Canadian hard-rock band LOVER have been out playing together for well over a year now, and recently released a 2-song cassette, consisting of a pair of kick-a*s 80s influenced rockers – “Fatal Attraction” and “Bad Love”. Lover is working on more songs, as well as getting more shows booked.

In this exchange , drummer Hunter Raymond discusses the band’s brief history, their recordings, future plans, and more. Check out the tracks, as well as ordering info and links (below).

https://loverrockofficial.bandcamp.com/album/fatal-attraction

Can you give me a bit of pre-history to what lead to Lover coming together?

Hunter: I had recently moved back to Calgary from Toronto, and I knew Jacob and Chris from partying and playing shows in the past with my old band MIDNIGHT MALICE. Jacob and Aidan have another band together called FLASHBACK, which is more of a hard rock band. I went to see their show, secretly scouting, and after they played, I was convinced they were the guys I wanted to start a band with.  As it turns out, Aidan had a whole stockpile of riffs that were too metal for flashback. Jacob convinced Aidan I was the man for the job by showing him old Midnight Malice footage. Chris, whom I hadn’t seen in years, happened to be at the flashback gig that night, and we talked about jamming and said we would get together soon. Cale from RIOT CITY was also there and mentioned to Aidan and Jacob that they should ask Chris to play in their new metal project. It was all meant to be, really; we all wanted to start a band with each other without even knowing it. From the first chords struck, we all knew this was going to be something special.  

You guys have a 2 song ep out, on cassette — Is there more tracks recorded? and why did you choose to release just these specific 2? 

At the moment, we only have demos recorded, nothing we would release to the public. We chose those 2 songs because they were the first ones we had solid. All of us were really excited about the sound and wanted to get the ball rolling, become a legit band. The best way to know if you are any good is to share it with the world. Let there be judgment! 

Why a cassette release, as opposed to just digital or CD? 

Collectors still enjoy tapes, so that’s what we went for. We are only doing a limited run, so grab them while you can!

It would be cool to press it on a 45 record in the future. People still want to hold onto the real thing; streaming is so impersonal. We wanted something for the people to own.  

Can you give me a few favorite bands, musicians, and a short list of favorite albums growing up?

The hardest question to answer is, there is so much good music out there! Thin Lizzy for sure, Phil Lynott amazing songwriter, and Brian Downey is an absolute monster of a drummer. Deep Purple, Judas Priest, and Aerosmith, I love those bands. We all really like Sweet and their album Desolation Boulevard. I was really into Motley Crue, Motorhead, UK Subs, and G.B.H. when I was younger; I’ve always been a bit of a punker. My first Motorhead record was Iron Fist. I got it when I was about 13-14. I snuck away from a school trip in Halifax to find a record store. I had only heard of Motorhead up until then, and they didn’t disappoint! Iron Fist will always be in my top 10.  

When might we see a full-length album from Lover?  Is there any label or outside producer you are working with? 

So far, no labels or producers, Aidan and I are the producers mainly. Aidan is also a good recording engineer so he is doing all of that. He recorded, mixed, and mastered the Fatal Attraction EP. My drum tracks are all done for the full length, and the boys are working on their guitars as we speak! We are planning on having it all done for the new year, so early 2026, we will have it ready for all you headbangers!  

How many songs do you guys have prepared or working on? And what can people expect song wise? 

The full length will be 9 songs, and they all sound different. We like to try and get different feelings for every song, to keep people interested. Some fast ones, some groovers, some melodic and technical songs. They all sound like us, though, and they all rock! 

No ballads yet. We also have about 3-4 more songs we are working on for the 2nd album, and we aren’t slowing down anytime soon!

Can you explain a bit about where song ideas come from, and how songs are put together by you guys? (Lyrically and musically) 

Musically, Aidan writes almost all of the riffs; he usually has a style of song he wants to write. Then we will go jam his riffs to get a solid structure and record a demo. I write 95% of the lyrics. I take the demo home to write the lyrics. The guys will sometimes give me a theme or song title to work from. The Lyrics are mostly about real-life experiences, some are fantastic stories I make up. I wrote one song about Jacob and his sweet 1963 Plymouth Valiant, which is called “On the Road’ What a sexy car! Girls are obviously a subject but we try to be creative and not write the same song twice. Basically, whatever vibe the riffs have dictates the lyrics.   

What is the music scene like in Calgary, especially for bands trying to push original songs? Or is the scene kinda geared towards cover bands (as it is here in the Niagara region) ? 

I’m sure there is a cover band scene here, but I don’t see it. That being said, there are plenty of original bands that do really well crowd-wise here; people love to come out and support local shows, which is awesome. There aren’t too many bands like us, though. The scene here is more aggressive, darker metal or punk. We don’t always fit the bill, but people love us all the same; we are their guilty pleasure. 

What does your set list comprise of? Mostly (or all) originals? Any particular covers? 

We play all originals; one of us always suggests a cover, but they never seem to materialize. I’m sure one day we will find one we all agree upon. The most recent idea is “Set Me Free” by Sweet. Will it actually happen? Only time will tell.  

What have been a few of the bigger shows, festivals you’ve been part? Any opening slots for anyone major?  

We have only been playing shows for about 1 year, and already had the pleasure of playing the Electric Highway Festival here in Calgary, and Armstrong Metal Fest in the BC interior this summer. Armstrong was headlined by HAVOK, BORN OF OSIRIS, and our good friends RIOT CITY. Electric Highway headliners were BISON, CASTLE, and LA CHINGA. Both of those festivals were an absolute blast and we can’t wait for more opportunities like those!

What do you guys have coming up? Any international interest or show offers further east? 

We have our songs playing internationally, but no show offers as of yet. An East coast tour for spring/summer of 2026 is in the works, so hopefully we get out there to see you soon. I know a lot of amazing Bands out East who want to get shows going with us, so expect fully stacked bills and pure rock n roll mania when it happens!! LONG LIVE ROCK N ROLL

Aidan Desmarais – lead vocals, guitar
Hunter Raymond – drums, vocals
Jacob Chase – bass guitar
Christopher LoNigro – guitar

LINKS: https://linktr.ee/loverrock