Free the Cynics

Free the Cynics are a Calgary 4-piece who have a no limits approach to songwriting. With healthy lashings of everything from Indie, Blues and Jazz to Rock n Roll, Rock and Pop, Free the Cynics have created an intense, energetic, eclectic sound all of their own. Their debut release 'Showtunes From the Basement' (2015) was met with 4 and 5 star reviews across Canada and the UK for its mixed bag of genre-hopping, attitude-laden tracks. The follow up, 2017’s 'Post-Iconica' (with lead single 'High at Work' enjoying radio play in Western Canada and the UK), was met with even more critical acclaim for its visceral yet melodic blend of dirty Rock n Roll, Blues, Pop and unpredictability. The live show is where the band really shine brightest, with frontman Rich Paxton's passionate, intense style and searing vocals being perfectly complimented by guitarist Alex Klassen’s versatile, inventive string work, bassist Owen Walls' wild bass fusion and individuality and drummer Joey DeCosse’s intelligent, inventive grooves. Recent single ‘Howling Barbs’ won $1,000 at this year’s top category annual Songwriting Contest and the band enjoy regular airplay on X92.9FM. Fresh from a UK/Ireland tour, a short Western Canadian tour with Austin’s Black Pistol Fire in August/September 2018 and recent shows with the likes of Electric 6, Holy Fuck, The Beat, Counterfeit Jeans, The Wet Secrets and more, Free the Cynics’ stage show is as honed as ever.