After their last single, ‘You Should Know’ (I-94 Recordings, 2022) The Looks are back with a brand new track, ‘Meet Me On the Floor,’ out now.
The band hasn’t been able to do their usual brand of extensive touring since 2019, and was getting restless. “Honestly, we were sick of not touring,” says Laj. “We miss it and the road is where we belong.”
That all changed when Laj received a message one late night in March, culminating in a conversation leading to the beginnings of a good old fashioned tour – Laj decided at that moment to dust off the van and get the band back together, as they say. Things were starting to line up and shows were getting booked, and as the reality set in, excitement was sparking within the ranks of The Looks. “In 2021 we made what we thought was a great record, ‘Ten Easy Pieces’,” continued Laj. “But we haven’t had a chance to tour it yet. Every time we tried to go out on the road, the world just kept stopping.”
In the intervening years, The Looks kept busy by releasing albums such as ‘Ten Easy Pieces’ (We Are Busybodies), RetroSpectacle (KOTJ/Snap Records), and singles like ‘Annie/Mâ Tête’ (KOTJ/Snap Records), and the aforementioned ‘You Should Know’.
Once the wheels were set in motion, Dany Laj and the Looks needed a party anthem – there’s no better cure for a bad day than a good party, after all. Laj put his songwriting skills to work, and set out writing what would become ‘Meet Me On the Floor’.
Recorded at the band’s own Montreal studio, La La Pop Shoppe, ‘Meet Me On the Floor’ is the band at its power poppiest, garage rockiest best. Featuring alongside Laj’s lead vocals and guitar is longtime bassist/vocalist Jeanette Dowling, as well as new Looks David Laplante on guitar and drummer Alex Pauzé keeping your feet on the dance floor (with a guest cameo from Stacey Case [Tijuana Bibles, Weirdies] on tambourine).
The Looks will (finally!) be hitting the road once again this fall, journeying from Northern Ontario to BC with K-Man & The 45s starting in Sept through mid-October, and then heading out on their own until the end of October in the US, from the Midwest to the Northeast. They’ll pick it back up again in November, playing Canadian dates with Paul Collins’ Beat.
Dany Laj and the Looks is a vibrant power pop band hailing from Montreal, known for their infectious melodies, high-energy performances, and a distinctive sound that blends garage rock sensibilities with modern flair. Led by the charismatic Dany Laj, whose songwriting prowess and distinctive vocals drive the band’s creative vision, they’ve earned a reputation for their electrifying live shows and compelling studio recordings.
Formed in 2010, the band quickly made a name for themselves with their constant touring, showcasing their knack for crafting catchy hooks and singalong choruses. Their music draws inspiration from the golden era of power pop, as well as punk and garage rock, resulting in a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh.
Laj, originally from the small Northern Ontario mining town of Kirkland Lake, has been honing his skills in songwriting and guitar in various bands since his teen years, culminating in the razor sharp, edge-of-your-seat songs the Looks are known for.
The Looks—featuring Jeanette Dowling on bass, David Laplante on guitar, and Alex Pauzé on drums—complement Laj’s vision with tight rhythms, quirky guitar riffs, and an undeniable sense of fun. Over the years, they’ve released a series of well-received albums and singles, each marked by their signature blend of upbeat tempos, heartfelt lyrics, and an unrelenting passion for their craft.
With a growing fanbase and critical acclaim, Dany Laj and the Looks continue to push the boundaries of power pop, making their mark as one of Canada’s most exciting and innovative bands. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to their sound, their music promises an exhilarating experience that celebrates the joy of pure rock and roll.
LIVE AND IN PERSON:
September 26th – Lou Dawg’s – North Bay ON w/ Smooth Brains
September 27th – Townhouse Tavern – Sudbury ON
September 28th – Eagles Hall – Sault Ste Marie ON
October 1st Thunder Bay ON @ Black Pirate’s w/ K-man & The 45’s
October 2nd Winnipeg MB @ Bulldog’s w/ K-man & The 45’s
October 3rd Regina SK @ Cure Kitchen w/ K-man & The 45’s
October 4th Calgary AB @ Palomino’s w/ K-man & The 45’s
October 5th Edmonton AB @ The Aviary w/ K-man & The 45’s
October 6th Jasper AB @ The Whistle Stop w/ K-man & The 45’s
October 7th Banff AB @ Rose & Crown w/ K-man & The 45’s
October 8th Kelowna BC @ Jackknife Brewery w/ K-man & The 45’s
October 9th Penticton BC @ Clancy’s w/ K-man & The 45’s
October 10th Victoria BC @ Lucky Bar w/ K-man & The 45’s
October 11th Vancouver BC @ Lana Lou’s w/ K-man & The 45’s
October 17th Minneapolis MN @ Uptown VFM
October 19th Green Bay WI @ UFO Museum
October 20th Rockford IL @ Mary’s Place
October 21st Dayton OH @ Blind Bob’s
October 22nd Detroit MI @ Outer Limits Lounge
October 24th New York NY @ Berlin under A w/ Movie Movie
October 25th Rochester NY @ Lux Lounge w/ Sweet Pete
November 7th Montreal QC @ Le Ritz w/ Paul Collins’ Beat
November 8th Burnstown ON @ The Neat Cafe w/ Paul Collins’ Beat
November 8th – Neat Coffee Shop – Burnstown ON w/ Paul Collins’ Beat
November 9th – Paddy’s Underground – Tillsonburg ON w/ Paul Collins’ Beat
November 10th – The Garisson – Toronto ON w/ Paul Collins’ Beat
