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British rock band The Zombies to headline Arden Theatre

St. Albert duo Altameda to open for The Zombies at July 11 rock concert.

Although psychedelic pop rockers, The Zombies, are a tad greyer around the temples, they're still full of pep. 

Their five-decade career enjoyed a resurgence during the British band’s induction into the 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the release Still Got That Hunger

Now on a grinding North American tour, The Zombies, led by vocalist Colin Blunstone and keyboardist Rod Argent, will be the headline act at the Arden Theatre on Monday, July 11 as season closers. 

Even as fans eagerly await the chart toppers, the opening band is on an upward trajectory of its own. Altameda, a former St. Albert band now making its base in Toronto, is tapped to perform a 40-minute set at the concert’s start. Travelling in a mini van across the United States, the duo has nothing but praise for The Zombies. 

“They are fantastic. They’re an iconic group and I was blown away. A friend had seen them before the pandemic around the time they were inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They’re such a tight group and Rod, their keyboardist, plays incredibly well. They’re cool to see and impressive to be with,” said drummer Erik Grice. Altameda is also composed of Troy Snaterse, the duo’s main singer-songwriter/guitarist. 

It turns out Altameda’s manager lives in the United Kingdom and is friends with The Zombies' manager. The two managers worked out an arrangement that booked Altameda for a one-week show with The Zombies. 

“It was booked for early 2000, but when the pandemic came, it got cancelled, rebooked, and postponed. But then they came back to us and offered us a chunk of the tour starting in New York and up to B.C.,” Grice said. 

Right from the early days as a four-piece garage band, Snaterse was the driving force, writing songs for their 2016 full-length debut album Dirty Rain, and an even more ambitious sophomore effort, Time Hasn’t Changed You in 2019. 

This was a hard-touring band and after playing dates with Sam Roberts Band, The Trews, and Dan Mangan, their profile grew. No longer content to remain in the region, Snaterse and Grice were ready to make the big move to Toronto. Instead, the other two band mates were tired from the touring grind and amicably parted ways.  

Ironically, Snaterse headed east at the beginning of 2020. Grice was slated to follow but COVID-19 created an unprecedented industry lockdown. Now several thousand kilometres apart, the duo was forced to write songs remotely and share tracks via the Internet. 

The enforced distance and the major change from a four-piece to a duo gradually transformed Altameda’s style from a heavier, edgier rock sound to a more introspective, atmospheric sound. Born Losers, the April 2022 album release, is a simple and profound reflection on humanity.  

“Our new sound evolved over time and crystallized on the new record. It’s always changing and I’m excited about the way it’s going,” said Snaterse. 

Despite the excitement, Born Losers grew out of a turbulent time in Snaterse’s personal life when he nearly lost his father to a stroke. While his father lived, just several weeks later, his 18-year-old hockey-loving stepbrother died in a tragic accident. 

“A lot of the writing took place after the incident. It was definitely a catalyst, and so was the move to Toronto. It was a mix of things that took place,” Snaterse said. 

Grice added, “Those songs were written while we were promoting the last record. We cut some verses and reworked them in the studio. It was a reflection of the pandemic separation and the personal part of Troy’s family. It’s about getting hit when you’re down, overcoming it and pushing through it. That’s not so out-of-the-box it can’t happen to a lot of people. It’s about the human condition.” 

In the track, Everybody’s Gotta Bleed, Snaterse juxtaposes his dad receiving a second chance while his stepbrother’s life is cut short. Sweet Susie wrestles with powers beyond our control and Wheel of Love embraces the warmth of friendship. 

As for playing on home turf at the Arden, Grice said, “We worked there as university students. We both grew up performing. It’s interesting to be invited back. Caitlin North has always been so generous since the beginning. It’s nice coming to a full-circle moment to play where our families live.” 

Snaterse added, “We hope to inspire other up-and-coming artists. It is possible to play your music, tour interesting places, and find success." 

Show time on July 11 is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $69. Price does not include GST, handling charges and fees. To book visit https://stalbert.ca/exp/arden/events/ or call the box office at 780-459-1542. 

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