Pocket Faith Healers
What is known about Pocket Faith Healers was found in the following issues of Entertainment Brantford?
Entertainment Brantford?, Issue #1, January 1996
How Brantford Has Risen From The Dead (And How It Can Avoid Dying Again)
by Dan Walker
Music's Importance
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 many other bands in the area 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 summers 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.
There was another reference to them in the same issues in an article about the Vibe CD. They placed one track on the compilation called Innocence Is Dead.
Entertainment Brantford?, Issue #2, March 1996
They were mentioned as competing in the doomed battle of the bands at the Turnaround, February 10th 1996.
In Other News...
by Dan Walker
The Pocket Faith Healers are not finished, as the first issue had reported. They have advertised for a new drummer, and are expected to participate in the Turnaround's Battle of the Bands...
Entertainment Brantford, Issue #3, May 1996
In Other News...
by Dan Walker
...the Pocket Faith Healers will be recording soon...
Entertainment Brantford?, Issue #4, June 1996
The Brantford Music Summer Will Be Hotter Than Ever
by Dan Walker
Pocket Faith Healers plan to tour across Canada this summer. "EB?" is told that the band will head west, playing as they go. The PFH have a snazzy tour bus set (you may have seen the green monster about town) but it is not yet known whether the band has solved its drumming problems. They've searched for months and have seemed to be settled in with a new drummer, but it is said that the PFH still aren't sure. The band is going out with a band; they will play at Chances Bar on June 27 and Soundzone on the 28th.
Entertainment Brantford?, Issue #5, August 1996
PFH out of here; leave excellent demo behind
by Dan Walker
The Pocket Faith Healers have left town to tour, but fans can now pick up their new demo, The Awakening, at Sunrise Records downtown. The band left an incredible tape behind, one that is well recorded and sounds much like their live performances.
Great Start
The Healers started out as Damage Incorporated in April 1994. Singer Mike Brown and guitarist Sean Davies, along with Former drummer Liam Fitzpatrick, were joined by bassist Jeremy Stevens and became the Pocket Faith Healers. They were solid from the start, their interests came together and created some great sounds. While the Healers sound is a bit heavier than most, the band grew in popularity very quickly as their status as a great local band became known. They played virtually everywhere in Brantford, from school gyms to outdoor festivals. The Healers also took their tunes to Hamilton, London and Toronto, as well as Turkey Point and Simcoe (where the band says they have a solid following.) Unfortunately, there were changes afoot.
No new drummer... yet
Drummer Fitzpatrick left the band, as his ideas and desires changed. The friendly parting left the Healers stuck; they were rising fast, but had no drummer. Their extensive search yielded few prospects, although friends have helped out when they were needed. They are still without a percussionist but are looking as they travel.
Wake up to this
Tape cover
The Awakening is great. The Healers put their all into this six song tape, with a friend filling in on drums. "Forwards Burned" and "Try" are fast and furious, "Innocence is Dead" is heavy, and the moody "So I Die" ends the cassette. The band is sending demos to labels, looking for that big break, but aren't too anxious to commit to anything. The Healers praise Noise Floor Studious for the great work they put into The Awakening, and are currently out west, exploring their interests in nature and religion and taking time to work on their sound. They hope to come back one day, ready to record a full CD. Though the band is gone, you must pick up their tape. You can get in touch with the Healers via e-mail at zombie@worldchat.com
PFH scoop up Ohan too
Tape cover for Serpico High
The Pocket Faith Healers took a good chunk of Branford's local talent with them when they left town. Included on the magic bus is Ohan Vandermeer, who has been in and out of local acts for years. His latest work has come with Serpico High, and while the cassette "EB?" received was recorded only on four-track and still quite rough, it sounds as though Ohan is going places. Unfortunately, this tape is not available for sale. The six songs are slow and moody, with Ohan's steady bass guitar taking centre stage. Drums and other percussion instruments are found here, but that's it; no guitars or other instruments, making this one of the more unique releases I've heard recently. Ohan's vocals are "out there," and the tunes are definitely cool. "EB?" had the chance to see Ohan play at Chances and Poor Folks before he left, and the shows were very good. If the troupe comes back, you should see Serpico High.
Entertainment Brantford?, Issue #5, August 1996
Soundzone Throws Unbeatable Parties
by Dan Walker
...A winter outdoor show would likely be impossible, so the organization took their act indoors, having a dance party that just didn't do that well. They gave up on that idea and went for another show this year, as advertised in the last issue of "EB?" June 28th at the Harlequin Club in Brantford featured performances by the Pocket Faith Healers, Y-Us, Run Perry Run, Pilate and Tangled and Weeved. 750 people showed up and the party was excellent. Current plans were to hold a Soundzone on August 24th, but the show had to be cancelled at the last minute...
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!
Pocket Faith Healers
The Healers want to give on of you lucky readers a copy of their new demo tape, The Awakening. Here's what you have to do. The band wants to know what you think their favorite plant is. If you know these guys, you'll know right away; if not, here's a hint; this fungus is known to be somewhat hallucinogenic, and the band regularly features it on their stickers and posters; it's even on the front cover of the demo. (If you still don't know, then you're beyond help.) Write down what you think the band's favorite plant is on the form below, and sent it in! This tape is great, you want it!
Ad from the back of Entertainment Brantford? Issue #5, August 1996
The Picture, Issue #1, May 1st 1997
Other Stuff
by Dan Walker
The Paul Lauzon benefit show went well, by all accounts. The concert, held April 26, raised money for Lauzon, who is suffering from bone cancer. It's expected that Paul will pull through, but the illness has been tough on all parties involved, and money is needed to help get Lauzon's family and friends to his hospital for support. While the picture couldn't be at the event, we have learned that the bands performed well and the event is considered a success. Best wishes to an amazing artist and important man on the Brantford scene...
One of the bands at the Paul Lauzon show came back to town from British Columbia specifically to play the benefit. The Pocket Faith Healers got back together again for the event, and also played at the Turnaround the following evening. By their own admission, their performance at the Turnaround sucked, but the Healers can probably be forgiven, having not practiced together for the better part of a year. It was good to see PFH together again, even if for the last time...
The Picture, Issue #4, August 1997
Dan Walker thanks Pocket Faith Healers quickly.
last updated April 2nd 2003