Music

HIGH FIVES: La Dispute

by Sam Sutherland

Every week, High Fives asks five bands five themed questions over five days. This week, we’re preparing for the Great Holiday Onslaught by talking about holidays, why the rule / don’t rule, and how great it is to talk about them, all the time, while they’re happening.

Hailing from one of my favourite cities ever, La Dispute are probably insanely nice dudes, just like everyone who lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Once, when our van died there, two mechanics looked at it for free, and the manager at our hotel let us stay late without charging us. They also have a great all ages venue called the DAAC (Division Avenue Arts Collective) and a great punk bar called Mulligan’s that basically looks like it was barfed out of a movie set about a sweet punk bar in Michigan. Grand Rapids also has La Dispute, an incredible, adventurous post-hardcore outfit that seems to be in cahoots with bands like Touche Amore and Defeater in redefining the limits of the genre. After several 7”s and EP, the band finally released their debut full-length, Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair, in 2008, igniting a shitstorm of excitement over their aggressive, dynamic take on the kind of emotive hardcore made popular by bands like Thursday and mewithoutYou in the last decade. Currently working on a full-length follow-up to Altair, the band is playing four shows in Ontario with Alexisonfire starting tomorrow night in London. Check their MySpace for the details.

Do you celebrate any holidays during The Holidays?

Yes, we celebrate Christmas.

Do you have any particularly fond childhood memories from this time of year?

Of course! Being in Michigan, a white Christmas is crucial. Snowmen, sledding, hot chocolate, and obviously presents.

Do you have any particularly awful childhood memories from this time of year?

When I realized Santa wasn’t real. A true holiday bum out.

What’s the best holiday film?

Jingle All the Way or Elf.

What’s the best food that’s only available this time of year?

Oh, that’s tough being a vegetarian and all. I do love apple pie for Christmas dinner.

Did you cringe when you were sent questions about the holidays?

Of course not! It’s a wonderful time of year.