Sam Coffey & The Iron Lungs

Emerging out of Toronto's punk scene, Sam Coffey and the Iron Lungs are a sextet of Ontario natives whose efforts result in a freewheeling, 1970s-indebted power pop sound. The group's burly, full-bodied sound (and love of denim vests) shows a greater hard rock influence than most of their peers (they cite Thin Lizzy and Kiss among their major inspirations), without skimping on melodic hooks and singalong choruses. After a handful of early lo-fi efforts, the group began to find their sound on 2014's Gates of Hell, while 2017's Sam Coffey and the Iron Lungs showed they'd learned how to make better use of the recording studio and 2021's Real One was an ambitious effort to expand their stylistic range. Originating out of Kitchener, Ontario, lead singer and guitarist Sam Coffey assembled the band from other small towns in the Canadian province, with Liam Doyle on lead guitar, Joel "French" Desbois on rhythm guitar, Dave Tyson on keyboards, Richard Stanley on bass, and Connor Glen on drums. Coffey and his bandmates debuted the project in 2011 with the self-released Bedroom Rock EP, followed later that year by the group's eponymous debut album. After a handful of D.I.Y. singles, they signed with California punk/garage indie Southpaw Records to release 2014's Gates of Hell LP. Shows with Redd Kross, Flamin Groovies, and the Black Lips followed as their reputation grew throughout North America. Eschewing some of their more lo-fi leanings, the band worked with producer Alex Bonenfant (whose resumé included projects with METZ and Crystal Castles) in 2017, releasing their self-titled third full-length on Canadian punk staple Dine Alone Records. More touring followed, with Coffey and Company sharing bills with the Dirty Nil, FIDLAR, and Billie Joe Armstrong's side project the Longshot. 2021 saw the release of Real One, which found the group exploring new influences (including country and '60s pop) while still indulging their love of power pop, hard rock, and junkshop glam.
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