matter where life drags you. It’s more than power chords and shouty choruses; it’s family.

What kind of records and bands have taught you everything and shaped who you are?
We’re students of the fast punk school—Bad Religion’s lyrical precision, NOFX’s wit and chaos, Lagwagon’s emotional rollercoasters, No Use for a Name’s heart, Relient K’s melodic flair, and the technical fireworks of Belvedere and Bigwig. Bands like Craig’s Brother, This Is a Standoff, and Thrice all left deep marks on our musical DNA. Basically, if it had breakneck drums, harmonized guitar leads, and a melody that hit you in the gut—we were all in.

Does it get more difficult or easier to be in a band and play gigs as time goes by?
Honestly? Easier. Like a fine Canadian whiskey, we’ve aged into it. Sure, we’ve all got day jobs, families, and bad backs now, but we’ve also got better gear, tighter chops, and a deeper appreciation for every sweaty basement and beer-soaked bar we play. We’re not chasing trends—we’re playing because we love it. That’s a kind of freedom you only get with time.

What’s on the band’s agenda for the rest of 2025?
We’re gearing up to unleash our new full-length record into the wild, and we couldn’t be more stoked. After that, it’s showtime—gigs, festivals, maybe even a mini-tour if we can all sync our Google Calendars. Expect a lot of fast songs, awkward stage banter, and nostalgic shout-alongs. Basically, we’re ready to get loud, get sweaty, and remind people that CURBSIDE is very much alive and kicking.

niallhope