Alt-Rock Trio A Different Brand of Noise Returns With New Album 'Far More Than Conversation,' Led by Single "Who Dares"

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MONTREAL, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly four decades after they first plugged in together in Montreal, A Different Brand of Noise are releasing their second album, Far More Than Conversation, out now on all major streaming platforms, led by the single "Who Dares."

Guitarist Robert Ranaldi and bassist Ken Ashdown had already built careers before the band existed, Ranaldi through Secret Act and Man and Things, Ashdown through This "Blue Piano" and Ulysses Underwood. Both toured Canada and the UK, found campus and alternative radio success, and opened for major alternative rock acts. A chance meeting on a Montreal street reignited their friendship, and with drummer Gonzo, they quickly formed a power trio.

Writing and rehearsing quickly, they built a loyal following through packed Montreal shows. A demo recorded on an analog four-track in late 1987 surfaced as the bootleg Up, Tight, becoming a favourite on Montreal campus and alternative radio. After about a year and a half, university and steady paycheques won out, and the group quietly disbanded, leaving behind 10 songs that would not receive an official release for decades.

Ranaldi relocated to New York, Ashdown settled in Roberts Creek, BC, and Gonzo remained in Montreal. During the pandemic, Ashdown called his former bandmates, leading them to re-record their old material remotely. Relearning songs from rehearsal cassettes, teaching themselves audio production and Logic Pro, they traded files for three years until 19 songs were complete. The first 10 became the band's debut, Blurry, released in 2025.

Far More Than Conversation carries that identity into nine songs the band describes as being about sex, drugs and incipient societal collapse. "Who Dares" tackles income inequality and consumerism. "Do the Poor" grew from an overheard conversation among wealthy teenagers and closes with members of the Sunshine Coast Children's Choir. "Designs" traces back to a mushroom-fuelled afternoon, "She's the One" honours Ranaldi's childhood sweetheart, while "Pleasure Signs," "Falling Down Again II" and "Time Will Tell" salute the band's musical influences and enduring optimism. Touring remains on hold while the reunited trio balance music with careers in labour relations and behavioural neuroscience.

Media Contact:

Eric Alper Public Relations
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SOURCE A Different Brand of Noise