Counterparts formed in Hamilton, Ontario in 2007.[7] Counterparts consisted of vocalist Brendan Murphy, guitarist Jesse Doreen, guitarist Curtis Washik, bassist Eric Bazinet, and drummer Ryan Juntilla. In 2009, Washik departed from the band, and Alex Re joined the band temporarily as their guitarist before becoming their permanent guitarist. In March 2009 Counterparts toured Canada. In 2010 Shane Told, from the band Silverstein, signed them to his Verona Records label.
Lead vocalist Brendan Murphy was featured on the song "The Artist" on Silverstein's fifth album, Rescue. He also appeared in their music video.
The band's debut album Prophets was released 23 February 2010 on label Verona Records. In 2010, Juntilla left the band, and was replaced by Chris Needham. A split EP, featuring Needham on drums was released 21 November 2010 with hardcore punk band Exalt. The band toured North America in support of the album, which was inspired by Mussy.
In spring of 2011, the band was signed to Victory Records. The band continued to tour until the summer of 2011, when they announced that they were recording a new album. During this time, Needham left the band to see a speech therapist. A search for their next drummer was started, but ultimately, Juntilla rejoined the band, just in time to start recording for their second album, The Current Will Carry Us. The album was released 24 October 2011 on Victory. A music video was released for the song "Jumping Ship".
Kyle Brownlee, formerly of Canadian deathcore band Majesty, filled in for Juntilla for the entirety of the band's Canadian headliner tour, later on in summer of 2012, it was announced that Juntilla departed from Counterparts because he no longer wanted to be a part of the band. Days after the announcement, bassist Eric Bazinet commented on his Tumblr page that Juntilla had left the band in February and most of the members have not spoken to him since then. He had left to pursue interests in a band he was in during Counterparts. Bazinet added that on their last tour with Juntilla, "he was especially uninterested."
The band's third album The Difference Between Hell and Home was released on 24 July 2013 to positive critical reception. A music video for the track "Witness" was posted ten days prior to the release of the album.
In late 2013, guitarist Alex Re posted on his personal Facebook page that he had left Counterparts and would be playing his last show with the band at their hometown show in December. He was later replaced by Adrian Lee. In 2014, bassist Eric Bazinet announced that after seven years, he was leaving the band to pursue a career, and to spend time with family. After Bazinet's departure, Blake Hardman from Hundredth filled in on bass for the band on the "Fuck the Message Tour" that was headlined by Stick to Your Guns. Shortly afterwards, the guitarist of Kills and Thrills, Brian Kaczmarczyk, joined on bass, becoming the only non-Canadian member of the band.
In the spring of 2015, vocalist Brendan Murphy announced in an interview that their fourth album, Tragedy Will Find Us, is expected to be released in the summer of 2015. On 23 April, the band announced that they have signed to Pure Noise Records, and New Damage Records. Pure Noise will released the album in the U.S., while New Damage released it in Canada. The fourth album was released in July 2015. Tyler Williams, a bandmate of Hardman's in Nashville hardcore act on Point, also joined the band during this period. It was announced in March 2017 the band would play the 22nd annual Vans Warped Tour.
The band's fifth album, You're Not You Anymore, was released on 22 September 2017 via New Damage and Pure Noise Records. They have also shared singles from the album, called Haunt Me, Bouquet, and No Servant of Mine. "You're Not You Anymore" was the first recorded effort without the participation of Doreen due to his departure from Counterparts.
The band released their sixth studio album, Nothing Left to Love, on 1 November 2019 via New Damage and Pure Noise Records. The record marks the return of guitarist and backing vocalist Alex Re. "Nothing Left to Love" was the band's first record to break into the top 100 of the Billboard 200 charts, peaking at 97.
On May 31, 2022 Counterparts announced on all social media platforms their seventh studio album A Eulogy for Those Still Here due for release on October 7, 2022 through Pure Noise Records. The first single "Unwavering Vow" was released on June 1, 2022. The second single "Whispers Of Your Death" was released on July 26, 2022, and was written about Brendan Murphy's cat Kuma. The third single "Bound to The Burn" was released on September 7, 2022.
Current Members
Brendan Murphy – lead vocals (2007–present)
Alex Re – guitar, backing vocals, clean vocals (2009–2013; 2019–present)
Kyle Brownlee – drums, percussion (2012, 2016, 2017–present)
Tyler Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals (2017–present)
Jesse Doreen – guitar (2007–2016, 2021–present)
Former Members:
Curtis Washik – rhythm guitar (2007–2009)
Chris Needham – drums, percussion (2010–2011)
Ryan Juntilla – drums, percussion (2007–2010; 2011–2012)
Adrian Lee – rhythm guitar (2013–2019), bass (2017)
Eric Bazinet – bass (2007–2014)
Brian Kaczmarczyk – bass guitar (2014–2017)
Ben Leathem – drums, percussion (2016–2017)
Kelly Bilan – drums, percussion (2012–2016)
Blake Hardman – guitar, backing vocals (2016–2021), bass (2014, 2017)
Sinking
Counterparts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
condensed my past to fit the lines on the pages that no one will ever see. But
still I fight, day after day. ‘Cause this is all I’ve ever wanted my life to be
and I push everything I’ve ever loved away to keep myself from sinking. If I
find the bad in everything, I can never be attached. I’m trying to find a
balance, trying to find my way, and every choice I’ve ever made brings me
anywhere but home. But I’ve welcomed sacrifice with open arms, and I will never
regret my decision. This is the only thing I have worth holding on to. This is
right place to rest my head. I’m searching for common ground between all that I
am, and all that you need me to be. I’ve seen a future and want nothing to do
with it. A constant campaign to impress those who never ever cared. I’m
struggling but I won’t allow myself to sink. You know where to find me. I keep
my composure and assume my place, in front of the people I love most. You’re
the reason why we’re here. I’m struggling, but I won’t allow myself to sink.
