There's nothing wrong with derivative music.

It's all about who you borrow from and how clearly you understand what made their stuff good in the first place.

And when it comes to London-turned-Toronto vintage punk outfit The Job, both the inspiration and awareness are right on point.

The Job @ El Mocambo, May, 2009

It's the Buzzcocks and XTC. Toss in some Hives and Hostage Life. It's a straight-to-the-chorus, no fuss approach that reminds you why driving, anthemic music is so damn infectious when it's done properly and without stupid gimmicks or costumes.

What you need to know: The Job is four guys - Nyles Miszczyk, Jay Holinaty, Mark Johnston and Danny Miles - originally from London, Ont. who sharpened their tacks playing pretense free at spots like Call The Office and the Alex P. Keaton. Then they made for Toronto a couple of years back, "for opportunities." As singer Miszczyk puts it. "We basically moved with the band in mind."

This town's better for it.

Though still carving out a niche in a scene desperately void of legitimate bands with a similar sound, the airtight live show and self-titled debut are a breath of fresh air to say the least.

"We recorded it in one day," says Miszczyk (appropriately enough, on the phone from work) of the record they put out right around New Year's.

"We'd practiced the snot out of those songs."

And even as the band starts writing a new record Miszczyk (pictured, below) says is, "much more horrific and mature," they're far from done playing the first one.

Summer plans include a seven-inch release, a cross-Canada tour starting in Winnipeg on July 14 and two Ontario dates with Japanese legends Zoobombs, including a NXNE show at the Velvet Underground.

There are also talks with Hi-Hat Recordings about future release possibilities.

The music itself is also rife with possibility, and Miszczyk says the group is applying some keys in the darkening of its sound, though hopefully not at the expense of that  irresistible buzz saw simplicity.

Anyway, we also sniped The Job at Pop With Brains inside the Rivoli on May 22. Check it out. And then check them out for yourself. Now! You've got work to do.

The Job - Live @ The Rivoli

Like this story? Hate it? Got another idea? aaron.miller@citynews.ca

You can see more from Aaron Miller and others at The Untold City.

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