2-Pump Louie has been a mainstay of Toronto's punk/hardcore scene for over four years. In that time, they have also toured places such as Montreal, Quebec, New York, Texas, and Washington D.C. In June of '98, they recorded a cassette EP, entitled "All the hits and more," which sold out of all three of its pressings. Subsequently, in September of '99, their first CD, Revenge of the Alien Baby was released at two separate events (an All-ages show and a 19+ show) on the same day, ensuring that no fan would be left out. The album proved to be a milestone for the group - and not just because copies of it went on to sell worldwide.
Apparently, the band (then a foursome) had found a kindred spirit in the album's producer, a local "acoustic punk" performer by the name of Cactus. He was soon added as the band's second (electric) guitarist. Together, the current lineup is gearing up to release its forth-coming CD, tentatively titled "Possessed by the Devil." At the same time, each 2-Pump member's love of music keeps him/her busy with numerous side-projects (most of them play in other bands around town). The band has also contributed songs to numerous punk compilations; and guitarist Jeremy continues to put countless hours into maintaining one of the best, most interactive and fan-friendly band websites you'll ever see (ya right... -editor). Visit them online. See their shows. Experience a hard-working band that packs a knockout, rock-out punch!

The following 5-step program should accurately illustrate a 2-Pump Louie fan's itinerary, at a "typical" 2-Pump Louie gig.

Step 1: obtain a beer.

Step 2: Anxiously await a kick-ass melodic punk/hardcore show - one that is guaranteed to be fun, fast-paced and energetic. Never mind the fact that the odds are good for eye-popping surprises; for even the most simple set promises free-flowing entertainment and memorable rock n' roll moments.

(obtain a beer)

Step 3: Watch the magic unfold before your very eyes. Or perhaps its actually just chemistry... all that's been documented is that (with apologies to Pontiac),when these five people get together to play, THEY build excitement!

(obtain a beer)

Step 4: Enjoy the atmosphere and crowd-involvement. Not only does 2-Pump Louie provide awesome tunes and a hi-octane show, but they're also admirable punk-personages. For example, they're always doing benefits for worthy charities. Moreover, in their native Toronto, they enthusiastically take on the role of their scene's ringleaders,rallying bands together and staging local punk concerts that prove to be a DREAM for fans. Naturally, the kids adore them. Thus, when people gather in appreciation of these punk heroes, much partying and friendliness ensues.

(obtain a beer)

Step 5: When it's all done, you feel as worn, yet exhilarated, as the performers. This makes you thirsty.
Obtain a beer! Maybe one for a friend, if you just got paid today.

If you don't drink beer... replace the words "obtain a beer" above with either "smoke some crack" or "buy Jeremy a vodka & soda w/lime in a tall glass with just a bit of ice". Thank you, carry on.

Independent - 1998
‘All The Hits And More: Vol. II’
7 song e.p. - cassette only.
First 70 copies hand numbered, b/w cover - sold out
2nd printing, colour cover w/lyrics- 250 - sold out
3rd printing, colour cover w/lyrics - 200 - sold out

Lil’ Punx Records - 1998
http://home.ica.net/~alsobrante/
‘Punk For $ale’ - compilation
Everything To Me - from “All the Hits….” - various artists

MUCK Records - 1998
http://members.xoom.com/muck_records/
‘Punk T.O.wn ’98 - ABC No Rio Benefit’ - various artists
Stuck - version only avail. on this comp.

F*U*TV Videozine Issue #3 1998

"Everything To Me" Video 1998

MUCK Records - 1999
http://members.xoom.com/muck_records/
‘Disease Control: Vol. 1 - ARA Benefit’ - various artists
Regret - from “All The Hits…”

Lil’ Punx Records -1999
http://home.ica.net/~alsobrante/
‘And You Said We Couldn't Make It’ - various artists
Don’t Tell Me - from “All The Hits…”

Independent - July ‘99
‘Here Cums… 2-Pump Louie -in- Revenge Of The Alien Babies”
10 song - CD only.

Lil’ Punx Records - 2000
‘Punk vs. Ska’ - various artists
Poison Paradise - from “Revenge...”

Shut Eye Records - Mar 2000
“Wrapped In Plastic” - various artists
Stuck - from “Revenge…”

VMS Records - May 2000
“Punk Love” - various artists
Everything To Me - from “Revenge…”

Kingston Punk Productions - Date unkown
The Best of KPP Vol. 1
Oblivion - unreleased

We've been on several other compilations as well that I've lost track of. If anyone has info on a release we're on that isn't listed here, please contact me. jeremy@2pumplouie.com

Umbrella Music Online feature

2-Pump Louie-Spray To Play

Aug/2001

Listen Up 2000 (Chart Magazine Feature) - 2-Pump Louie

“We were so bad.” Toronto bred punk rockers 2-Pump Louie have no fear of letting you know where they came from.

As bassist J.J. and singer Naomi relate, starting from scratch three years ago had its rough spots. While the band’s initial days may not have been Man’s Ruin material, 2-Pump Louie have mutated into one of Canada’s most dangerous forces, selling out three pressings of both their demo and first album Revenge Of The Alien Baby. Plans to shoot the band’s second video (“Doppelganger”) are currently underway. Not bad for a band that basically met on karaoke night at the local watering hole.

