Yellowknife (May 14/04) - The band Sex and Salvelinus is like a fishing trip gone horribly awry.

Just look at the poster for their Saturday night show at the Polar Bowl (show starts at 9:30 p.m.), which features a man in a cowboy hat and shorts spanking his own behind.

In a tribute to The Monkees, Mike W. Bryant peruses a recent issue of News/North while his Sex and Salvelinus bandmates Jeff Coates, Mike Marykuca and Steve Mathyk look on from the shower. The four enjoy fishing, music, sex and hockey. - Jennifer Geens/NNSL photo

The "model," and we use that term loosely, is a friend of bassist Mike Marykuca's and the picture was taken on a fishing trip.

Salvelinus is the Latin name for trout, by the way. They named the band after the two things they love the most: sex and fishing, though these days hockey comes in as a close third.

Sex and Salvelinus seem to have not only based their name on recreational fishing, but also their philosophy about music.

"We're not aiming to be rock stars," said guitarist Jeff Coates.

"We're just guys hanging out on a weeknight playing music and drinking beers."

Founding members Mike W. Bryant and Coates formed the band in November 2002. Marykuca came on board, and current drummer Steve Mathyk replaced Mike Morin late last year.

Mathyk, who was coming from a cover band, was attracted to the band because of the music.

"The music they play is exciting and original," he said.

Marykuca said their shows have a lot of energy.

"As joking as we are, the lyrics are deep and personal," he said.

"Our music comes across as heavy and meaningful. It's true energy, not contrived. The songs and the music are all based on personal experiences."

Music variety

The band doesn't want to be pigeonholed as playing one specific kind of music, be it rock or punk or alternative. Coates said that though they all grew up listening to politically or emotionally charged bands, they're interested in all kinds of different music styles.

"I know everybody says that, but we really mean it," said Coates.

"Right now we're leaning to classic rock."

Bryant and Coates do the main songwriting, with input from Marykuca and Mathyk. To everyone's surprise, the four hit it off and have never had any serious band politics.

"It's rare in a band to actually get along with the other band members," said Coates.

One thing Sex and Salvelinus takes seriously is the promotion of Yellowknife's live music scene. They always try to get an opening act or two to give newer and/or younger musicians exposure. Saturday's bill also features Special Ed.

Whether listeners love them or hate them, Sex and Salvelinus are happy when people have a strong reaction to their songs.

"I was privileged to hear somebody absolutely hated one of our songs," said Coates. "It's great to make such an impact."