By Sagar Jha, Staff Contributor
With a U.K. tour and a second full-length album under their belts, it might seem like Halifax indie pop-rock group The Superfantastics are on the verge of super-stardom. But the dynamic duo has decided to split and will be playing their last show on Nov. 6 at The Seahorse.
Despite the group’s recent momentum, the band recognized that it was in need of a change. “I think what happened is we both moved on but maybe we hadn’t realized that we had moved on,” says guitarist and vocalist Matthew MacDonald. “After that realization, it was kind of done. (We) might as well close that book and open a new one.”
Their latest album, Places to Roam, features a heavier sound with catchy drum beats and guitar riffs. It was produced by Rick White who was “like having a third set of ears and a voice of suggestion in some ways,” according to MacDonald. “We’re really big fans of Rick’s earlier work but we didn’t know him very well,” he adds. “(He) turned out to be a really cool and laid back guy.”
MacDonald says it is only appropriate that *Places to Roam* explores themes of change and transition, as the musicians are facing a huge shift in their personal lives. “I don’t want to sound like we are releasing the album and playing the break-up,” he says. “I feel like it’s time for the band to run its course.”
“I always see bands try these things where they undergo huge changes in identity,” adds MacDonald. “I guess a lot of those times I feel like maybe instead of making those changes it might be a better idea to start new.”
Neither member has confirmed a new project as of yet.
The Superfantastics started out with MacDonald teaching Stephanie Clattenburg a couple of drum techniques. But it evolved into something much bigger. “We started a band without meaning to start a band,” says Clattenburg, sounding relatively nostalgic. “With every step we took I was always excited. I’ve always dreamed to play in a band that sounds like this.”
Continuing to reflect, Clattenburg says she has no negative memories from their four years together.
“It’s always nice to end on a positive note,” she says. “I mean, we still get along. We’re still friends.”
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