The Scene Report – Pro Wrestling the Band EP Review

   The Scene Report – Pro Wrestling the Band 

 

 

         If you ever have the opportunity to see “Pro Wrestling the Band” in a live setting; Do yourself a favor and go!  The band is playing the Royal Canadian Legion in Woodstock on September 23rd 2026 along with “Absolution” (opening act). The show starts at 6:30pm – 9:00pm. But, if you are expecting them to perform in tights, have a stage designed to look like a wrestling ring, or a backdrop with a giant Luchador (Mexican Wrestling) Mask? I will dispel that notion now… still their name conjures up some vivid imagery and preconceived notions. But that is the genius of it. Because it causes one to pause with dramatic effect. And there will be questions. Questions like; Are they wrestling fans? What type of music do they play? Are they a theme band like “Gwar”? Who are their influences? And so on. They aren’t from “Parts Unknown”. They’re a “Power Pop (Punk) band from London, Ontario and are touring in support of their latest release, which is an EP called “Weanling”.  But where does the name come from? Pro Wrestling is as popular today as it was in the past. Even Billy Coragan (Smashing Pumpkins) owns his own Wrestling League. The name comes from the mind-soul of Danny Kidd (Vocals/Guitar- Co- Song writer). Danny, not only being a great Lyricist and song writer at his core is a fan of Wrestling, period.  And for those people who cannot understand that notion…this is for Danny and all those other fans out there. Some insight on the subject.      

 

                  Let’s go back in time… 

 

March 29, 1987, not counting the Millions of people watching on pay-per-view,

93,173 people packed the Pontiac Silverdome to watch Hulk Hogan body-slam Andre’ the Giant at WrestleMania III. Now whether you think wrestling is real or not. You can’t fake a man deadlifting another man who weighs 510lb and body slamming them. Because there is no denying the physicality of professional wrestling. In a sense it is a physical art form, which causes the viewer to suspend disbelief. With that being said, why is wrestling still popular today? I’ll tell you, why. Because at its core wrestling comes down to the one storyline that all people can identify with. Good vs. Evil. And in my experience wrestling is as real as you want it to be. 

 

Let’s get into it! 

 

             During an elevator ride in 2020, after a few jam sessions, someone asked the question, “What should we call ourselves?” In its infancy, the guys new they had something special. And that’s when Danny suggested, “Pro Wrestling” “Done!” was the overall sentiment. Then Nathon Stock (Drums) added “The Band”, only to make it easier for a search engine. (I tested his theory, He wasn’t wrong). And the rest is History. Notwithstanding, the band also has Craig Gignac (Lead Guitar/ Vocals co-songwriter) and Bobby Calwell (Bass/vocals). Four friends, four musicians, that work in a creative environment that allows all members to add their own creativity, regardless of whether it’s a Danny or a Craig song. Because they in the end become “Pro Wrestling the Band” songs.

 

 

               I recently had a conversation with their Drummer Nate on their new EP titled “Weanlings”.  Please pay attention … because it’s a great one! 

 

 

Track #1   Irish Goodbyes         

 

{So, hear me out…I never wanted to die in this town} 

 

The opening track is churning rocker with great guitar harmonics. You know, there are countless songs written about getting away from small-town life, in fact it’s almost a cliché now you must hate the town/city you come from.  It’s only when you move away can you reach your true potential, especially if you want a career in music.  “The song is about making peace with the decision to stay”, says, Nate. “London, Ontario is so sprawling, but at the same time it has dense pockets of people. And you see the same people everywhere.” At shows, everyday life.” It’s an Ode to the city of London.” It’s also a song made to be played and performed loud. 

 

Track # 2   Replacements 

 

(Of all the rooms I’ll never be, and so many I’d wish I’d have never seen} 

 

 When the music is so good, sometimes the lyrics have to serve the instruments and not the other way around.  A tribute to one of the bands hero’s “The Replacements” (Who should be in the RHOF, but aren’t) the track clocks in at 2:14 and is “all killer, no filler”. Another rocker with multiple lead breaks and a cool drum break. Just a good ole’ rock song. 

 

Track # 3   Space

 

{Time is just a construct from what I can see, Space is just the thing between you and me}        

 

 

As humans we have a basic need to feel love and be loved.  Sometimes it works and other times it doesn’t.  But within the frame work of track #3 there is hope. A mid-tempo song that speaks about relationships. And it is perfectly placed in the middle separating the first two tracks that grab your attention from the last two Tracks 4 & 5, that will hold it. 

 

 

Track # 4 Tarps (My personal favorite) 

 

{If there was a place I could better than here, don’t you think I would there}

 

 

One of the greatest things about “Power Pop” are the melodies.  And “Tarps” has a phenomenal one. The Chorus is so direct and poignant, you will get stuck in it while the rest of the song plays on. But do catch up with the rest of the lyrics, because they address an ongoing problem in today’s society…homelessness. And the problem isn’t going away soon.  This one is Juno Award nomination worthy. 

 

Track # 5   Don’t Mind Me         

 

{Dying is easy from what I have found, Breathing is harder than being six feet in the ground}    

 

 Which comes first the depression or substance abuse. Honestly the two are like serpents both wanting to devore one another. Holding each other’s hand. The thing about depression is; The better your life gets the worse you feel. And sometimes we do things to make our lives worse because it’s what we are most comfortable in.  But there is hope … 

 

{Being in love ain’t that bad, it sure beats any high I’ve ever had} 

 

 Two different lines of lyrics from the same song that deals with the subjects I mentioned above. This one is a Craig song, and it’s a 4-and-a-half-minute masterpiece that has a touch of twang and soaring 80s rock ballad.  It will hit you square in the face.  

 

Final Impressions… 

These five songs are made to be listened to in the order they are listed on the EP. It rocks and has a subliminal concessive theme running throughout. And above all it is a message of hope. Which the world could use a lot of right now.   

The Scene (RKM)