Jordan Venn and the Slizneys Channel 90s Rock with a Modern Edge

Toronto-based rock band Jordan Venn and the Slizneys pay homage to the golden era of 90s alternative rock with M@GIC WRDS*, an album that captures the raw energy and emotional depth of the time while keeping a foot firmly planted in the present. At the heart of the record is “♡WWI>SPQR♡,” a high-energy, grunge-driven track that wrestles with the passage of time, historical weight, and personal mortality.

The song’s inspiration comes from a viral conversation about how often men think about the Roman Empire. Jordan Venn realized that, for him, World War I occupies even more space in his thoughts. This reflection sparked a track that examines the way history lingers in the mind, how people revisit the past in search of meaning, and how echoes of previous generations shape personal perspectives. The song’s title contrasts two pivotal moments in history—ancient Rome and the Great War—highlighting the way human conflict and consequence repeat across time.

Musically, “♡WWI>SPQR♡” mirrors these contrasts. The track moves between restrained, melodic sections and aggressive, full-throttle rock, creating a push-and-pull dynamic that heightens its emotional impact. One moment, Venn’s vocals glide over clean, contemplative chords, and the next, the band erupts into thick distortion and pounding drums. It’s a song that refuses to stay in one place, constantly shifting like the history it explores.

Rock has always been about energy and expression, and history, when framed the right way, carries the same charge.

"Rock is ultimately fun, and so is history. I think education is important, but it doesn’t have to be sombre—even when it’s serious." – Jordan Venn

That philosophy runs through M@GIC WRDS* as a whole. The album is filled with tracks that acknowledge life’s heavier realities but refuse to be weighed down by them. Instead, the music embraces the thrill of movement—whether it’s a shift in tempo, a sudden burst of distortion, or a lyrical turn that forces a new perspective.

A Legacy of Sound and Storytelling

Since forming in Toronto in 2003, Jordan Venn and the Slizneys have carved out a space in the rock world that blends conceptual storytelling with sharp, dynamic musicianship. Over two decades, they’ve built a discography that challenges and excites listeners, weaving intricate narratives into electrifying soundscapes. Their work has earned attention on satellite radio, including a Fresh Five top spot on The Verge, and continues to resonate with fans who crave both depth and energy in their music.

For M@GIC WRDS*, the band focused their lineup into a tight power trio featuring Tyler Emond (Alessia Cara, Hylia), Trevor Falls (Miles Jones, Brad Turner), Devon Henderson (Vallens, Megan Bonnell), and frontman Jordan Venn. Stripping the band down to three core players allowed them to refine their sound, creating an album that feels immediate and direct while still carrying the weight of its themes.

The record serves as a love letter to the summer of 1994, a period that shaped Venn’s musical identity. It draws from the sonic textures of that time—grunge grit, alternative edge, and the anthemic quality of rock at its peak—while infusing it with a modern perspective. Themes of cause and effect, action and consequence, and the way personal choices ripple outward shape the album’s foundation.

Listen in here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7FfxDalmfcbmFTmcblghXF?si=WGNfMRSRQMm_tNuXlBLDWg

M@GIC WRDS* isn’t just a tribute to the past—it’s an acknowledgment that history is always present. Whether it’s in the echoes of old wars, the cycles of culture, or the way personal memories collide with world events, the album asks listeners to consider the weight of time while keeping their feet moving to the beat. Jordan Venn and the Slizneys have created a record that captures the restless energy of rock music while engaging with the big questions that have always loomed over humanity.