Somewhere on the beaten path of influence Armchair Cynics manage originality. And these guys lay no claim to a new sound, nor would they dare to. It’s just sometimes as simple as the right combination of personalities to create a band with distinct identity. Take Aran Puritch, bass player of the Armchair Cynics, as an example. Forget what you expect from a bassist, forget standing still, forget boring, hidden bass lines. Plain and simple Aran engages his audience with his unique approach. Then you have Ryan Rae, drummer of the band, hard hitting and explosive. Ryan will not let you forget what you heard, his head isn’t down, he is not shy. It’s these characteristics that transpose well for a live show, compelling to watch and exciting to hear Adam Sutherland’s guitar playing is a departure from the grand soloing days of the past. With moods and sound phrasings filling the space within each song, not unlike the work of Incubus or that of Coldplay’s guitarist. Adams thoughtful, and it’s in the melody, entangled in the music. Kenn Coutu is the founding member and front man for the Armchair Cynics. He possesses a voice that gets a lot of attention, add in his intelligent lyrics and a delivery with the uttermost conviction and you’ll get songs that are undeniably well written, and passionately executed. It’s easy to define things that don’t change, but with the Armchair Cynics change is what makes for good listening. At moments they teeter on ferociousness only to change your mind with one strum, sounding vulnerable and sparse. But really it’s song structure that gives this group their identity. The songs flow and build with dynamics and that’s why their fans are loyal…it’s in the details. History 2002 The Armchair Cynics debuted on the west coast music scene in April 2002 when they won bandFEST Vancouver Island, a music competition for indie bands. After being showcased at the New Music West Conference, which is held in Vancouver each year, the band proceeded to record a four song EP. The recording produced the radio single Endorphins which found a slot in rotation on 107.3 Extreme FM. The single was also featured on the freestyle segment of the Canadian Extreme Motorcross Series television program. The Cynics have since shared the stage with such bands as Edwin & The Pressure, Stabilo Boss, The Jack Union, and Retrograde. As well they joined the western leg of the Export-A & Coors Light Motorcross Tour where they warmed up the crowd for Juno Award winners Ghetto concept.