In 2005, Chad Peck (Kestrels, We Need Secrets) founded Noyes Records, now based just outside of Truro. Since then, Noyes has released music from some of the best indie bands of all genres, from Montreal’s Play Guitar to Austin’s Ringo Deathstarr. Peck celebrates the anniversary with greatest hits tape, Come on Feel the Noyes, and shares some of the label’s most definitive releases in the last decade.
VKNGS, VKNGS EP (2007)
“This was our first ‘serious’ release and debut record from serious Halifax players,” says Peck of the post-punk hard-core heavies. “Clear sleeve, clear vinyl, clear insert. This is still an impressive record.”
Tomcat Combat, I’m OK, You’re OK (2008)
“Noyes Records came at an important time in Halifax,” says Noel Macdonald (Tomcat Combat, Moon). “North of America and The Plan had closed shop and a whole generation of kids inspired by those bands started their own bands, like we did. The words ‘angular’ and ‘urgent’ were used a lot in those days.”
Kestrels, Seaside 7” (2009)
The lineup and sound “has modulated a lot since then,” says Peck. “But I have a soft spot for this.”
Cold Warps, Cold Warps & Endless
Bummer 12” (2009)
Scrappy pop-punk from four Halifax goobers that generated a cultish
following and many bruised shins.
Dog Day, Scratches 7” (2011)
This was the first record of the seven-inch Singles Series, a pre-paid subscription of limited editions.
Ash, The A/Z Series (2012)
“This is such a huge release: a collection of 27 singles on three LPs, with a documentary and an extra 26 songs on download,” says Peck of the NYC via Ireland alt-rockers. “I loved the scope of this project.”
Cousins/Construction & Deconstruction 12” (2013)
Two bands with two members released three very loud songs each on limited release blue vinyl. “The vision of the label was always to document amazing records made by good people,” says Peck.
Ringo Deathstarr, God’s Dream (2014)
“Austin, Texas noise-pop, the perfect combination of sonic bliss and song writing,” says Peck of the shoegaze trio, who toured with The Smashing Pumpkins. “We’re releasing their new LP in the fall.”
This article appears in May 28 – Jun 3, 2015.