It’s rare to find a band that appeals on so many levels but Toronto locals The Wilderness most definitely do. Musically, the experimental rockers draw influence from the likes of Joy Division, Talking Heads, and Sonic Youth while maintaining a sound all their own – the kind of sound that is best enjoyed in the company of much glitter and balloons. As it happens, that is exactly what you can expect from their live performances, coupled with an energetic stage presence, powerful vocals, and occasional bare feet.

The band will be releasing their new album tomorrow night at the Horseshoe Tavern alongside Krupke, Polynesian Bride, and The Cautioneers in a party of epic proportions, promising bucket loads of glitter and unabashed madness. Eager to find out more, we asked Lee Piazza, Nate Lyons-Fisher, Jami Lefebvre, Jay Organek, and Chris Mason to fill us in.

The Wilderness play the Horseshoe (370 Queen St. W.) tomorrow at 11:30 pm (show begins at 9:30 pm). $6.

Check out the band’s Myspace: myspace.com/thewildernessmusic

What’s the story behind your band name?
We had a show booked at a bar called Stage Nine in Halifax before we had even thought about naming the band. When they asked for our name, we threw around a few ideas, but “The Wilderness” definitely seemed to match the crazed spirit we evoke. Our sound has evolved since then, but we feel it remains relevant. It’s also fitting that three of us once had a beard growing competition in which the forces of nature kinda kicked our asses.

Describe your sound in three words or less.
Urgent. Revelrous. Lacrivacious.

What can fans expect from your new album in terms of style, sound, subject matter?
Our album is definitely representative of the energy of our live shows, but recording it has allowed us to spend time with the details of our music and really flesh them out.

Lyrically, the record talks about the need to preserve the human spirit and sense of fascination with the world. 5-day work weeks, urban blight, discouragement of revelry and the undervaluation of art are themes that recur throughout the record.

Musically, it’s both energetic, and thought provoking. Our music combines powerful yet poetic vocals, raw and delicate guitars, crunchy analog synths with hypnotic arpeggios, driving yet melodic bass lines, and syncopated dance beats and drum fills. Sonically rich in texture, you’ll hear something different every time.

The record ranges from danceable electro rock anthems to melancholic, delicately crafted songs, and culminates in an 8-minute epic featuring cello.

Top five musical icons?
Holy Fuck, Joy Division, Talking Heads, The Kills and TV on the Radio come to mind.

Do you guys have any pre-show rituals or preparations?
Other than covering drummer Chris Mason in cellophane and dipping him in a barrel of guava nectar and bourbon… no not really.

I hear you throw some pretty crazy shows, so what can we look forward to at the Horseshoe this Saturday?
Absolute rambunction. Far too much glitter, far too many balloons, face-painted dancers, kick-ass video footage… and hopefully a tight set. Plus several guests will be playing with us.

If you were a wild animal, what would you be?
A pack of ferocious dinosaurs, no question. But not those lame prehistoric dinosaurs that everyones always talking about. Top secret robot dinosaurs. From the future. With rockets and lasers. No further comment on that. We’ve already said too much.

~ Caitlyn Holroyd