The Northern Pikes

FEATURED MUSIC

The Northern Pikes were formed in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in January 1984. The original lineup was spawned from the ashes of three local groups, The Idols, Doris Daye and 17 Envelope, and consisted of Jay Semko (Vocals, Guitar), Merl Bryck (Vocals, Guitar), Bryan Potvin (Guitars) and Glen Hollingshead (Bass). In 1985 Glen left the band & Jay moved back to playing bass, numerous drummers came and went until June of 1986, when Don Schmid (The Idols) joined to make it a permanent quartet.

The band has returned with a brand-new studio album, Forest Of Love. It’s the group’s first new release since 2003, and the first to feature new group member Kevin Kane (The Grapes Of Wrath). He joins founding members Jay Semko, Bryan Potvin and Don Schmid, the gang responsible for classic hits She Ain’t Pretty, Teenland, Things I Do For Money, Wait For Me, Hopes Go Astray, Girl With A Problem, Kiss Me You Fool, Believe and more.

Forest Of Love rings true with the beloved Pikes sound, plus a new guitar edge with Kane’s addition. You get that great variety the band always brings, with rockers, smart ballads, and bright hooks and harmonies, thanks to the luxury of having three top-flight singer/songwriters on board. Leading the way is the edgy first single “King In His Castle,” where nasty guitar verses meet a gorgeous, catchy chorus. In other words, the hits are back, the Pikes are back.