The lyrics of "Sinking" by Counterparts touch upon themes such as the struggle to find one's place in the world, sacrificing love and attachment for the sake of personal growth and progress, and the constant battle between feeling alive and sinking under the weight of one's problems. The singer of the song is looking for a balance, trying to find the common ground between who they are and who others need them to be, and it seems like this is a constant source of tension in their life.
The opening lines of the song prove to be quite powerful, as the singer states that the only thing they have worth holding onto is their past, which they've condensed onto pages that no one will ever see. The weight of this statement sets the tone for the entire song, as we see how the character grapples with the struggle of being able to let go and move on from their past in order to live a fulfilling life. There's a sense of push and pull throughout the lyrics, as the singer describes how they're trying to find balance while at the same time pushing everything they've ever loved away to keep themselves from sinking.
The song feels like a cathartic release for the singer, who admits to struggling but refusing to allow themselves to fully sink. We see how they've welcomed sacrifice with open arms, believing that it's necessary in order to achieve their goals, and they don't regret any of those decisions. The haunting idea of wanting nothing to do with the future they've envisioned for themselves is tragic in its honesty, showcasing the deep dissatisfaction the singer feels with their own life. Despite this, they keep pushing forward, maintaining composure in front of the people they love most, as they continue to search for a place to rest their head.
Overall, "Sinking" is a song that deals with complex themes in a powerful and emotional way. It's a testament to Counterparts' ability to craft thought-provoking music that resonates with listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the only thing I have worth holding onto. I have condensed my past to fit the lines on the pages that no one will ever see.
The only thing that gives me purpose is my music. I've summarized my life into song lyrics that nobody will ever read.
But still I fight, day after day. ‘Cause this is all I’ve ever wanted my life to be and I push everything I’ve ever loved away to keep myself from sinking.
Despite the difficulties, I persevere because creating music is my dream. I sacrifice personal relationships to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
If I find the bad in everything, I can never be attached. I’m trying to find a balance, trying to find my way, and every choice I’ve ever made brings me anywhere but home.
I have a tendency to focus on the negative, which makes it difficult for me to connect with others emotionally. I'm working on finding a sense of belonging, but my choices have led me away from my true home.
But I’ve welcomed sacrifice with open arms, and I will never regret my decision. This is the only thing I have worth holding on to. This is the only thing that makes me feel alive.
I've accepted the sacrifices I need to make for my music and I don't regret them. Music is the only thing that makes me feel alive and gives me purpose.
I’ve simply been searching for the right place to rest my head. I’m searching for common ground between all that I am, and all that you need me to be.
I'm trying to find a place where I belong, where I can be myself and also meet the expectations of those around me.
I’ve seen a future and want nothing to do with it. A constant campaign to impress those who never ever cared.
I have a bleak vision of my future in which I'm trying to impress people who never cared about me or my music.
I’m struggling but I won’t allow myself to sink. You know where to find me. I keep my composure and assume my place, in front of the people I love most.
I'm going through a difficult time, but I won't let it break me. My fans know where to find me and I hold myself together for the sake of my loved ones.
You’re the reason why we’re here. I’m struggling, but I won’t allow myself to sink.
My fans are the reason I'm able to pursue my dream of making music. Despite my struggles, I won't let them down.
Contributed by Camilla G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Esther Villanueva
This is the only thing I have worth holding onto. I have condensed my past to fit the lines on the pages that no one will ever see. But still I fight, day after day. ‘Cause this is all I’ve ever wanted my life to be and I push everything I’ve ever loved away to keep myself from sinking. If I find the bad in everything, I can never be attached. I’m trying to find a balance, trying to find my way, and every choice I’ve ever made brings me anywhere but home. But I’ve welcomed sacrifice with open arms, and I will never regret my decision. This is the only thing I have worth holding on to. This is the only thing that makes me feel alive. I’ve simply been searching for the right place to rest my head. I’m searching for common ground between all that I am, and all that you need me to be. I’ve seen a future and want nothing to do with it. A constant campaign to impress those who never ever cared. I’m struggling but I won’t allow myself to sink. You know where to find me. I keep my composure and assume my place, in front of the people I love most. You’re the reason why we’re here. I’m struggling, but I won’t allow myself to sink.
Noah Brierley
Ya Jesse and Alex are actually probably my favourite guitarists in hardcore. They right absolutely amazing guitar parts
HillBillyHeroinKills
i think this may be my fav song of this album, i love these guitarists they are to good
Timothy Cripps
Damn this song always hits home for me
Johan Geisler
awesome technical stuff!
Roberto Reyes
The breakdown changing into the 6/8 is so clever.
Thirty Cent Fare
I was making fun of people who say stuff like that, man. Haha.
Thirty Cent Fare
lol the 1 person who disliked this sunk :p