Jubilee Riots is the sound of a band who have matured and developed to the point of near-perfection.

Their new album Penny Black is a work of genius(es); and I mean this in more ways than one.

First, Penny Black is centered around telling stories. But what stories?

Inspired by years of touring, meeting people, gaining fans, and wondering about each of these individuals’ complexities and intricate histories; Jubilee Riots decided to ask their fans to submit their stories.

Letters came from as near as the band’s home in Toronto to as far away as Australia and Japan. Experiences were shared, secret histories became known, and emotions ran wild.

“There were all sorts of letters,” shares bass player, Mark Abraham. “Some were dark and anonymous and difficult to read but many were funny or embarrassing; the kind of life events that happen to all of us.”

Now that phase 1 of the band’s genius plan was complete it was time to sort through 500 pages of letters and turn them into a cohesive composition of audible frequencies.

But of course, as with any genius, another vision was formed. Create a collection of tracks that could be performed beginning to end on a late night dance tent stage at festivals.

I’m here to tell you the band has succeeded.

I have been thoroughly enjoying 11 songs and 41 minutes of pure roots rockin’, foot stompin’, dance partner spinnin’, poppy-funky-folksy, good ‘ole rock-n-roll.

Formerly Enter The Haggis, Jubilee Riots have moved beyond the sounds, arrangements, experiences, and direction of their former identity.

As Enter The Haggis, the band released seven studio albums and toured internationally, landing high profile gigs on “Live with Regis and Kelly” and A&E’s “Breakfast with the Arts,” as well as being the feature of a concert/documentary on PBS. With a new album and new name the band hopes to build on this legacy and has an extensive tour lined up taking them through Canada, the US and to Europe.

You need a copy of Penny Black. Pre-orders are available. The release date is November 4th (2014).

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