Toronto’s The Conscience Pilate Releases New Single, “Break Like Waves”
Formed in the midst of Toronto’s thriving mid-90s live music scene, indie art rockers The Conscience Pilate shocked fans by disbanding after just one album and at the height of their popularity. During that charged two-year period, the group created enough interest to instill a legacy on the local music scene that endures today. Fast forward 25 years, founding members bassist Edward Pond and vocalist and guitarist Neil Leyton reformed with a vow to resolve unfinished business, committing to release new music between 2023 and 2024. The result is a series of singles including “Little Things,” “Hope,” “Blue Shadows,” “Bloom” and “Army of Devils” and the new singles have gone on to define a whole new musical era for the revolutionary glam band. Their new musical output quickly caught the attention of longtime fans as well as new musical enthusiasts who packed their recent Toronto performance at the Dakota Tavern.
Widely regarded for their guitar-driven pop, their unique sound is best described as a combustion of CBGB’s post-punk flavoured with the edgy romanticism of 80’s alternative. The Conscience Pilate has remained true to these musical roots but now emerges with an even more polished sound that digs deep with lyrics that tell a story in an irresistibly visual and evocative setting.
Their brand new single Break Like Waves, which explores modern paranoia and international tensions reminiscent of the Cold War Era, is inspired by Pond’s formative years growing up on Canadian Air Force bases. His experiences of being in close proximity to nuclear weapons depots with military jets in the air above him continue to find a voice in The Conscience Pilate’s provocative body of work. Released today, Break Like Waves, which draws musical inspiration from bands like the Pretenders and Duran Duran, is a galvanizing track that weaves together imagery of surveillance, and the spirited defiance of youth amid perilous situations.
“When we started the band, we wanted to create something more theatrical and melodic, so we dipped into the 70’s and 80’s for a sound that was sort of T-Rex meets the Cure. Now, when we hit on an idea, we take something tiny, like a feeling, and blow it up into a big world event like war. We also take something big like the end of the world and shrink it down, so it fits into a relationship,” Pond explains. “Either way the words need to have heart, so when we rough a demo together, we try to write parts that let Neil really use his explosive voice”.
While Pond remains the primary songwriter, his innate synergy with Leyton is the driving force behind the band’s creative success. The duo wants The Conscience Pilate to be known for their love of pop music which is heavily infused with their cinematic interests that is fueled by their film-school experience, Pond’s work as a celebrated photographer, and their shared commitment to creating songs that bristle with influences that celebrate the songs they grew up on.
“We believe we need to stay true to ourselves and our conscience, or in good conscience,” says Leyton. “Rather than wash our hands of responsibility and close our eyes to the evils that surround us, we want to create music that motivates you and makes you think, so many of my lyrics have something to do with the decisions we make in life, emotions, regrets and happy-sad longings”.
Review
“Break Like Waves” by The Conscience Pilate is an introspective journey into modern life’s complexities.
The lyrics evoke a sense of disillusionment and urgency, reflecting on broken promises and habits that come crashing down like waves. Lines like “Press eject and confiscate the tape, press eject and place your blade on the tape” metaphorically depict a desire to break free from constraints and societal norms.
Musically, the song combines raw energy with a hint of melancholy. The musicianship throughout the track is stellar, consistently captivating the listener’s attention.
“Break Like Waves” not only showcases The Conscience Pilate’s musical prowess but also highlights their ability to connect with their audience on a profound level. I can already envision this track becoming a crowd favorite at live shows, if it’s not already.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
We are The Conscience Pilate, an indie rock n roll band from Toronto that started way back in 1995. On hiatus for about 25 years, we reformed last year and started releasing new singles. Melodic rock n roll music with lyrics that hopefully get you to take the time needed to think about life. If you are that kinda person.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
“Break Live Waves” is our most recent single, penned by Bassist and main songwriter Edward Pond. It is a reflection on the present moment we are living through, where it seems that more than ever the promises that politicians make to get votes appear to vanish into thin air when they get elected. This leads to a polarized, post-truth world where the dangerous potential of nuclear war is more ominous than ever.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
The way we have been writing and recording these new songs is that general Edward Pond comes up with the song, then records the bedtracks in Toronto and sends Neil Leyton, who lives in Lisbon, Portugal, the rough mix. Neil tracks the vocals and sends them over, and the final mix and master happens back in Canada.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
We have been striving to make music videos for each single, so yes you can follow that content on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@therealtcp
We are also playing the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, this July 2nd.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
When we released our debut CD “Living in a Movie Scene” back in 1996 it was the no. 1 indie record of the year on the Sam the Record Man independent charts, back in the CD age haha! And we also got to open for Manic Street Preachers at the Horseshoe, so we’re definitely looking forward to playing there again!
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
We played with our new buddies High Flyer at the Horseshoe on July 2nd, so you should definitely check them out.