Toronto progressive rock band Derev has a new album out, and fans will be able to hear their latest sounds in person when the band makes stops in the North Okanagan, Boundary and East Kootenay regions next month.
Derev announced its cross-Canada tour along with the release of its debut full-length album, Troubled Mind, late last month. The tour's Western Canada leg will see the prog group make its way to 17 cities throughout the month of May.
Derev's first stop in B.C. is Grand Forks, where they will perform at 4th Street Studio with guests Kyle Bob and Zero to One on May 12. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7. All ages are welcome and tickets ($20) are available at the Nurture by Nature store.
After stops in Kamloops and Vancouver, the band will be at the Longhorn Pub in Vernon on May 16, for a performance featuring None the Wiser and Scared Soul Empire. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the music starts at 8 p.m. The show is for a 19-plus audience with no cover charge.
Derev will then hit the road and perform in Cranbrook at The York Public House featuring Phaeton and Nox Solaris on May 17. The doors open at 8 p.m. for this 19-plus show.
Tickets for all performances are available online at derevmusic.com.
Derev has captivated audiences with its innovative blend of progressive rock and traditional Middle Eastern music.
After fleeing war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, founding member and drummer Michel Karakach reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a childhood dream into a reality.
Derev's 2021 debut EP, Leap of Faith, combined the raw energy of hard rock with the rich textures of the traditional Middle Eastern music the bandmates grew up with, offering a fresh perspective on overlooked aspects of modern music. The distinctive sound quickly caught the attention of local and international audiences, propelling Derev into a series of successful shows across Canada.
Troubled Mind takes a deep dive into the intricacies of the human psyche, addressing a spectrum of mental health issues with each track, ranging from temporary mental instability to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia, cognitive immobility and depression stemming from loss.
The new album offers a diverse range of sounds, from mellow, calm tracks to adrenaline-pumping headbangers, while maintaining Derev's distinctive sound.
“This album is very personal and introspective," the band said in a statement.
"It’s full of memorable songs and parts to listen to and digest, both from a musical and lyrical perspective. Every song tackles a different state of mind and takes the listener into their thoughts of a mental state that they can relate to. As this one marks our second official release, we think the fans will be excited about hearing what Derev still has to offer. They’re in for a crazy ride full of energetic ups and heartbreaking downs.”
Derev's lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the prog band Scalar. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons, who has replaced previous singer Adel Saflou, whose recorded vocals are featured on Troubled Mind.
For more tour dates and information about the band, visit derevmusic.com.
