Jen Leeder - Bass
Rich Rikkonen - Guitar
Chris Spires - Drums

Original members
Paul Evans - Drums
Melissa Boraski - second guitar

The band went through different phases one consisted of Paul Evans on drums, Jennifer Leeder on Bass and vocals, Rich Rikkonen on guitar and Melissa Boraski on second guitar and vocals. The second phase was when Melissa left the band and they decided to keep Dianthus as a three piece. Which was right before they decided to start recording their first CD Myopia. The third and final phase was when Paul left the drums and they got Chris Spires on drums who used to be a drummer for Shape.

There is almost nothing left about them on the internet despite the fact that they had a couple of web pages and a somewhat decent fan base for Brantford. Only one reference can be found outside this site here at http://members.fortunecity.com/speedgun17/paparch/pcjul3.html it is an old Paperless Column from July 3rd 1996.

Dianthus used to be on a 'label' based out of Brantford called TEG Records. It was started by Rob Georgeff who now works at Sunrise Records in Brantford. The only band that was carried was Dianthus.

Dianthus December 15 1995 at Sydenham United Church

May 1996 in an empty Second Wave

Images from early 1997

Jen

Dianthus January 11 1997 at The Pelican

Chris

How Brantford Has Risen From The Dead (And How It Can Avoid Dying Again)

Music's Importance

by Dan Walker

There is a growing and important music scene in Brantford. It can be honestly said that there is potential for stardom in some of the artists that are now practicing their material in Brantford. The Pocket Faith Healers and Dianthus both deserve to make it big, and show possibility for greatness. A few years ago, this was not the case. It's important for Brantford to encourage it's talent by attending the concerts, but also by avoiding scenes like the one at the end of the summer's Tartan Gate music festival. Neighbours complained about the noise, the police shut the concert down early, and the bands were left with a bad feeling. This type of pointless complaining must stop; if we expect the tourists and music fans to come to Brantford, we have to be able to tolerate a loud event once in awhile. Except for the poor ending, that festival was excellent and a true benefit.

In the same issue there was mention of them as should have been on the Vibe CD compilation.

Entertainment Brantford?, Issue #2, March 1996

In Other News...

by Dan Walker

Dianthus has a new album coming out pretty soon. It'll be at Second Wave.

Entertainment Brantford?, Issue #3, May 1996

Dianthus Makes Short-sightedness Fun

by Dan Walker

One of Brantford's best bands has released their first CD. Dianthus has put together Myopia, a nine track album that is one of the best releases to come out of the Brantford scene in awhile. Singer and bassist Jennifer Leeder's powerful and distinctive voice is excellent. Guitarist Rich Rikkonen and drummer Paul Evans provide a solid musical background for the well written songs. Among the best are the catchy "Rusty" and the rocking "Nauseous." Dianthus played an awesome all ages show with Shape at Alexander's recently that lasted nearly two hours and are playing with Cartoon Khaki at Rumble's May 3rd. Make sure to check their shows out, because they are great. Myopia is available through the band for twelve dollars and you can reach the Dianthus homepage on the internet by the address http://www.worldchat.com/public/mdgeorge/dianthus.htm

In Other News

by Dan Walker

...another bar who rejected minors recently is Rumble's, who didn't allow this underage fan in to see the Dianthus CD release show...

Entertainment Brantford? Issue #4, June 1996

The Brantford Music Summer Will Be Hotter Than Ever

by Dan Walker

Dianthus has been recording on and off in recent weeks, so hopefully they'll put more of their music on the shelves along with their excellent debut CD, Myopia. Dianthus will play the El Macombo in Toronto on July 3 and 24 and the Ultrasound on July 27, so go to the big T.O. and cheer our local rock folk on. Dianthus will also open for Change of Heart at the Pelican...

...Opening weekend is June 21 with Toronto artists Trans Love Airways and the Earthlings, and the 22nd will see indie gods Change of Heart play an afternoon all-ages show with Dianthus and the Earthlings and an evening show with special guests. Make sure to check the ad on page five..

Entertainment Brantford? Issue #5, August 1996

Dianthus Moving Slowly But Surely To The Top

by Dan Walker

Dianthus has become one of the most respected and accomplished bands in the area. Jennifer Leeder on vocals and bass, Rich Rikkonen on guitar and Paul Evans on drums are moving towards the big time with a good CD and awesome live performances.

