HPX: Cousins

Kicking down the garage door (press photo)

Cousins is a local energetic garage-pop duo consisting of Aaron Mangle and Leigh Dotey. They’ve been rocking Halifax with their powerful stage presence since 2009, as well as having toured throughout North America and Europe.

In a short email correspondence with the band, they revealed a sense of humor and lighthearted attitude. They say the most rewarding part of playing a show is “remembering how to play the songs” and that their current musical guilty pleasure is Sade, whom they’ve got on repeat.

According to Cousins, the Halifax music scene “has its own spirit and resilience unmatched across this twisted nation.”

Considering the lengthy and impressive lineup of local bands performing at this year’s Pop Explosion, it would be impossible to disagree.

The artists who will be visiting us from away, however, make it even *more* exciting: Mangle and Dotey say that they are most excited to see Highest Order, Jay Arner, Chad VanGaalen, and Julie Fader at this year’s festival.

Cousins’ most recent release is RIVER/SEA CHANGE, a 12” split with Construction & Destruction, another awesome musical duo residing in our very own Nova Scotia. Pick up a copy of RIVER/SEA CHANGE at Lost & Found or Obsolete Records, and don’t forget to catch Cousins’ show at this year’s Halifax Pop Explosion on Oct. 24. They’ll be at the Marquee Ballroom playing alongside The Mouthbreethers and Toronto art-punks Fucked Up.