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Based in Toronto, Ontario, founded in Montréal by Stef Caron, Metha Mean is set out to express its musical vision while creating an environment where musicians of all stripes could contribute meaningfully. This collective and collaborative approach is the source of Metha Mean's unique sound: members have come and gone (to sometimes come back again), weaving their musical culture into the band's complex tapestry.
Metha Mean has mined the depths of humanity's primordial urges to hammer out a cathartic blend of harsh electronics, powerful rhythms, layered guitars, all the while keeping a groovy dance element. The songs deal of love, loss, devotion and defiance, painting a rich sonic landscape.
Metha Mean released its first full length album, Open, in 2001. The album, written by Stef Caron, Raf Maliba (Angry White Mob) and Jamison Cant, was a collection of foot-stomping anthems and down-tempo, brooding walls of sound. It was followed in 2003 with the more nuanced and approachable Unloved, an exploration of spirituality in which the band experimented with new musical horizons. The arrival of Pierre Desmarais helped introduce elements of world music and jazz to the band's already compelling sound. Along with Simon Langlois (Alain Caron) on drums, the band delivered a number of blistering performances.
During the composition of Unloved, Metha Mean also joined forces with Megalomedia Productions and the band Dogwalker to produce the VARIA 2002 and VARIA 2003 compilations. These critically-acclaimed releases featured songs from bands in Metha Mean's entourage. The compilations served as a nexus, an identity for a tight-knit musical scene composed of bands that didn't feel quite at home in the traditional "indie-rock" circuit.
After opening for Jakalope in 2005, Stef relocated to Toronto, which interrupted the production of the new album as he searched for new band members and collaborators.
The band now emerges from this hiatus stronger than ever, with its largest complement of musicians to date: Dave Ledo (Freakency) on bass, Vincent Durand (At Hand) on seven-string guitar, Erik J. Begg (Wiggler) on six-string guitar, and Marc Bertola (Red Chemistry, Dogwalker, and early Metha Mean) on drums. In addition to the new lineup, the band remains committed to its credo of collaboration. The upcoming album, Yggdrasil, to be released in early 2008, deals with the subject of environmental violence and exploitation, racism and injustice.
Yggdrasil features incredible keyboard work by Jay Lemak (Optangle), beats by Paul Jaworski (Pulse Plant), bass tracks by Raf Maliba, guitar tracks by Nevin Douglas (Debaser) and percussion by Roland Gehti.
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