by Corey AparBased in Montreal, Quebec, hardcore punk revivalists the Sainte Catherines first came together in 1999. These French-Canadians combine driving guitar leads and gruff vocals akin to Hot Water Music into a hard-hitting sound based in D.I.Y. and activist ideals. Originally called Concrete Fongus, the guys changed their name to their current moniker in 2000. Their first effort, Those Stars Are for You, sold over 1,000 copies independently before the band hooked up with New York-based Eyeball Records for the EP The Machine Gets Under Way. In 2002, the German label Yoyo Records re-released their first album, following up a year later with The Art of Arrogance on Dare to Care. Signing to Fat Wreck Chords, the group released the full-length Dancing for Decadence in late March 2006. By this time, the band was comprised of vocalist Hugo Mudie, bassist Pablo Boerr, drummer Rich Bouthillier, and guitarists Marc-André Beaudet, Frederic Jacques, and Louis Valiquette (three of the six who were veterans of the Montreal ska-core group Rollerstarter). Already having hundreds of shows in nine countries under their belt with bands like the Dwarves, Against Me!, Strike Anywhere, Leftover Crack, and Leatherface, the Sainte Catherines played various dates with the Subhumans following their record's release. Members of the band are also involved in a country side project called Yesterday's Ring.