All great things have humble beginnings and Comeback Kid is no exception. Originating in 2002 as a way to get out some fast, energetic music, CBK has since turned into one of the most infectious forces in independent music today. I wanted to start a band, so I approached Andrew (Neufeld, CBK's guitarist). We started messing around and basically it went from there mused Comeback Kid's vocalist Scott Wade about the meeting that led to CBK's formation in their hometown of Winnipeg, Canada.
Andrew, who was playing with prominent hardcore band Figure Four at the time, was especially excited about starting up this new project. He not only saw it as an opportunity to create music different in style from Figure Four, but also as a chance to move from his role as singer with Figure Four into one of guitarist with Comeback Kid. With a completed lineup that also featured drummer Kyle Profeta, bassist Cliff Heide and fellow Figure Four guitarist Jeremy Hiebert, Comeback Kid immediately began to write and play local shows - all squeezed in-between Figure Four's extensive touring schedule.
The first year we were around we barely played shows because of Figure Four's constant touring, but I would have to say sharing members has been a plus. We even got to break in Figure Four's new van before they did! explains Scott about the pitfalls of starting out of the shadows of an already established band. At first I thought having two bands would pose a problem,Scott continues, but I guess that question might be more directed at Figure Four than us, these days. Simply put, Comeback Kid has grown beyond all expectations.
After playing locally and writing for six months, the band released a six song demo that quickly gained fans from around the world. Their message was simple but clear. Explains Scott, The whole idea of a comeback kid is someone who gets up after the fall, and that's the direction we shoot for with our lyrics. Everyone can relate to day to day struggles, but in the end you've got to keep your eyes focused, because every chance you have you can turn it around into something positive. So thatËœs how we try to look at things
The overwhelming response to their music allowed Comeback Kid to begin touring around North America. Their intense live show subsequently increased their notoriety. Each show instantaneously breaks down into a tangle of sweat drenched limbs, seething to the sing-a-long choruses and punch-tight musicianship.
In March 2003, Southern California's Facedown Records released Comeback Kid's aptly titled debut record Turn It Around. Recorded in their hometown with John Paul Peters, Turn It Around showcased Comeback Kid's solidified sound and intensity. In support of this record, CBK toured continuously throughout Canada, the US, and Europe. They have since played hundreds of shows with influential bands such as Terror, Throwdown, Every Time I Die, and Stretch Armstrong and have shared festival main stages at prestigious events such as Hellfest and Posi Numbers.
For their much anticipated second album, Comeback Kid went into The Blasting Room to work with Bill Stevenson (of Descendents, ALL, and Black Flag fame) and Jason Livemore. Comeback Kid's relentless drive allowed them to further develop upon their already amazing energy level, and has led them to progress musically and creatively on this new record.
The new album, entitled Wake The Dead, is scheduled for release on February 22, 2005; the band will celebrate by launching a North American tour with Bane.