A guitar-driven collection of songs born from uncertainty, resilience, and the enduring power of rock ‘n’ roll
For Dany Laj, songwriting has always been more than a creative outlet—it’s been a way of making sense of the world. On If Looks Could Kill, the latest album from Dany Laj & The Looks, that instinct takes center stage.
Written following the band’s first extensive Western Canadian tour in years, If Looks Could Kill emerged during a period of uncertainty and reflection. Faced with questions about the future, Laj found himself returning to the guitars, melodies, and songwriting that had always guided him forward.
“I started writing this record out of pure necessity,” says Laj. “It gave me a way out. A way out of feeling like I’d been getting suckered into doing things I didn’t want to be doing. A way out of agreeing to things I didn’t want to do. A way out of listening to everyone’s politics about this and that and the other thing.”
Across ten tracks, If Looks Could Kill captures the highs and lows of navigating modern life: frustration, loss, perseverance, friendship, and growth. Anchored by Laj’s knack for infectious melodies and sharp songwriting, the album finds comfort in straightforward rock ‘n’ roll at a time when certainty often feels hard to come by.
Lead single, ‘We’re The Freaks’ is out today. “It’s a story that plays out in cities everywhere: artists and independent venues help transform overlooked neighbourhoods into vibrant cultural communities, only to see those same spaces threatened as new residents move in. This song is about how one complaint can put an entire creative ecosystem at risk and the lasting impact that can have on a community,” says Laj.
The album also marks a renewed appreciation for the instruments that inspired its creation. “The only way to measure if a guitar is actually any good is if I can easily write a song on it,” explains Laj. “Some catch lightning, some don’t. The price doesn’t matter. In a way, the only good record is one that moves you.”
Although initially envisioned as a solo project, the album quickly became a collaborative effort. Longtime bandmate Jeanette Dowling played a crucial role in bringing the songs to life, contributing bass, backing vocals, keyboards, percussion, engineering, and production. David Laplante joined on drums, percussion, and vocals, helping transform the material into a fully realized album.
“I tried to make this record about me, but I couldn’t. I tried to make this a solo record, but I couldn’t,” says Laj. “Like anyone who may have been there before, I needed help.”
The result is a record that feels both personal and communal—an album shaped by friendship, trust, and a shared commitment to the song above all else.
In an era increasingly dominated by noise, If Looks Could Kill serves as a reminder that great records don’t need to follow trends, fit categories, or satisfy expectations. They simply need to connect.
And that’s exactly what Dany Laj & The Looks set out to do.
If Looks Could Kill will be in stores on September 18.
Live Dates:
July 1st – Montreal QC, Les Sans-Tavernes w/ Screamin Rebel Angels, Filly & The Flops,
July 2nd -Toronto ON, Horseshoe Tavern w/ Screamin Rebel Angels, Shook Boys
July 3rd – Sarnia ON, Maud’s Variety w/ Jacob Barber Band
July 4th – Windsor ON, Lion’s Head Tavern w/ New Enemies
July 5th – London ON, Forked River Brewing
July 30th – Montreal, QC (NDG), Honey Martin