The Pack A.D. Engages And Whatnot

Leading off with Battering Ram on the Some Sssongs EP was a breakthrough for the The Pack A.D. — the Vancouver duo that has been putting out blues-infused garage rock for eight years. The EP lifted the band out from under the radar, giving them a good reason to re-record and release material to an entirely new audience.

They've been boiling over ever since, now with a new album that they recorded in two parts (2012 and 2013) in Detroit and Vancouver with Jim Diamond (White Stripes, Dirtbombs) who helped them drop Unpersons in 2011 and We Kill Computers in 2010. Both Becky Black and Maya Miller know that this combination of talents is working for them. They don't want to break it.

Do Not Engage means rock on for the near future. 

The 11-track album follows up nicely on the heels of the EP with few surprises. Black and Miller have always has played a range — big rock stompers to draw people in and rolling waves of atmospheric hum to keep them there. In concert, it's lively garage rock-alt pop hooks delivered with a one-two combination.

Boiling over with sci-fi themes and dystopian dreams, it was only a matter of time before The Pack A.D. would find themselves on the same sands used to shoot the series Battlestar Galactica. But even they aren't sure why they ended up dancing around in ebony and ivory ape suits. It just seemed like a good idea at the time. At the time.


Although not nearly as compelling as their Battering Ram video last year, it is more representative of dual leanings despite being one of their addictive throat punch songs. In contrast, check out the album leader Airborne with its rhythmic distortions and throwback hooks. But even with the more pop-centric approach, they never give up their rich blues influences.

It's impossible for them to give it up, largely because of Black's deep and smoky vocals. When coupled with her cutting guitar riffs, it leaves people at their live performances more than a little dizzy. Then there is Miller, who doesn't play the drums as much as she pummels them.

Their playing style is why they land squarely in the garage rock category (that and everyone in a two piece knows that you have to play twice as hard). And yet, they don't miss much of a beat mixing things up with the punked pulse of Animal or the dazzling dark and doomed psycho-spooker Creepin' Jenny (one of the most stylistically interesting on the album).

While there is some sense that the band stacked the front half of the album, there are still plenty of standouts worth the discovery. The Water buzzes along for four-plus minutes of straightforward buzz guitar rock sound with relatively laid back percussion and vocals. Stalking Is Normal packs in an addictive alternative edge. And Needles might be one of the sleepers on the album.

For an experimental stab, there is a lot to like about Loser. But to be honest, the distort on Black's vocals as she delivers some of the verse doesn't smolder as much as it makes you miss it without the distort. The Flight isn't so appealing either.

Do Not Engage By The Pack A.D. Racks 7.4 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

On the balance, there isn't any question why so many people want to support Black and Miller as one of the most dangerous duos emerging from the underground circuit. Frankly, that's fine with me. They deserve it. They have plenty of material to drudge up from the depth of sci-fi inspiration.

I really like the band so I was inclined to purchase the album. Plenty of people will find the front six songs might be good enough (minus one to make room for Needles). You can find Do Not Engage on Amazon or download it from iTunes. Barnes & Noble is carrying the vinyl LP. Find their mostly West Coast tour dates (to start) on Facebook.

The Pack A.D. Plays Some Sssongs

The garage rock duo The Pack A.D. has been firing up blues-infused punk out of Vancouver for the better part of eight years. In the process, they've readily amassed an arsenal of tracks with several charting in Canada while being largely passed by in the U.S.

There aren't any real good reasons for the oversight. The duo, consisting of Becky Black and Maya Miller, are frequently slated in "sounds like" and then summarily dismissed. But then a few weeks go by and some new band that "sounds like" the same bands is heralded as the next best thing.

Maybe that will change with the release of Some Sssongs a few days ago. The EP is really a single, Battering Ram, couched with four other tracks that have been previously released. The plus side is all four add-ons make for a perfect sampler, especially if you haven't heard of The Pack A.D. before.

Battering Ram is a blistering single from The Pack A.D.

Battering Ram is a raucous rock number, painting a portrait of back alley bars and underground venues. It's dark, loud and straightforward with exception to a ballad breakdown close to the end of the song.

The premise is one of preparedness, basically saying that the world is a tough place but these girls have something to protect themselves. It doesn't matter what you throw at them. If there is any truth to a fight or flee response, these are two women who stand their ground. The video has an extended introduction.


Produced by director Lloyd Lee Choi (who also shot videos for Positronic and Sirens), the video aims to capture the gritty side of the underground scene. There is a little bit of everything: fire breathers, brawls and bad attitudes.

Choi didn't need a set to bring the vision to life. The video was shot at the Anza Club in Vancouver. He just dressed it up with lighting and beautifully cast characters. It makes for a memorable introduction to the first track off the band's upcoming album in January, Do Not Engage.

A look back at the past tracks included on the Some Sssongs EP.

Along with Battering Ram, the EP includes Sirens, Haunt You, and Positronic from their fourth album Unpersons. Deer was originally released on We Kill Computers one year earlier. Even if you have heard them before, the compilation and arrangement allude to the notion that Do Not Engage will be their best yet.

The re-release of these four tracks has also brought new life to the Positronic video also shot by Choi last year. The video, released in December, was the one Nettwerk Records opted to tie to signing the band. It was a good choice, given the grisly incarnation of the duo consisting of two tough-as-nails women.


For some time now, The Pack A.D. has been considered one of the most boiling over rock duos in the business. With the new album slated for January and a solid single being teased out months ahead of the album, maybe this really is the breakout that they've been waiting for.

Personally, I've appreciated their talent for some time. Not only did Unpersons have plenty of high points in 2011, re-recording the tracks Sirens and Seasick in French added a twist that few bands can pull off. French isn't nearly as rock friendly as other languages, but The Pack A.D. sounds brilliant.

Some Sssongs By The Pack A.D. Break 7.4 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

Over the years, Black and Miller have done an excellent job expanding their original sound to include more diversity, everything from pseudo-gaze to stoner rock. I like them best with their blues-punk sensibilities, killing it with a menacing howls, humming guitar and heavy percussion. It's exhausting and exhilarating as they run down any set list.

Some Sssongs was released on Amazon or you can download it from iTunes. The band is currently touring in Canada, but will be dropping down to Los Angeles in October. They have two gigs booked and are part of the upcoming Culture Collide Festival. You can check their schedule on Facebook.