BIOGRAPHY
The Commoners are a band in the midst of another banner year with the release of their highly anticipated album, Restless (Gypsy Soul Records, 2024). Returning with ten tracks that grip and groove, the quintet continue to provide listeners with a hearty dose of Southern-style swagger with every guitar slide, organ swell, and vocal stamp.
Riding high off the strength of their previous release, Find A Better Way, the last two years have been a whirlwind for the band. From a UK tour with Grammy-nominated duo Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton in the fall of 2023, to numerous headline dates across Europe and Britain this year, The Commoners have earned their status as a must-see act and are “definitely a band to watch out for in the future” (CGCM Radio Glasgow).
Possessing a sound tapped from the oaken belly of a whiskey barrel, The Commoners are a five-piece Roots/Rock outfit from Toronto, Canada. Offering their own blend of a tried and true musical mixture, the group pepper their sound with high-energy riffs, soulful vocals, and rich harmonies that combine to take the listener on a journey through a Southern-style rock experience.
The band is a culmination of like-minded musicians who have bonded over their love of the classics. All being seasoned performers in the Canadian music scene, Chris Medhurst (lead vocals/guitar), Ben Spiller (bass/vocals), Ross Hayes Citrullo (lead guitar), Adam Cannon (drums/vocals), and Miles Evans-Branagh (keys/vocals) have united under a shared dream: to write, perform, and share music that is an authentic nod to the greats who paved the way before them.
“The Black Crowes and Led Zeppelin are big influences for us. Derek Trucks, Marcus King, and the Allman Brothers, of course, as well. These are the bands that we wear on our sleeves as we continue to evolve our sound and create our own music.”
Channeling their deep respect and admiration for Roots/Rock trailblazers, The Commoners also incorporate rhythmic stylings inspired by Motown and Soul’s groove masters. The keystone of their unique blend is lead singer, Chris Medhurst’s emotive vocal style, akin to Burton Cummings and Paul Rodgers with a dash of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding.
A natural evolution from their 2022 album Find A Better Way, Restless offers a peek behind the curtain of success, revealing the grueling routines and ragged emotions that hide behind the glamorous aesthetic of a rock band on the rise. With introspective, slower-tempo numbers pocketed amongst rip-roaring anthems, the new album, recorded at RHC Music in Toronto, is a portrait of a hardworking group revitalizing a classic genre.
In support of Restless, The Commoners will hit the road for a major tour in November through December ‘24 across Europe and the UK opening for Canadian heavyweights The Sheepdogs, rounding out their year with a coveted slot at Planet Rockstock. With lead singles “Devil Teasin’ Me”, “The Way I Am” and “Shake You Off” all earning spots on Planet Rock’s main playlist, the band continue to turn heads with their crisp tones, lush productions, and spirited melodies. From the speakers to the stage, one thing is certain: The Commoners are ushering in a party rock renaissance, and we’re all invited.