Fast Start

Dianthus started out in January 1995, as Leeder and Rikkonen got to know Evans through his ownership of Second Wave Records on Colborne Street. The band, who had another member involved at the time, soon invited Evans to drum and the line-up was set. From there the band quickly became known as an excellent act, and everything was going well. They eventually played the El Macombo in Toronto and received some good feedback from record companies. An appearance in Hamilton's "View" magazine and a live radio performance spread the Dianthus sound. Encouraged, the band continued to play virtually everywhere in the area (including winning the Battle of the Band at last years Indiefest) and got set to record their music.

Album Released

Unfortunately, the second guitarist left the band at that time, as she was not quite ready for the commitment the band had to agree on. This was a setback, and the band hurriedly recorded their first album and had to adjust to their new three piece status at the same time. They did it; Myopia was released in March of 1996.

What's Ahead

Dianthus chose to get used to having only three members, and had to work on regaining their skeptical fans. Since then, the band has played in Toronto and Hamilton, impressing audiences everywhere with powerful performances. They are currently considering finding another guitarist, but not too seriously, the chemistry is working well and the band is concentrating on a more relaxed and live-sounding album. The hand has a new web page set up at worldchat.com/public/georgeff/dianthus.htm and are looking to make Dianthus their full time job. You should definitely check them out; "EB?" hightly recommends Dianthus. Myopia is available at Sunrise Records downtown, and for more information contact Rob Georgeff at 756-4455 or see their excellent homepage.

Mention of a link to their homepage

It's Contest Time, Kids!

by Dan Walker

Here's your chance to win some of the cool tunes "EB?" has been telling you about! Read the reviews and check these contests out!

Dianthus

The crazy trio known as Dianthus wants you to have a copy of their excellent debut CD, Myopia. They have been playing really well recently, and the songs on this CD will impress you. To win this nine song album, all you have to do is tell us what you think a dianthus is. The answer must be the real thing (yes, there actually is something called a dianthus out there.) Get out the dusty ol' dictionary, and get that answer down on the form below and send it in! Check out the review of this CD in issue #3 of "EB?" and find out why Dianthus is considered on of the finest bands in the area. You want this too!

Entertainment Brantford? Issue #6, November 1996

Dianthus Plays Funny Trick On EB?

by Dan Walker

Just as last issues profile on Dianthus hit the streets, the band made a personnel change. Paul Evans is now ex-drummer, and Chris Spiers (ex of Y-Us, Shape and the Pocket Faith Healers, among others) is now behind the drum kit. The change has led to a new sound for the band, who have become louder and heavier. Dianthus has been through lineup changes before; the band lost a singer and guitarist prior to recording their EP Myopia, and their dynamics had to change to suit the new sound. As before, Dianthus has taken time to get the songs with Chris, and the result is sounding very good. Already the band has played in Brantford and Toronto, and have recorded some material for an upcoming release. The band is also selling new shirts, which are very nice. There are two designs on the t-shirt, one with a cool picture of the band on the front and the other with "Dianthus Myopia" in big black letters. Both of these are available from the band for $15 each. You should definitely go to see the new Dianthus, as they are sounding better and better each time they play. They will likely be appearing at city bars very soon, so you will have a good chance to see them live. As well, you can check out their homepage (that is looking really cool, but needs a bit of updating) at <www.worldchat.com/public/georgeff/dianthus.htm/>

Entertainment Brantford Online? Issue #7, February 1st 1997

"The Den" Fundraiser A Success!

In Other News...

by Dan Walker

Dianthus has been playing many shows in Toronto recently. The band has had successful gigs at the El Macombo and Lee's Palace in the past few months. They may also be playing Chances Cafe and bar on Valentine's Day, February 14.

Entertainment Brantford Online? Issue #2, February 15th 1997

In Other News...

by Dan Walker

Dianthus will be playing a special Valentine's Day show at Chances Café and Bar. A $2 cover will get you in for a night of good music. It is said that Reuben Costa will be opening the show.

The Picture, Issue #1, May 1st 1997

In Other News...

by Dan Walker

Dianthus was surprised recently by finding not only that another band is using their name, but using their logos as well. While surfing the net, the band found the "punk" Dianthus from the U.S. using many of Brantford's Dianthus' logos, which were posted on their own website. See our Dianthus' page here, and see the "punk" rip off page here. Make sure to send them some hate mail on behalf of our kids.

(both band pages are lost)

The Picture, Issue #2, June 1997

Other Stuff

by Dan Walker

Speaking of Dianthus, they will be playing Poor Folks Deli on June 7 with Scott B. from Toronto. It's a very big show, as it's also my birthday party. So y'all better be there, you understand?

