Line-Up 1 (1980-81):
Clint Bowman (bass)
Eloi Bertholet (drums)
Colin Bryce (vocals, guitar)
Matthew "Sid" Challenger (sax)
Line-Up 2 (1981-83):
Clint Bowman (bass)
Eloi Bertholet (drums)
Colin Bryce (vocals, guitar)
Matthew "Sid" Challenger (sax)
Dave Brown (sax)
Originally formed in 1980 in Winnipeg. The Dub Rifles 5 piece line-up (2 saxes, guitar, bass, drums) combined their primary influences of Motown, Stax, punk (60s and 70s variety), dub reggae and original 60s ska into a highly danceable big rhythm blend that knocked them for a loop in their hometown. Often labelled a "ska" band, the bands material ran the gamut from free-form funk meltdowns and feedback guitar, to supercharged Booker T and The MGs style instrumentals.
A couple of lengthy road excursions (Vancouver-Halifax) garnered them considerable college radio play and a healthy core of followers at a time when the CDN underground scene was just beginning to flourish.
During their brief career the band was featured on "The New Music" program, shared the stage with the likes of Steel Pulse and Midnight Oil, released 2 independent EPs on their own Notown label, made an appearance on ROIR's Trouser Press comp. "The Best Of America Underground" and saw the release of a 12 inch EP on Hamburg, Germany's Jax Pax/Juicy Peeple label.
Shortly after a brief change of base to Montreal in the winter of 1983/84 the band split up following their final performance at Final performance at Toronto's El Mocambo in April 1984.
With notes from Colin Bryce
Singles
1982 No Town No Country [5 song EP] (Notown)
1983 Boom [3 song EP] (Notown)
Albums
1983 Dub Rifles [3 song EP] (Jax Pax/Juicy Peeple - Germany)
Video
Compilation Tracks
1983 "Stand" on 'Trouser Press Presents: The Best Of America Underground' (ROIR)
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