DELINQUINTS with MIDNIGHT MALICE, the NIGHTMARES, YOU HANDSOME DEVIL, DANGERFIELD and BROOKLYN FLETCHER at Sneaky Dee’s (431 College), Friday (May 28), 9 pm. $5. 416-603-3090.
DELINQUINTS with CORPORATION, SKUNX, SKULLIANS and WRATHRIOT at Sneaky Dee’s, Saturday (May 29), 3:30 pm, all ages. $8.
As their name suggests, Delinquints is a band that gets into trouble. But Jimy Delinquint, the frontman for these hard-living Toronto purveyors of classic California punk, proves to be a more complex character than your average troublemaker.
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Primed to independently release their full-length debut, Punish The Wicked, on the heels of a successful EP and national tour with the Mahones and the Popes, the leader of the quintet says, “It’s healthy to have a bit of a bad reputation, to challenge conventions and make people think. But we try to have a sense of humour about it.”
Missing half his right ear from a bar brawl in 2005 and employed as a bouncer at various venues around town, Delinquint’s taken his lumps, and probably dealt out even more in the process. Writing raw, honest Rancid-and-Bad-Religion-style agro anthems alongside his best friend, co-founder/lead guitarist Beardo Belligerent, he says the thrill of performing has gotten him through bouts of drug addiction, anxiety and depression.
“Music helps me cope with stress. It’s so cathartic and transformative to lose yourself in the moment. It’s like your first time in a pit.”
But under the rough exterior lies a heart of gold. After noticing a spike in their younger fan base, the Delinquints organized a special all-ages Sneaky Dee’s matinee show in addition to their 19-plus CD release show on Friday.
“When I was young and went to punk shows, I remember that there were bands that were nice to kids and bands that were jerks,” recalls Delinquint. “I want to make sure we’re nice and cool to the kids.”
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