B-Side Guys

Prairie rock with purpose emerges from Winnipeg’s center. CAR287’s debut album represents remarkable creative transformation—what began as pandemic-era covers band has evolved into compelling original songwriting collective that captures both regional identity and universal themes. Looking Through The Lens demonstrates how forced creative hibernation can yield unexpected artistic breakthroughs.

The band’s origin story provides essential context for understanding this collection’s authenticity. Four musicians from different backgrounds found common ground through covers before pandemic restrictions forced creative pivot toward original material. This collaborative foundation shows throughout the thirteen-track collection, creating democratic artistic space where individual strengths serve collective vision.

Recording at Private Ear Studios in June 2024, CAR287 captured live-tested material that has earned enthusiastic audience response across Winnipeg venues. The fifty-two minute runtime reflects years of live development rather than studio experimentation, creating collection that prioritizes performance energy over production artifice.

Opening track “Opening Song” establishes the album’s direct approach—no pretension, no unnecessary introduction, just immediate engagement with material that has proven itself in front of audiences. The track functions as invitation rather than statement, drawing listeners into collection built for communal experience.

“Ain’t Nothin Now” confronts emptiness and searching with hard rock urgency. The lyrics examine surveillance, control, and lost freedom through personal lens that connects individual experience with broader social patterns. Lines like “Hey man with your swollen thumbs / Hitching a ride to another chump” capture contemporary anxiety about technology and genuine human connection. The track demonstrates CAR287’s ability to address serious themes without sacrificing rock accessibility.

“Road Rage Leady” explores driving culture and relationship dynamics through automotive metaphors that feel specifically Canadian. The character of Leady becomes vehicle for examining gender roles, power dynamics, and small-town social patterns. The track’s energy mirrors its subject matter—propulsive, slightly dangerous, impossible to ignore.

“Muddy Waters” pays homage to blues tradition while examining environmental and personal flooding. The repetitive structure mirrors both traditional blues form and natural disaster’s relentless progression. CAR287 demonstrates respect for musical history while creating contemporary relevance.

Previously released single “Gateway to the West” positions Winnipeg as cultural threshold rather than mere geographic location. The lyrics examine regional identity, small-town limitations, and the tension between staying and leaving. The track captures specific Prairie experience while maintaining universal resonance about place-based identity.

“The Things They’ll Miss” examines generational change and disappearing cultural touchstones. The track catalogs specific details—”Anders, Hogan and Jake the Snake / Simpler times, we’d hope you’d stay”—that create nostalgic inventory without sentimentality. CAR287 understands how specific cultural references can trigger broader emotional responses.

“Highway Strong” celebrates travel culture and youthful freedom with anthemic energy. The repeated declarations of strength and movement create communal singing opportunity while examining themes of escape and possibility. The track demonstrates how rock music can provide temporary transcendence from daily limitations.

Single “Feel It Coming On” captures anticipation and romantic chemistry through patient dynamic build. The track’s structure mirrors its thematic content—gradual intensification leading to inevitable release. The instrumental sections provide space for live audience participation while serving recorded version’s emotional arc.

“Deep Undercover” explores deception and hidden identity with paranoid energy. The lyrics examine surveillance, trust, and the difficulty of genuine connection in contemporary world. The track’s urgent delivery matches its psychological content, creating coherent artistic statement.

“Ideas of a Good Life” questions conventional success definitions through introspective examination. The lyrics—”They tell you that the feelings will subside / Don’t care that yours broken on the inside”—confront mental health stigma and social pressure with direct honesty. CAR287 addresses serious psychological territory without losing rock momentum.

Single “Back and Forth” examines relationship patterns and communication failure through repetitive structure that mirrors dysfunctional interaction cycles. The track succeeds because it treats relationship problems as ongoing process rather than solvable crisis.

“Take My Picture” explores identity performance and social media culture through photography metaphors. The repeated requests for documentation suggest anxiety about permanence and validation in digital age. The track demonstrates how contemporary themes can work within traditional rock frameworks.

Closing track “Passing Of Days” provides appropriate conclusion by examining time’s passage and missed opportunities. The repetitive structure creates meditation on change and acceptance while maintaining rock energy that prevents depressive wallowing.

The September 20th launch at Winnipeg’s Times Chang(d) High And Lonesome Club, preceded by afternoon performance at Into The Music record store, reflects CAR287’s commitment to local music community. This approach demonstrates understanding that regional support provides foundation for broader artistic development.

Looking Through The Lens succeeds because it treats regional identity as strength rather than limitation. The Winnipeg references enhance rather than restrict the material’s appeal, creating specific foundation that supports universal themes. CAR287 has created debut that honors both their collaborative origins and individual artistic development while establishing foundation for sustained creative growth.