Sean Glanville
The River Valley Rats played to a sold out crowd at the Riverlodge Community room at this past Saturday's Hill Climb Dance. The band received nothing but rave reviews from their performance, which included a variety of cover songs spanning many different genres including contemporary songs as well as some blasts from the past.
"We just try to pick songs that you don't normally hear cover bands play, but are excited when you do," says lead vocalist Josh Marsh. "We enjoy playing outside of our comfort zones."
The Kitimat quintet is composed of lead vocalist Josh Marsh, drummer Andrew Murphy, Lee Mosdel on bass, with Dustin Marsh and Alex Zoglaur on guitar. The band was formed sixth months ago and this was their first ever live show.
"Murph (Andrew Murphy) and Alex previously played in a band together called Coldwater and I've always wanted to play with them, so when I heard they were looking for somebody I joined up with them," says Marsh. "My brother Dustin who plays with me all the time anyways came along as well."
The group jams once a week in the basement of Murphy's Kitimat home. Although the band is relatively new, their is plenty of musical talent and experience amongst its members. The Marsh brothers also play in a separate band.
"Dustin and I play in a band called Alive in Kamloops and we do all original music and no cover songs," says Marsh.
Despite being Kamloops-based, all their recordings for Alive occurs here in Kitimat. A third Kitimat musician, Calvin Lechner, is also a band member for Alive. Lechner played drums in 2008 and 2009 for Canadian rock band Faber Drive, based out of Mission, BC.Their recordings with Alive are available on iTunes for listeners.
"Dustin has a recording studio at his house here in Kitimat, so we do the recording and the writing here," says Marsh.
The River Valley Rats are hoping with more time and more shows their fan base and popularity will spread and enable them further opportunities.
"We've been doing mostly bar shows and we will be in Terrace at the end of the month at The Northern on the 27th and 28th. Previously to this we were all in touring bands playing our own stuff kinda thing," says Marsh. "I would like to start playing weddings and all that with the cover songs."
The band are hoping to line up more regional shows but eventually want to tour BC.
"We definitely hope to cover the Northwest through to Smithers and Prince Rupert and hopefully eventually expand down into the Cariboo," says Marsh.
Those looking for tickets to the bands next performances July 27 and 28 can contact Leavitt Machinery in Kitimat at (250) 632-7833 or The Northern Motor Inn in Terrace at 1(800) 663-3390.