The Perms

Canadian alt-rock trio the Perms formed in Brandon, Manitoba in 1998. Brothers Shane (bass/vocals) and Chad Smith (guitar/vocals) had each been playing in their own bands for several years before enlisting drummer Paul Thorsteinson to form a classic power pop trio inspired by their mutual love for '70s rock and power pop. Citing Cheap Trick, Badfinger, and Weezer as influences, the Perms signed with Winnipeg indie Hugtight Records and released their debut album, Tight Perm, in 1998. The band eventually relocated to Winnipeg, where high school friend John Huver replaced Thorsteinson on drums in time to record their 2002 follow-up, Clark Drive. They began expanding their touring range across Canada and the U.S., and in 2005 released their third album, Better Days. Their tight, melodic power pop and energetic live shows began to find an audience, and following the release of their fourth album, Keeps You Up When You're Down, they began touring in Europe as well. Their fifth album, 2011's Sofia Nights, was in fact inspired by their first European tour and resulted in them heading overseas again in 2012. The four-song Aberdeen EP appeared a year later in 2013.