The American Devices

The American Devices is Montreal's longest-running "rock" band (founded in 1980), local (and national) legends who have inspired many other musical groups over the decades. The band is comprised of guitarist/songwriter Rick Trembles (internationally renowned musician, cartoonist and artist), guitarist/songwriter Rob Labelle (founding member of one of Canada's pioneering punk bands - The Normals), the prolific, powerhouse bassist André Asselin (Nutsak, Galaxy of Terror) and drummer Howard Chackowicz (also in the bands Nutsak and Manners, a cartoonist and one-time radio personality from CBC's Wiretap, as well).

Their music has often been described as "post-punk" but, in actuality, they present a variety of sounds and styles, most recognizable by the distinct and unique guitar intertwining between Trembles and Labelle. Asselin and Chackowicz (a tight bass/drum team going back over 30 years) provide the massive, groovy, rhythmic backups. Some tunes are heavy and rocking, some are more experimental, other songs may be something else entirely - but they all share idiosyncratic stylings, sometimes in terms of feel, timing or intensity, while never losing cohesion and musicality. Although The American Devices have always been outside the norms of "mainstream" music, they've kept a loyal fanbase due to their skill, magical-musical interconnectedness and power and for always having dynamic, fun live shows!