Ayyy, back from some time away to bring you another review! This one is the first bit of coverage I’ve written for a band from Canada, and I’m thrilled to have been approached for this one.

Pro Wrestling the Band (appreciate the distinction here, thought I’d be watching WrestleMania for this) was founded in 2020 and bring emoish power pop melodies from London, Ontario.

The upcoming ‘Weanling’ is the third EP from the group, and fourth release overall, having brought out full-length ‘Falling in Love With Pro Wrestling The Band’ last year. With this, they look to capitalise on momentum with tightened power chords and catchy hooks.

Alright, think that’s enough to go on for now. Let’s stop milking this intro (heh, get it?) and get into this!

1. Irish Goodbyes

A distorted and wistful guitar riff introduces the opener ‘Irish Goodbyes’. The song takes us through strong sentiments towards home, with dread growing around constantly having to leave suddenly to go back on tour.

Although “this province gets so cold”, such a lack of wishes of farewell to loved ones “left me breathless and kept me home”.

Vocal harmonies ooh-ing alongside a guitar solo makes up the bridge to complete a track that pines for the easing of emotional pain.

2. Replacements

‘Replacements’ goes down a more metaphorical route, depicting a regretful journey through rooms of unfortunate circumstances, with brief moments of feeling seen simultaneously feeling wrong.

Instead of “drinking from crystal; living for poetry, art and travel”, the protagonist finds his life passing hopelessly by, his days dominated by an endless grind to survive. The story ends in a graveyard, with wonders around whether struggles have been worthwhile.

This is by far the shortest track on the EP at just over two minutes, which I feel fits the chase for self-worth, and indeed the eagerness to leave regrets behind, well.

3. Space

Daintily delivered guitar plucks, differing from the full-force strings that came previously, are the order of third track ‘Space’. The song pays homage to ’60’s and ’70’s folk rock, and portrays a yearning for a reunion with a loved one, while disregarding the social construct that is time.

Despite the love interest believing that “I’m wasting my time”, our protagonist doesn’t give up faith, holding the view that “space is just the thing between you and me”.

The guitar solo in the song’s bridge appears to be inspired by the likes of Boston and Rush, such is the influence of ’70’s classic rock that threads through much of the band’s work.

4. Tarps

The penultimate track ‘Tarps’ goes into a more early emo direction musically, and lyrically revolves around the lives of many going day to day without a proper roof over their heads.

While faster paced than other songs on the EP, it is clear that life for the people concerned can be a slog, with another wistful guitar solo towards the end of the tale appearing bittersweet.

Defiantly describing the cold loneliness that often comes with living in the tent-residing Forest City community, this track features one of my favourite lyrics on ‘Weanling’ in terms of poetic messaging: “The nightstand is a can of second-hand butts and opinions”.

5. Don’t Mind Me

A change in lead vocal responsibility from guitarist Danny to keyboard and guitar player Craig is notable on the stricken closing song ‘Don’t Mind Me’.

Slowing things down but driving up the power chords again, the ballad declares that being in love “beats any high I’ve ever had”. It pleads with a love interest to see a parting of ways as purely temporary, for “I’ll always see you later”.

Regrets continue to plague the mind however, with the notion of wasted time raised by the love interest on ‘Space’ being reversed here to refer to the protagonist’s chase.

Closing Remarks

While ‘Weanling’ harkens back to the glam and progressive rock hey days of the 1970’s, by no means does the concept behind the EP appear dated.

Focuses on heartbreak, current societal issues and other personal struggles blend well on a release that takes cues from power pop and classic rock, to present an authentic group identity while still early in the band’s journey.

If you yearn for heartfelt tales of rocky romance and relatable life struggles – or perhaps wish for a break from the sardonic and nihilistic tendencies that remain common in harder-edged areas of punk – maybe give this release a spin.

‘Weanling’ comes out on the 13th April, with Pro Wrestling the Band touring the UK with Dealbreaker this May.

Cheers to the band for letting me have a listen to this release in advance; and of course to you, dear reader, for checking the review out. Up the Posh, and up the Punx 🤘