A Different Brand of Noise Returns After Four Decades

Guitarist Robert Ranaldi and bassist Ken Ashdown first crossed paths long after establishing their own separate careers in acts like Secret Act and This "Blue Piano." A chance street encounter in Montreal eventually pulled them and drummer Gonzo together, sparking a brief, high-energy period of rehearsals and campus radio success. Their momentum stalled in the late 1980s as traditional employment took priority, leaving a collection of demo tracks untouched until the pandemic prompted a digital reunion. Trading files remotely for three years, the group mastered audio production to revive their sound, eventually releasing their debut, Blurry, in 2025.

Far More Than Conversation expands on that foundation with nine tracks exploring themes of societal decline, consumerism, and personal history. The single "Who Dares" takes a sharp look at income inequality, while "Do the Poor" incorporates the Sunshine Coast Children's Choir to highlight its critique of wealth disparity. Other tracks, such as "Designs" and "She's the One," pull from decades-old memories and mushroom-fueled afternoons. While the trio remains anchored by their respective careers in labour relations and behavioural neuroscience, this latest release secures a legacy that once seemed destined to remain a bootleg footnote.