Independent Rock News: Father and Son punk rockers The Discarded releases "The Green Door", out now

Photo Credit:Rick McGinnis

The Discarded, the father-and-son trio, released their sixth full-length studio album, 'The Green Door', last week. Following their explosive first two singles, “Testify!” and “Going Down to the Beach,” they now present the anthemic  “Ooh Yeah!". frontman JP Wasson wrote “Ooh Yeah!” on his living room couch, a space often used for jamming and songwriting. ” Bassist Jared Wasson lays down a steady foundation with Drop D tuning, driving the song through its various dynamic shifts.

The release of “Ooh Yeah!” alongside The Green Door represents a significant breakthrough for the band. It showcases their evolution by merging the raw grit of garage rock with the energy of punk, while also drawing from classic rock influences. The single and the album highlight the band's growth, offering listeners a cohesive, high-energy experience that reflects their signature style.

 

Produced by John Critchley, known for his work with artists like Elliott BROOD and Dan Mangan,  brings a polished and vibrant feel to the trio’s high-energy sound. Critchley, who first made his mark as the driving force behind 13 Engines, lent his expertise, helping transform tracks that originated from basement jam sessions in late 2020 into a dynamic, cohesive record. His years of experience, from working on Juno-winning projects to crafting critically acclaimed albums, shine through in the production, making the ten tracks feel organic.

Canadian guitarist Michael McKenzie is a veteran of the Canadian rock scene who has toured with acts like The Goo Goo Dolls, The Tragically Hip, and Alanis Morissette, McKenzie’s contributions help elevate the band’s evolving musical style. The album, recorded between Green Door Studios and McKenzie’s Red House Academy, is a testament to his ability to blend genres, from punk to classic rock, creating a rich, multi-layered experience for listeners.

At the heart of The Green Door is Joel Wasson, whose roots in the Canadian punk and alternative scenes form the backbone of the band’s sound. From his early days in Peterborough’s first punk band to his work in Toronto’s hardcore scene, Joel’s energy and passion drive the album forward. His collaboration with his sons, Jared and Caden, brings a familial synergy to the project, making The Green Door a personal and musical milestone. Together with Critchley’s production and McKenzie’s guitar mastery, The Discarded have crafted an album that captures the raw energy of live performances while delivering a thoughtful, powerful collection of songs.

The album cover for The Green Door was inspired by a WWII graveyard in Bayeau, France near the D-Day beaches. The artwork was envisioned by JP’s son, Caden, and brought to life by illustrator Rachael Muir. The cover depicts a symbolic “Green Door” as a portal to another dimension or heaven, looking back onto a graveyard scene, reflecting the album’s themes of introspection and existential wonder.

Cover Art: Rachael Muir





Formed in 2016 in Orangeville, Ontario, The Discarded quickly made a name for themselves in the Canadian rock scene. The band features veteran rocker JP Wasson on guitar and vocals, alongside his sons, Caden Jax Wasson on drums and Jared Dean Wasson on bass. Recently joined by Ben Keestra on guitar, The Discarded blends punk rock roots with a youthful energy that creates a powerhouse sound. The Discarded have played nearly 100 live shows, sharing stages with legends like The Sonics, Teenage Head, and The Forgotten Rebels.


D I S C O V E R

Website: https://www.thediscarded.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thediscarded16

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Pya3sMf2HDP5Yw7ubZNkb?si=yErcmvaERSmJ5OuSr-iQag

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpuiBO0iPWRbFR6f3MvxBtg/videos