Saint Alvia

T

aking their name after Ernest Alvia Smith, Canada's last living recipient of the Victoria Cross for valor in World War II, Saint Alvia was formed by Rob Pasalic (ex-Boys Night Out; vocals/guitar) and Greg Taylor (ex-Jersey/ex-Grade; vocals/guitar). Brandon Bliss (keyboards/vocals) with the bass role being occupied by both Chuck Coles and Mike Casarin. The final line-up would feature Greg Taylor (vocals/guitar), Ben Rispin (vocals), Matt Richmond (drums/vocals), Greg Fisher (guitar/vocals), Jon Laurin (keyboards) and Adam Michael (bass/backing vocals).

With roots in punk, the band drew inspiration from other genres like rock and roll, blues, soul, dancehall reggae, country, new wave and hip hop as well. After recording and releasing demo tracks via MySpace in 2006, the band was signed to Montreal Canada based 'Stomp Records' to release their self-titled debut album in 2006. The lead single from the debut, Don't Wanna Wait Forever, was released in the summer of 2007 to go into the Top 20 for Modern Rock Radio in Canada. That album would be followed up with the critically acclaimed Between the Lines (2008). The act would not last, however, and the band played their final show on 7 December 2013. They reunited for Walk off the Earth's Mike Taylor's Memorial and Tribute Concert.