The Low Sixes started the way many bands do—with two friends drinking at Barfly in Montreal. After a European tour with their heavy psych band USA Out of Vietnam, Jonathan Cummins and Brendan Drouillard wanted a change. They pulled in drummer John Milchem (Starvin Hungry) and bassist Jon Asencio (Doughboys) to form a punky power pop group built on melody and energy.

Originally just a fun side project, things got serious after a session at Le Stuzzio with producer Ryan Battistuzzi got strong feedback. Asencio plays on the debut album The Oshawa Tree (out October 4, 2024, on Forge Again Records) but has since been replaced by Alan Hildebrandt (Priors).

The sound draws from Redd Kross, Big Star, The Buzzcocks, and Cheap Trick. The single “Teenage Crime Wave” even namechecks Ray Davies. Guest appearances include members of The Besnard Lakes, Private Lives, and Patrick Watson.

“It’s pop at heart,” says Cummins. “Simple stories, sharp lyrics, and a love letter to the music we grew up with. Nothing too cool, just fun.”