The Picture, Issue #4, August 1997

Kind Of Sad, Mostly Not

by Dan Walker

...Of course, the bands. All those guys that do it every week, who want it bad, and who have taken the time to do a little something with me, I think you for being a part of this. Two special mentions, of course, go out to my favorites. First, Jen and Rich, Paul and Chris, those wacky kids in the mighty Dianthus. It started as an interview in an old practice spot, and now they're great friends, awesome..

Humpin' In The Back Room, Issue #2, Spring 1995

This Is Punk Rock

by Ryan Korczak

Humpin' In The Back Room, Issue #6, Early 1996

Humpin' In The Back Room Benefit #1

December 15th 1995

Sydenham United Church Hall

By Vince Moya

Humpin' In The Back Room, Issue #7, December 1996

Love Forever

by Vince Moya

Breaking up is hard to do.

Argh. The first half of '96 was plagued with them. Love was just not in the air for anyone. I saw and became a victim of that annoying human ritual. Face it everyone... Breaking up sucks shit. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth because of the things you have to say to either get rid of or save the person you're with. Then once the deed is over, the mourning period is dark enough to make someone go pale white, wear black clothes, and listen to nothing but Nine Inch Nails while frolicking in depression along with Trent Reznor. Christ!

Well, everyone knows I broke up with my girlfriend who I went out with for a year plus. I won't even dwell on that, but the lesson I have goes for everyone. Communication is the key that opens up all doors. Every single one. Communicate and you can open up all the avenues in your relationship. Maybe the other person will open their heart out to you. The heart of communicating should be everyone's priority to achieve, not the other person's crotch. That second part was not a mistake of mine, but the first part will stay with me for good. Thankfully I am involved with another one again, and I think this will last longer than ever, because I learned from my mistake. And yes, I'm in love again, and very happy.

Break-ups in relationships weren't the only break-ups that happened in the beginning of '96. Bands just disbanded like cheap glue on metal. Either someone got kicked out, or bands don't exist totally. Dianthus lost their drummer, the dazzling Paul Evans. Circle Theorem said good-bye to Ryan, which in turn said good-bye to the whole Circle Theorem bit. It had so much potential to be up there in punk rockdom. If you ask me, my reason for breaking up was that we didn't have time for the band at all (Chris and I were hot on the heels of tying up school work in order to move on) and soon enough, punk rock just got tiresome for us. It's really insane, the changes one can go through, over a certain period of time. Don't get me wrong, I still like punk, but tell me, how could you differentiate the Circle Theorem sound, let along the songs, from anything else? You can't. My point exactly. Our Fault. We're done for, and we'll leave it at that. I wish Ryan well in whatever he does. Another band that kinda broke up was the Blue Suede Gnus. I thought something was about to come out from the minds of Gen and Ania, but I guess it didn't pull through. Everyone was preoccupied with everything else, and again, that's understandable. Gen, Ania, if you still wanna play, I'm still willing.

I don't know. Somehow, '96 kinda started negatively for some people. I just hope the rest of the year isn't as bad. I know mine has already gotten better. Until next issue.

Brantford Expositor, February 17th 1995

Music Is The Story of Paul Evans' Life

Second Wave An Eclectic Reality

by Caroline Freibauer

Brantford Expositor, circa early 1996

Buying Used Records And CDs

by Sara Paine

March 3 1995 - St. George Community Centre, St. George, ON
August 18 1995 - Brantford Civic Centre, Brantford, ON
December 15 1995 - Sydenham United Church, Brantford, ON
December 15 1995 - Pelican, Brantford, ON
December 17 1995 - Pelican, Brantford, ON
July 3 1996 - El Macombo, Toronto, ON
July 24 1996 - El Macombo, Toronto, ON
July 27 1996 - Ultrasound, Toronto, ON
November 22 1996 - Pelican, Brantford, ON
January 11 1997 - Rumbles, Brantford, ON
February 14 1997 - Chances, Brantford, ON
June 7 1997 - Rumbles, Brantford, ON

Show Posters

August 18 1995 battle of the bands at the Civic Centre

November 22 1996 at The Pelican

Januay 11 1997 at The Pelican

External Links

http://www.worldchat.com/public/mdgeorge/dianthus.htm (defunct original web site, found January 2003)

http://www.myspace.com/ivypallas (Melissa Boraski's solo project)

last updated October 08 2007

main page