Gladyss Patches
In 1995, the Richmond, BC music scene was quietly simmering with untapped potential. In the midst of this, a simple classified ad brought together guitarist Mike Hooton and vocalist/guitarist Darren Robinson, sparking the formation of what would become one of the most resilient and dynamic bands to emerge from the Vancouver area: Gladyss Patches. With their shared passion for music and a drive to create something fresh, the duo quickly recruited bassist Christian Ayotte and drummer Dave Capper, giving birth to their unique sound—raw, unfiltered, and brimming with energy.
The early days saw the band quickly establishing itself in the local scene with their debut album, Tijuana Crack Whore, a bold and unapologetic first statement recorded in a gritty local studio. This album captured the essence of a band finding its voice—equal parts heavy and melodic, with echoes of early Deftones, Rage Against the Machine, and the Grunge defiance that defined the era. Their early shows were marked by a frenetic energy that connected deeply with the growing fanbase, particularly at local haunts like Studebakers in Burnaby, where they became a mainstay act.
As they began to refine their sound, the band underwent its first significant lineup change. The need for a second guitarist became evident as Darren decided to focus solely on vocals to amplify his presence as a frontman. Enter Alex Roque, formerly of the local band Elycium, whose melodic voice and sharp guitar work added a new dimension to the band's sound. Shortly after, drummer Dave Capper departed, and in his place, Jordan Sokoloski joined, bringing a new rhythmic complexity to the group. This transition coincided with a pivotal moment in Gladyss Patches' evolution; they were beginning to move away from their raw beginnings and delve into a more layered, intricate style.
With this new lineup, Gladyss Patches recorded Novelty, an album that was both a declaration of their new direction and a nod to their roots. The album, captured in a Vancouver jam space with friend and engineer Mike Hui, was a raw, aggressive exploration of their sonic evolution, blending nu-metal’s defiant spirit with the soaring melodies and heavy riffs that were becoming their hallmark. However, as with many bands, internal dynamics shifted. Shortly after the release, original bassist Christian Ayotte left the band, replaced by Brad Laviolette, a guitarist from another Richmond band, Ether’s Void. With Laviolette’s addition, the band experienced a creative resurgence, writing new material that would become staples in their live sets. The local rock station, 99.3 The Fox, took notice, and soon the band found themselves under the wing of Clyde Hill of Amar Management, whose connections and experience opened doors for them, leading to high-profile gigs and opportunities.
The band's persistence paid off with a series of shows that expanded their reach, including a career-defining showcase at the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood. Their performance captured the attention of NFE Records, which led to a contract and distribution deal with EMI. The signing marked a new chapter for Gladyss Patches, who returned to Canada’s Greenhouse Studios to record their major label debut, A Wish This Simple. Released in 2001, featuring the first single “Peeled”. The album showcased a matured sound and delivered the additional singles "Headlights" and “Vanishing,” which resonated on college radio across North America, expanding their fanbase significantly.
Yet, the road wasn’t without its bumps. Personal differences led to Darren Robinson stepping down as lead vocalist. The band, now a seasoned and battle-hardened unit, decided to forge ahead. Alex Roque stepped up to the mic as lead vocalist, while Laviolette provided harmonies, reimagining their dynamic and allowing the band to continue evolving. This lineup shift invigorated Gladyss Patches, leading to more writing and touring, including memorable shows supporting Flybanger (AKA) J.A.R. across Canada.
The departure of Laviolette marked another chapter of change, but it didn’t slow them down. Cam Jarvis came on board as the new bassist, and the group continued to write and record, releasing 2 3-track EP’s that hinted at the band’s continued evolution. Through all the ups and downs, the band’s relentless drive saw them touring extensively, sharing stages with acts like Methods of Mayhem, Local H , Faster Pussycat and others, proving themselves as a formidable live force. Gladyss Patches remained a staple of the Vancouver rock scene, sharing the stage with everyone from Swollen Members, Funkdoobiest, The Devin Townsend Project, Skid Row, DOA, SNFU Noise Therapy, Shocore, and contributing to the vibrant Nu-Metal scene that defined the era.
In the summer of 2024, after years of being apart, a sudden health incident involving their former manager Clyde Hill brought the original members back together, reigniting the spark that first united them nearly three decades ago. Now, as they approach their 30th anniversary in 2025, the band—featuring Darren Robinson, Alex Roque, Mike Hooton, Jordan Sokoloski, Brad Laviolette, and Cam Jarvis—is back in the same room, reconnecting over shared memories, and looking to the future.
With plans to celebrate their journey, revisit their catalogue, and perhaps even create new music, Gladyss Patches stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of rock and roll—a band that has weathered the storms, evolved with each phase, and remained true to the love of music that brought them together in the first place. Stay tuned for what’s next in the story of Gladyss Patches.
