The Buttless Chaps

Buttless Chaps first rode into the Victoria, British Columbia music scene in 1998. While country-rock overall, the Chaps were strapped with touches of indie rock and twinges of fuzzy electronics. Led by vocalist/guitarist/banjoist Dave Gowans, the band also included guitarist/lap steel man Lasse Lutick, keyboardist/synthesizer guy Morgan McDonald, and drummer Torben Wilson. A self-titled LP followed soon after the band's formation; it enjoyed solid critical acclaim, and was picked up for national distribution. The Tumblewire LP appeared a year later, and was supported with a coast-to-coast Canadian tour. By the end of 2001, BC had relocated to Vancouver. They continued to play out frequently, and also found time to record a third record, Death Scenes I II III (Scratch). In 2003, Buttless Chaps jumped to the friendly Vancouver indie Mint for their strongest effort to date, Love This Time. With locals like Ida Nilsen and Carolyn Mark along for the ride, the album accessorized the Chaps' country-ish sound with electronic moon boots and a pure pop belt buckle. Tours of both Canada and the U.S. followed in late 2003 and early 2004. Ida Nilsen later joined the band permanently on vocals, accordion, sythesizer, and more. Their next record, Where Night Holds Light, was issued in February 2006 in Canada, and the U.S. release followed two months later.