Hailing from Kingston, Ontario, The Beta 58’s have established themselves as a reckoning force in the punk rock’n’roll scene since their formation in 2012. With members Josh Taugher and Sean Viger on vocals and guitars, Rocko Linden on bass and vocals, and Landon Martin behind the drums, the band has recently graced the music world with their latest release, “Agree To Disagree“.
Describing themselves with an unapologetic swagger, The Beta 58′s say, “We’re not the pioneers, or the stars of anything. We’re the loudmouths you see playing rock and roll down the street in that bar that looks like it closed months ago. We play simple, fast, and loud songs to wash away that workweek blues. So, lace up your boots and get ready to rock, because we’re coming to a dive near you.”
Taking a moment to reflect on the Canadian punk scene’s rich heritage, The Beta 58’s have shared their personal favorite albums that have influenced their unique sound.
But, as they emphasize, this list is not about historical significance; it’s about personal resonance.
“This is less about historically relevant Canadian Punk Bands, and more a list of favorite albums that have influenced our style. Simply put – these are great Canadian albums/bands, old and new, that you need to check out!” they note.
Dipping into their personal favorites, The Beta 58’s spotlight “Feed Us A Fetus” (1986) by Dayglo Abortions, which Sean praises as the first Canadian punk album he ever owned, highlighting its humorous touch.
Rocko draws attention to Propagandhi’s “Less Talk, More Rock” (1996), likening its vibe to NOFX but with a potent political edge.
Meanwhile, Josh nods to Maximum RNR’s “Horns Up” (2005) as the epitome of unfiltered rock’n’roll.
The compilation extends to include gems from INEPSY, RIPCORDZ, D.O.A., and other remarkable mentions like GOB and THE ALMIGHTY TRIGGER HAPPY, showcasing their deep-rooted admiration for Canada’s punk scene.
Check out the full list below.
Top Ten Canadian Punk Records (According To The Beta 58’s):
DAYGLO ABORTIONS (VICTORIA) – FEED US A FETUS (1986)
“The first Canadian punk album I ever owned, it taught me that you can write funny songs with obscene and unlikely subject matter!” – Sean
PROPAGANDHI (WINNIPEG) – LESS TALK, MORE ROCK (1996)
“Hating the government isn’t just for Americans anymore! Loud, angry, political, Canadian technical skate punk. Essentially NOFX if they read different books!” – Rocko
MAXIMUM RNR (TORONTO) – HORNS UP (2005)
“I have no idea where I first heard Maximum RNR, what I did know is that THIS was what Rock n’ Roll should sound like, rough, aggressive, and no BS!” – Josh
INEPSY (MONTREAL) – CITY WEAPONS (2005)
“If Motörhead and Discharge had a baby. Horns up and battles vests out, Bombshell Rock!!” – Landon
RIPCORDZ (MONTREAL) – WHAT IF THEY HELD A REVOLUTION AND NOBODY CAME (2003)
“The album I bought the first time I saw them live, where I learned to play open chords in a punk band, definite influence on how I play guitar” – Sean
D.O.A. (VANCOUVER) – WIN THE BATTLE (2002)
“A great early 2000’s punk album. More modern sounding than their earlier records. Lots of Canadian references, and… Biff Naked! An instant Canadian Punk Classic” – Rocko
CUNTER (BRAMPTON) – 27 (2013)
“What do you get when you cross a bunch of emo/post punk bands from the suburbs of greater Toronto? Astonishingly, one of the best crossover punk/thrash/hardcore bands I’ve ever heard! A Canadian super group consisting of members of Moneen, Alexis On Fire… the band was originally called Hunter, however after a Polish band of the same name threatened to sue, they changed the name to Cunter…absolutely brilliant” – Landon
HOSTAGE LIFE (TORONTO) – WALKING PAPERS (2006)
“I don’t understand how more people don’t know this band. Hostage Life was volcanic live and just about ready to burst at the seams. This album is incredibly well written, and I STILL find myself singing the words “When I get cancer!”…to the shock of most bystanders” – Josh
NOMEANSNO (VICTORIA) – WRONG (1989)
“These guys always impressed me, complex and aggressive…and the bass sound is amazing” – Rocko
THE SUBHUMANS (VANCOUVER) – NEW DARK AGE PARADE (2006)
“This album reminds me of being jammed in a car with my friends, playing some unknown show in a town with it’s sidewalks already rolled up…The Subhumans always remind me of The Beta 58’s….stuck in limbo between Punk and Rock n’ Roll!” – Josh
Runners Up!
