"Needless To Say" captures the intensity and depth of a band that just keeps on improving...13 angst ridden anthems that gleefully defy the parameters of modern-day pop punk...a great record that will set the standard by which the rest of Canada's punk bands will be judged". Exclaim Magazine - Toronto - March 98
In March of 1994, the only line up Edmonton, Alberta's Choke would ever know was assembled for the first time. Two short months later, they played their first shows around town and began developing a strong reputation. Their immediate success with live audiences was quickly followed by the release of their first album, 'Lotion', in August of that year. The debut album and its supporting tours were extremely successful, with 'Lotion' selling in excess of 1000 units. Ready to expand and grow as a band, the group's second album was recorded over several months at a variety of studios and rehearsal spaces around Edmonton. Engineered and produced by Edmonton's Brent Oliver, "Give'er" was completed and subsequently released in September of 1996. Following a sold out CD release party, Choke embarked on a period of heavy touring, playing close to one hundred shows in just over a year. Through road trips and short tours with such bands as Trigger Happy, Good Riddance, Diesel Boy and Jughead's Revenge, they managed to carve out an undeniably strong following in cities large and small across western Canada.
In response to their growing popularity, Choke teamed up with Winnipeg based Smallman Records to release their third album, "Needless to Say". Arguably one of the most intense and innovative bands in Canada, Choke finally had the opportunity to have their music heard nation wide. The album hit stores across Canada in January, 1998, and went on to sell out of it's first pressing of 1000 copies within 6 weeks. The album was also well received by media and radio, as it stayed on the National College Radio Charts (EARSHOT!) for four months, peaking at #15. In support of 'Needless to Say', Choke played on a number of tours across North America, including slots on Sno-Jam and dates with Bad Religion. Since then, they have stayed on the road full time, headlining their own shows across Canada and the USA, as well as touring with California's No Use For A Name and New York's Kid With Man Head. Their most recent tour was across Eastern North America in May/June 1999, highlighted by their headlining appearance on BOARDFEST II throughout Quebec.
The follow up to "Needless to Say" was recorded in late August 1999 by Blair Calibaba, who is responsible for recent albums by Gob, Brand New Unit and By a Thread. Touring for the new album began in September 1999, when Choke hooked up with Fat Wreckchords band's Strung Out and Mad Caddies for shows across North America. After that Choke will continue to cross the continent well into 2000. If the response to Needless to Say was any indication, 2000 should be a year in which Choke becomes a mainstay in punk music.
