Peacebreach started back during the pandemic as a solo vehicle from Winnipeg-based vocalist Kris Matheson, and now operates as a four-piece rooted in the city’s tight-knit hardcore scene. “I wrote and recorded the first two EPs as a solo project,” Kris tells No Echo. “Around May 2024, I decided I wanted to start playing shows,” which led to bringing in guitarist Darin Rudd and eventually rounding out the lineup.
That transition from bedroom recordings to a full band has noticeably shaped Peacebreach’s sound. Early material leaned more into punk and emo territory, but the band’s latest EP, West End Walks, marks a shift toward something more grounded in hardcore. “It’s definitely evolved,” Kris says. Drawing from Canadian acts like Mil-Spec, Home Front, Comeback Kid, and No Warning, as well as foundational bands like Minor Threat and Bad Brains, Peacebreach strikes a balance between melody and straightforward, hard-hitting riffs.
West End Walks was recorded in Winnipeg with Derek Benjamin, who also worked on the band’s earlier material. The EP centers on themes that feel both personal and universal. “The lyrical content talks about nostalgia, self-doubt, and the importance of community when creating art,” Kris explains, highlighting the connection between the band’s message and the environment they come from.
That sense of community is a big part of what’s driving Peacebreach forward. “The scene in Winnipeg is really strong,” Kris says, pointing to spaces like What’s Your Excuse, The Handsome Daughter, and Real Love, along with bands such as Meantime, Commitment, Leavesliketinyflames, Negative Charge, and Withdrawal. It’s a scene built on participation and support, something that directly feeds into the band’s identity.
With West End Walks out now and plans to tour later this year, Peacebreach are continuing to grow beyond their DIY beginnings. “Check out the new EP if you have a second,” Kris says. “Hope to see you at a show.”
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Peacebreach on social media: Instagram
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