Rounded out by hard working guitarist Jeremy and drummer Old Mike, 2-Pump Louie feel closest to early ‘80s punk acts like Bad Religion, The Misfits and Random Killing, creating an overall sound that’s about as soft and cuddly as barbed wire across your pink parts. Raspy guitars, booming bass and hyperactive drumming carve the way for a singer who can be sweet or downright nasty, shredding punk rock veterans to bits. Still, while they’re certainly ahead of the pack, 2-Pump Louie strive to inject a positive vibe into their beloved scene.

“We want to help out the people who have been there for us. We’re a family. Not just the band, but the scene as a whole,” states Naomi, citing a list of people that is virtually endless.

Striving to give back to those who have lent a hand or an amp to the 2-Pump cause, the band are renowned for their benefit shows.

Says J.J., “We’d rather know we’re helping out than stuff a few dollars in our pockets, I look at how I was when I was 16 at shows, and now 2-Pump Louie are in a position to help others out. We honestly enjoy that.”

And while they take their punk seriously, they’re certainly no strangers to the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, or as Naomi jests, “We’re all just in it for the chicks.” (photo)

by Keith Carmine
CHART Feb. 2000 / Volume 10 / Issue 6

Revenge of the Alien Baby

It's a long trip from the seminal West Coast hardcore sound of X to the East Coast horror movie antics of The Misfits, but Canadian punks 2-Pump Louie make it with ease. On "Revenge of the Alien Baby" they combine the melodic, powerful vocal style of X's Exene Cervenka with Misfits style drumming and guitar, mixing themes of science fiction and serious social commentary. Lead singer and lyricist Naomi possesses a voice seething with anger and beauty, and her lyrics display a level of intelligence rarely seen in today's punk music. "Poison Paradise" is pure poetry exploring the growth of a sweet relationship into an abusive nightmare. From the early bright days of romance ("I remember the way it was before the rain, when you smiled instead of smirked, I was yours and I thought you were mine, I remember the way you touched my skin with shy hands like a little boy") to the bitter, dark days of violence ("I remember the way before the thunder broke and crashed, when lightning burnt our skin and your anger held me fast. I remember the way you ripped my heart out with cold hands, like a madman you laughed"), it's a sad and affecting story told in an original and stunning way. On the flip-side of Naomi's consciousness is whimsical horror movie schlock like "Alien Baby" ("I want a baby that's green and slimy!"), showing an amazing range of lyrical approach. "Knockdown" revisits the territory of X's "Johnny Hit and Run Pauline", but this time the woman takes the initiative at the end and rips the assailant a new one. The chorus "He kicked her down and he fucked her up and he knocked her down" is answered with the final statement, "I kicked him down I fucked him up and I knocked him down." Musically this disc moves along at an incredible pace, guitars chunking and buzzing, bass slamming against hard hitting drums. The naysayers who think punk reached it's peak in the 80s should hear 2-Pump Louie. This is only the beginning. You can get the 2-Pump Louie CD and check out MP3's and Real Audio song samples at their website.

by Michael Subvert/1999
http://www.the-cake.com/

Artist: 2-Pump Louie CD: Here Cums... 2-Pump Louie In Revenge Of The... Alien Baby

Recently, my kid sister commented less than favorably on some punk and metal she heard on the radio. That's not surprising -- the stuff disturbs a lot of kid sisters. However, she liked 2 Pump vocalist Naomi's voice. Lots of people do, actually, and I can see why. Serving up angst filled rants with a somewhat bratty tone, she blows you away with sheer force. The album's second track here, "Poison Paradise" is always a perfect illustration of this, live and recorded.

I make no bones about the fact that 2-Pump Louie are one of my favorite punk acts on this scene -- just 'cause they're such a hard, tough-sounding, headbanging, fist-in-the-air type of band. On stage, they make you want to stand front and centre, just so you can rock out and let it all hit you in the face. The eighth track, entitled "Knockdown," is cool because... I'd give you the wrong idea if I said it was cow-punk. It's not... but it's actually a great, gritty cowboy song, all punked up -- atleast musically it is (Lyrically, I'm not sure what it is because, as powerful as Naomi's voice is, she has to sing pretty fast to keep up with the constantly blistering pace of guitarist, bassist, and drummer -- Jeremy, JJ and Mike). I like how, on "It's not enough," Naomi starts off the song with a distainful and manic-sounding laugh. Rather appropriate I think, given the title; and attitude's always a cool thing to have.

Finally, "Doppelganger" is the perfect showcase for 2-Pumps tourniquet-tight sense of rhythm. It starts off with a familiar, "marching off into battle" sorta beat, and then goes into punk-paradise overdrive. Two mohawks up!

- Steve Kaklamanos /The Spill Magazine/1999

We've been reviewed and written about in tons of 'zines and mags as well that I've lost track of. If anyone has info about an article on us, please contact me. jeremy@2pumplouie.com