Formed in 2019, Suburban Bicycle Gang is the brainchild of Jerry Grey from Cambridge and Eric St-Pierre from Waterdown, Canada. Since their debut “Soft Balls Are Too Hard”, the duo has been turning heads with their unique fusion of indie, folk, and rock. Their early releases showcased their ability to craft melodic yet raw soundscapes, rooted in the indie-folk tradition but always pushing boundaries. Known for their dynamic performances, where Grey and St-Pierre switch between frontman and drummer roles, they’ve quickly earned a reputation for being unpredictable in the best way possible.
As the years passed, their sound evolved, moving from the folk-rock foundation of their debut to more experimental territory, as seen in their 2023 release “In The Cosmos”. Their eclectic approach to music—blending various genres—has kept fans on their toes, eager for what’s next. The 2024 singles, including “The Council of Rats” and “Change”, mark the latest phase in their evolution, signaling that Suburban Bicycle Gang is unafraid to explore new sounds, never staying confined to one musical box.
On September 27th, 2024, Suburban Bicycle Gang revved up their engines and unleashed “Bud The Spud”, a high-octane punk/rockabilly cover of Stompin’ Tom Connors’ beloved Canadian country classic. In true Suburban Bicycle Gang style, they took this charming, folk-driven song about a potato trucker and injected it with their signature energy and humor. Stripping away the country twang and adding a dose of punk vigor, the duo transforms “Bud The Spud” into an infectious anthem that celebrates the original while standing boldly in its own lane. This release marks another daring step in their musical journey, capturing the spirit of rebellion and fun in a way that only Suburban Bicycle Gang can.
Suburban Bicycle Gang’s execution of “Bud The Spud” is an exciting change from the norm, and their style gives Stompin’ Tom Connors’ Canadian country classic a fresh new sound. You can sense the energy pulsing through the song from the very first note. This version of the song redefines its meaning by taking away the gentle country twang and giving it a strong punk and rockabilly influence. It is not simply another cover. It sounds like they took the classic song, amplified it, and then blasted it into 2024. The song’s minimalistic instrumentation is what draws you in first—there’s an air of simplicity that immediately captures your attention, but there’s a persistent edge that lets you know something explosive is on the way.
The song begins with a straightforward strum of the guitar, a nod to its folk roots, but it quickly shifts gears into a much heavier, faster-paced strumming pattern that introduces the rockabilly twist. The beauty of this arrangement lies in its unpredictability. There’s a tension in the air, and as the guitar builds, it prepares you for the eruption of sound that follows. Enter the lead vocalist—his voice is gritty, full of that raw energy one would expect from a punk-rock frontman. Yet, there’s an underlying melody in his delivery, a subtle respect for the original song’s rhythm and storytelling, making sure that even through this genre-blending transformation, the heart of “Bud The Spud” remains intact.
As the lead vocals surge into the track, the drums kick in, delivering a pulse that runs throughout the song. The drums don’t overpower; rather, they are steady, providing a backbone to the otherwise chaotic and energetic instrumentation. The pacing is intense but controlled, with each beat carefully laid to match the frantic strumming of the guitar. The drummer’s ability to maintain this consistency while adding just enough complexity to keep the listener engaged is one of the song’s most underrated strengths. It’s easy to fall into a predictable rhythm with punk covers, but Suburban Bicycle Gang ensures that there’s always something fresh keeping the track alive.
What really strikes me about this version of “Bud The Spud” is the seamless balance between intensity and simplicity. This layering gives the song its distinct dynamic—there’s a driving force beneath the surface that keeps the song moving forward, but it never overwhelms the raw, punk energy that defines the track. The arrangement creates a sound that feels full and rich, and the bass adds a subtle depth to the track, which gives the rest of the band a solid foundation upon which to build. The bassline isn’t intrusive, but it’s present enough to ground the song, allowing the guitar and drums to shine without feeling hollow.
The vocal melodies are another standout element. The majority of the song’s energy is conveyed by the lead singer’s voice, yet the gentler contrast of the background harmonies balances the gritty punk vocals. By filling in the gaps where the song could otherwise sound too sharp, these harmonies serve to improve the overall sound rather than to take center stage. It’s a useful technique that gives a touch of coziness to the track’s generally intense, fast-paced vibe. By seamlessly fusing the old and the modern, these harmonies, in a sense, help keep Stompin’ Tom’s rendition connected to its original folk-country flavor.
One of the most impressive aspects of Suburban Bicycle Gang’s cover is how they manage to inject humor and playfulness into the song without losing its edge. After all, it’s a humorous story about a potato trucker, so their approach to the song’s plot is lighthearted, but their sound elevates it. A music that is both enjoyable and aggressive is produced by the combination of the guitar riffs, the fast-paced rhythms, and the piercing vocals. Although it’s obvious that the band loves the original song, they don’t hesitate to add their own twist and make it into something fresh and interesting.
The theme of the song—though wrapped in humor—remains universally relatable. It’s about enthusiasm, hard work, and perseverance—values that are equally at home in a punk hymn as they are in a country classic. Regardless of their musical taste, audiences can still relate to these themes in Suburban Bicycle Gang’s rendition of “Bud The Spud”. There is something here that appeals to the soul, regardless of your taste in punk, rockabilly, or folk—the drive, the intensity, and the unrepentant sense of joy that penetrates every second of the song.
“Bud The Spud” by Suburban Bicycle Gang is a remarkable transformation of a Canadian classic. Bold, energetic, and vibrant, it features a smooth fusion of genres that highlights the band’s diversity and inventiveness. In addition to honoring Stompin’ Tom Connors, their punk/rockabilly take on the song reinvents it for a new audience. Both those who are familiar with the original and those who are just learning about it will like this cover. For everyone searching for something new, enjoyable, and heartfelt, this song is a must-listen due to its contagious enthusiasm.
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