Belvedere

by Mike DaRonco Taking their name from the '80s sitcom, Belvedere began in Calgary, Alberta, in late 1995 as the three-piece of Steve Rawles (guitar/vocals), Brock (bass), and Dan Hrynuik (drums). As the years progressed along with their revolving lineup, Belvedere remained with their melodic pop-punk sound that looked up to the likes of Bad Religion and NOFX. Eventually recruiting second guitarist Scott Solo (aka Scott Marshall), replacement drummer Jay Hollywood, and a replacement bassist Jason Sinclair, the quartet released their debut album, Because No One Stopped Us, in 1998 through Hourglass and 206 Records. After spending most of 1999 on the road -- along with Bad Religion and Strung Out, for a stint -- 206 Records put out Belvedere's follow-up album, Angels Live in My Town, in early 2000. In 2001, the Montreal imprint Union 2112 released 'Twas Hell Said Former Child, Belvedere's proper second album, which coincided their first-ever European tour. A split release with Downway, Hometown Advantage, was issued in 2003. When it came time to reconvene for another studio album, Belvedere joined producer Blair Calibaba (Sum 41) in Calgary for the recording of Fast Forward Eats the Tape. Shared dates with Death by Stereo, Tsunami Bomb, and Misconduct followed in spring 2004. The final Belvedere lineup of Rawles, Marshall, Sinclair, and drummer Graham Churchill decided to call it quits in 2005.