by JOHNSON CUMMINS

When I call up Malcolm Bauld, singer/guitarist in Montreal punk band the Frenetics, I catch him in the middle of setting up their upcoming tour. Nothing could be more telling for this DIY band - they're often on the road but have never sat around waiting for agents and managers to come knocking. With all these miles clocked in behind him, Bauld's answer to any band complaining about the local scene treadmill is easy.

"I would have to say they should look for kindred spirits in other scenes or other labels," says Bauld. "You can start by playing out in your area and then branch out from there. The most rewarding thing about touring is when you make that personal contact in another city with someone who is doing a similar thing that you are. It's really satisfying too to be able to return the favour for them. I don't think every band has to do it this way but for us, it's like that old saying - if you want something done right, do it yourself."

The Frenetics did get a little bit of help with their recent third release Grey Veins to the Parking Lot through the funding grants from the Factor program. Once studios were booked, a producer hired and so on, the axe unfortunately came down and they ended up with only half of the original approved budget.

The financial constraints that followed would've toppled many bands. The Frenetics crunched numbers and recorded half of the record in Montreal and half in London, Ont. Being forced to work in two different provinces actually added to the dynamic of the record, which went beyond expectations. Further support came in the form of Winnipeg singer/songwriter Greg Macpherson, who lent a hand on three songs. "I have a lot of respect for him and think he is one of the greatest songwriters in Canada right now. When you enter into that kind of collaboration world, you don't know how it's going to turn out - but it was awesome."

CD launches tonight, Thursday, May 20 (with Million Dollar Marxists and Jesse B. Staniforth at Yannick's loft, 3810 St-Laurent, 8:30pm, $6, all ages) and Friday, May 21 (with Greg MacPherson and Marathon at Petit Campus, 8:30pm, $8)

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