Toronto Slacker Rockers PACKS Sign to Royal Mountain / Fire Talk

Listen to studio and live versions of their single "Hangman" now

BY Matt BobkinPublished Feb 10, 2021

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Madeline Link turned her solo project, PAX, into a full band some time ago. Now, the slacker rockers have been reborn as PACKS and signed to Royal Mountain and Fire Talk Records. To celebrate, they've shared two versions of single "Hangman."

"Hangman" was initially released last year on the Songs from a (social) distance compilation by Toronto label Art of the Uncarved Block. The newly remastered studio version sharpens the roaring electric guitars and Link's drawling vocals, while adding a softness to the drums to create more space in the mix, recalling Alex G and Mac DeMarco at their breeziest.

The accompanying video features Link performing "Hangman" solo, on acoustic guitar in a park, filmed by her sister and Triples bandmate, Eva Link. It's a raw and intimate performance occasionally affected by the sounds of wind and cars driving on the nearby road, a sweet and stark reminder of what live music looks like these days.

Check out both new versions of "Hangman" below.


Latest Coverage