VICTORIA, B.C. — Canadian college rock band 64 Funnycars has released an expanded and remastered edition of its 1990 EP Hogwild, bringing previously unreleased recordings from the group’s original lineup to listeners more than three decades after they were recorded.
Released November 12, 2026, through the 604 Records Decades series, the six-track collection revisits the band’s final studio sessions with founding members Tim Chan, Eric Cottrell, Eric Lowe and Colin Macrae.
Originally issued as a four-song, seven-inch EP, Hogwild now includes two archival recordings, “Crush” and “My First Date,” offering a broader look at the band’s musical development during a formative period in Pacific Northwest alternative rock.
Expanded Hogwild Release Revisits Seattle Recording Sessions
The original recordings were completed at Egg Studios in Seattle with producer Conrad Uno, whose work with regional alternative bands helped shape the Pacific Northwest’s independent music scene.
The sessions took place in January 1990 after Cottrell announced plans to relocate to Japan. With the original lineup approaching its final chapter, the musicians returned to Seattle to record material written after their previous release, Happy Go Lucky.
The studio had undergone technical upgrades, including the installation of a Spectrasonics recording console originally built for Stax Records in Memphis.
That equipment complemented the band’s growing interest in musical styles beyond its punk foundations, particularly 1960s rhythm and blues, country, surf rock and power pop.
Musical Connections Across the Pacific Northwest
The recordings also reflected the close relationship between independent music communities in Victoria and Seattle.
Scott McCaughey of the Young Fresh Fellows participated in several recordings, while Mike Chang of Seattle band Like Rain contributed fiddle.
These collaborations emerged through the region’s network of concerts, independent venues and musicians, where Canadian and American performers regularly shared stages and creative influences.
Although Seattle was becoming increasingly associated with grunge, 64 Funnycars pursued a different sound built around melodic guitars, energetic arrangements and humour.
Their influences included the Replacements, the Posies, Buzzcocks and Hüsker Dü, alongside country and classic rhythm-and-blues artists.
Six Tracks Showcase the Band’s Expanding Musical Direction
The expanded release highlights the group’s willingness to experiment with different genres while maintaining its energetic college-rock identity.
“Fading Away,” the opening track, combines jangling guitars with lyrics inspired by concerns surrounding the proposed redevelopment of Victoria’s historic St. Ann’s Academy.
“Highway to Parksville” shifts toward surf rock and rockabilly, delivering a fast-paced instrumental performance.
Meanwhile, “Alone With the Blues” incorporates country influences associated with Gram Parsons, Dwight Yoakam and Hank Williams, supported by Chang’s fiddle.
“AMC Pacer” takes a more playful approach, combining surf-rock instrumentation with an exaggerated tribute to the unconventional automobile.
Previously Unreleased Songs Add New Perspective
The two newly available recordings provide additional insight into the band’s creative ambitions.
“Crush” draws on melodic punk and guitar-driven alternative rock, reflecting influences from the Replacements, Hüsker Dü and Soul Asylum.
“My First Date,” written around lyrics by Lowe, explores classic rhythm and blues inspired by Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Phil Spector.
The recording features Chan’s expressive vocal performance, Macrae on piano and extensive studio reverb applied by Uno.
Despite the time invested in its production, the band originally decided against releasing the song.
Both tracks have now been included in the remastered collection, making them available as part of the group’s official recorded catalogue.
Archival Release Preserves a Key Chapter in Canadian Independent Rock
The Hogwild sessions marked the final recordings featuring all four original members.
By the time the EP appeared in May 1990, Cottrell had moved to Japan and Robin Platts had joined the lineup.
64 Funnycars continued performing and recording through subsequent personnel changes, including a Victoria appearance alongside the Buzzcocks, before disbanding in 1992.
The new edition represents the second archival release in the band’s ongoing 604 Records Decades series, which revisits recordings from its earlier career.
The project also highlights the historical connections between Canadian independent musicians and the broader Pacific Northwest alternative music movement.
With its combination of remastered originals and previously unheard material, Hogwild offers longtime followers and new audiences an opportunity to explore a transitional period in Victoria’s underground rock history.
The expanded six-track EP is available through digital streaming platforms, with additional music and merchandise offered through the band’s official Bandcamp store.
Discover more from Wire Service Canada
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.