Local Folk Duo Release New Album
Saskatoon’s Karpinka Brothers have quietly released their latest full-length album entitled There’s A Light.
Although rumour has it the boys are waiting on some vinyl pressings of the new album, it is likely that an actual album release show is likely imminent on the horizon. After all, it isn’t official until there is a party. Just sayin’.
Additionally, the Brothers will be appearing at MoSoFEST on Saturday, June 16 opening for Regina’s Andy Shauf.
Hands down the nicest guys to ever don matching western wear shirts in Saskatoon
Musically, having already garnered comparisons to Simon & Garfunkel, The Everly Brothers and Tom Petty, There’s A Light is an easy listen that is life-affirming, and laden with plenty of vocal hooks and breezy acoustic guitar leads.
Lead track “Save It For A Rainy Day” is an optimistic equivalent of a hug – an anthem for the Karpinka Brothers if there ever was one – and could easily contain a few handclaps along with the chorus. Just sayin’. The rest of the album follows suit with a flowing, intimate folk style that works in both rock venues and house shows.
But, having been entrenched into the local indie rock scene and being a fixture at pretty much every show no matter what genre, who exactly are the Karpinka Brothers?
Besides being hands down the nicest guys to ever don matching western wear shirts in Saskatoon.
Ominocity caught up with the dynamic duo for a quick infomercial-style chat presented Q ‘n’ A style.
You’re welcome.
Ominocity: First band you were in?
Aaron Karpinka: “As a young boy I put some elastic bands on a hockey stick and shredded some solos. So technically my first band was a solo project.”
Shawn Karpinka: “I was the front man in a cover band in high school that did all the grunge hits.”
OM: Favourite food?
AK: “Kraft Dinner. Usually over the pot while sitting in the dark.”
SK: “Post gig poutine at Vangelis after rocking. The poutine routine.”
OM: Eye colour?
AK: “Brown. They have also been described as ‘dreamy’ in color.”
SK: “Green as the promise of spring.”
OM: What board game are you best at?
AK: “Fireball Island. It’s from the 1980’s. Very rare. Very amazing game.”
SK: “Jenga. Where are we going? Higher.”
OM: Most memorable Karpinka Bros show?
AK: “Playing at TCU place for the Gordon Lightfoot concert. It felt like a dream the whole time. We brought our parents and met him after the show. There were cheesecakes in the greenroom. They were huge.”
SK: “The Parkridge Centre in Saskatoon, a care home we love to play, hearing their voices sing back to us.”
OM: Which K Bro would win in an arm wrestling match?
AK: “Contests and competition between us is forbidden.”
SK: “Shame on you.”
OM: Boxers or briefs?
AK: “Boxers. Sometimes.”
SK: “Briefs. Always.”
OM: Do you have any cool scars?
AK: “Only mental scars of being rejected by women.”
SK: “Mine are all healed. (Through music.)”
OM: Ideal line-up featuring you and any band who would open for you?
AK: “I always feel bad when people have to open for us. I don’t want to do that to them.”
SK: “We would just let them go last. Then we’d help carry their gear.”
And there you have it!