By Ken Kelly

Human beings can be a rather finicky bunch. Though not everybody falls under this umbrella, most people resist change; it is built into our DNA. Once we have our routines and comfort levels established, we don’t want anything to disrupt them. Ever.

So when change is inevitable, you can do one of two things. You can continue senselessly resisting it or you can embrace it. For Halifax rock n’ roll trio Andrew Hunter and The Gatherers, they chose the latter route since the 2009 release of their debut EP.

Not only has the band’s lineup been tweaked over the past two years but it is also boasting a sound new to the group.

One listen to the single One Good Reason (available at andrewhunter.ca) from upcoming record Warhorses reveals a band with energetic, power-pop sensibilities and arguably endless potential for success.

“We are very excited to share our new songs with everyone,” Hunter begins. “Some people have said that it is very different for us and maybe a little more pop than our previous work while others have said it is heavier and a little more melodic at times.

“It is hard for me to compare these new songs to our past work though because I hear the new songs as just being part of what we do. There is definitely a new energy in the band, however. It is a new band and a new sound; it is like apples and oranges, really.”

Recorded at Halifax’s Sonic Temple studio with producer Darren Van Niekerk (Wintersleep, Two Hours Traffic) in an accelerated four-day session, Hunter acknowledges that not only the band lineup and its sound have undergone change in the past two years.

“My writing style has changed a bit as well,” he acknowledges.

“I am trying to look outside the box a bit more now but I have also realized that it is really all about simplicity.”

Although he doesn’t elaborate, Hunter admits having undergone some personal challenges over the course of the past couple of years which in turn helped him focus his priorities and his work ethic.

“I feel more aware of the natural cues around me and trust my instincts.”

At this point in the band’s career, Hunter says it is still happily independent and will spend the next couple of months leading up to the album release fine tuning the record to ensure that all is perfect come release day. He is hoping that securing national distribution for Warhorses will be a possibility as the band gets set to tour Canada later in the year.

“I anticipate doing the Toronto-to-Halifax touring circuit first then possibly getting back to Western Canada. We would also love to get into the United States and Europe. We are just going to take things one day at a time and see where things lead.”