Sloan

Canadian power-poppers Sloan started out like many bands in the early 1990s: classic rock-informed, punk-inflected, and not untouched by the growing grunge influence. With four talented songwriters in the band, the quartet had plenty of good material, as well as a fun-loving stage act and a good work ethic. They were signed to a major in 1992 just as they released their first EP on their own label, and managed to maintain the loyalty of their old fans while attracting tons of new ones as their major-label deal gave them greater exposure. By '96 that deal was over but, aside from a brief mid-90s hiatus, the band continued to self-release excellent albums and to perform for adoring fans.

• pop
• pop rock