Sometimes to move forward we have to look to the past. This is the path Backchannel have carved out for themselves. BACKCHANNEL are the latest in the growing wave of early 2000s post-hardcore powerhouses emerging from the Toronto music scene.

What sets BACKCHANNEL apart from new bands emerging in the scene and a key contributing factor to the bands sound is their history in Toronto's DIY music scene. Their roots stretching back to the early 2000s and formative years of the genre, Backchannel are not merely emulating or building upon the bands before them, they're the next step in organic evolution of the scene's pioneers.

The faces behind BACKCHANNEL are familiar to most in the Toronto music scene. With lead vocalist Dave's graphic design work under the moniker "Slopgoon", he's done everything from show flyers to merch and album art for various local artists. Luc and Julian, both formerly of Body Doubles, playing guitar and drums respectively, and Seb, formerly of Big Evil, on guitar rounding out the lineup.

Debuting their first single "Blindsiding" this past February, Backchannel have wasted no time with their reintroduction to the music scene. Following with "Rattlebox" in June, and with their latest single "Pale Horse" out on all streaming services tomorrow August 15th.

"Pale Horse" is a highlight reel of everything that makes the post-hardcore genre great. Rotating between heavy chugging guitars and more melodic sections creating a dynamic sound that captivates you from the moment you hit play. Dave's harsh and brutal screamed verses are the perfect foil alongside Luc's soft but powerful clean choruses. When the two vocalists collide during the latter halves of the chorus ‘Critical condition, there's no going back. Like an apparition, fading into black’ it leaves a lasting impact that will be sure to bring listeners back for more. Harkening back to bands like Underoath and Alexisonfire, Dave and Luc are a duo that can stand alongside the genre's elite vocal pairings.

"Pale Horse" is an emotional rollercoaster listeners of any genre will be familiar with. Friendships having run their course, and the intangible but ever growing distance pushing you apart. An elephant in the room both parties don't want to acknowledge but know is there, pulling the string that eventually unravels the tight knit bond between two people.

“[PALEHORSE] IS ABOUT A FRIENDSHIP HAVING RUN IT’S COURSE - WHEN YOU REALZIE THAT YOU AND SAID FRIEND HAVE LESS IN COMMON - WHETHER THAT’S THROUGH ONE PERSON’S STAGNATION OR THE OTHER’S GROWTH- AND THE THREADS THAT HOLD THE FRIENDSHIP TOGETHER HAVE STARTED TO UNRAVEL.

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO LET A DYING THING DIE, BUT YOU START TO BLAME YOURSELF FOR IT AND QUESTIONING THE WHAT-IFS MIXED EMOTIONS, DOUBT, BLAME, ETC.”

- DAVE, @BACKCHANNELBAND

The greatest strength behind "Pale Horse" is the experience behind the artists who crafted the song. The decades of experience each individual member brings to the table is clear as day. Shining bright but never overshadowing the others. This truly feels like a perfect collaborative effort with each member pulling their weight and providing the best performance possible.

"Pale Horse" is mixed and produced by guitarist / co-vocalist Luc Ruggiero and mastered by Mike Kalajian at Rogue Planet Mastering, a seasoned veteran of the genre having worked on releases by Thrice, Emmure, and Bad Omens just to name a few.

After three singles since the beginning of the year, BACKCHANNEL show no signs of slowing down. With another single planned for release this fall, leading up to the band's debut EP before the end of the year.

You can hear "Pale Horse" along with BACKCHANNEL’S other singles live on Thursday September 25th in Toronto at The No No Room in support of fellow Toronto post-hardcore rockers Lowheaven and The Good Depression.

BACKCHANNEL is Dave Lee on vocals, Luc Ruggiero on rhythm guitar / vocals, Sebastian Duke on lead guitar, Mike Chiacchia on bass, and Julian Ierullo on drums

Follow them on Instagram here : BACKCHANNEL

Writer : @obijuan.cannoli

Editor : @just_reidz

08/14/25

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BACKCHANNEL

“[PALEHORSE] IS ABOUT A FRIENDSHIP HAVING RUN IT’S COURSE - WHEN YOU REALZIE THAT YOU AND SAID FRIEND HAVE LESS IN COMMON - WHETHER THAT’S THROUGH ONE PERSON’S STAGNATION OR THE OTHER’S GROWTH- AND THE THREADS THAT HOLD THE FRIENDSHIP TOGETHER HAVE STARTED TO UNRAVEL.

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO LET A DYING THING DIE, BUT YOU START TO BLAME YOURSELF FOR IT AND QUESTIONING THE WHAT-IFS MIXED EMOTIONS, DOUBT, BLAME, ETC.”

- DAVE, @BACKCHANNELBAND

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