Interview: PICKLE JUICE Find Clarity Through Noise on Turbulent EP ‘The Whiteroom’

Revelstoke, BC alternative rock band PICKLE JUICE share their sophomore EP, The Whiteroom, released alongside lead single “Back 40,” a turbulent and emotionally charged collection that captures the band stepping fully into their identity. Blending indie rock hooks, garage rock grit, and explosive alt-rock energy, the project channels themes of loss, uncertainty, addiction, and personal transformation into something loud, restless, and cathartic.

Following their debut EP, PICKLE JUICE resisted the urge to immediately jump into a full-length album. Instead, The Whiteroom became an opportunity to dig deeper into their chemistry as collaborators and songwriters. “It feels like a snapshot of the band finding its identity and becoming more confident in what PICKLE JUICE actually is,” they share.

Recorded over the course of a dedicated week in studio with producer David Ziehr, The Whiteroom marks the first time the band approached a project as a complete body of work rather than isolated singles. That process allowed them to focus on how the songs connected emotionally and sonically, shaping a record that feels cohesive while still embracing the unpredictability at the core of their sound.

Thematically, The Whiteroom explores the struggle to see clearly while navigating emotional chaos. The title itself references a snowboarding term describing the moment when heavy powder blinds your vision entirely, leaving you at the mercy of momentum and instinct. “It captures the themes of the songs pretty well,” the band explains. “The loss of clarity, reality, and control.”

At the centre of the release is “Back 40,” an energetic and emotionally volatile indie rock track that reframes heartbreak as a reckoning with your former self. Written during a period of personal transition, the song reflects the disorienting experience of grieving parts of your identity while trying to accept change. “It genuinely felt like I was grieving a part of myself while also trying to reassure myself that things were going to be okay,” vocalist Tim van der Krogt shares.

Musically, “Back 40” leans fully into the band’s chaotic live energy. Packed with sharp dynamic shifts, roaring guitars, and relentless momentum, the track balances tightly wound tension with explosive release. One standout moment arrives in the song’s climactic solo section, where the bass and lead guitar weave around each other before colliding into a high-energy finish. “Whenever they play it I feel like an audience member,” Tim says. “Fully captivated by what’s happening on stage.”

What did you enjoy most about the creation of this new release?
When it came to the writing process for this release, all of our influences really started to come through. With Cheeky EP With The Boys, we were still learning about ourselves as a band, and it feels more like a collection of songs. With this release, we focused on creating something more cohesive – something that flowed from start to finish. Building all the extra layers to help make that happen was a really fun experience.

Share a nugget of advice that has resonated with you most over the years.
Keep it simple.

Who would be your dream artist or band to co-headline a tour with?
Four out of five of us managed to agree on IDLES – playing alongside them one day would be insane. Tom, however, is holding out for Neck Deep.

What sets your music apart from others in your genre?
We don’t really follow a specific path or formula when we write. Sometimes we get branded as sounding like early Arctic Monkeys, probably because of our thrashy energy, but we don’t really see it that way. Over the past three years, we’ve developed a “Pickle Juice” sound, and that’s exactly where we want to be. We’re not trying to sound like anyone in particular – we just get together, see where the song wants to go, and hone in on that. Our energy is our biggest strength.

Tell us what your favourite song is at the moment and why.
For me, Pete, it’s Susto’s “Break Free, Rolling Stone.” I love the build-up to the final chorus and the vocal harmonies throughout. I haven’t heard much else by them yet, but since discovering that track, I’ve had it on repeat. I’ve also been getting back into a band called Tribes – “Halfway Home” is another favourite at the moment. Again, I love that crescendo and build-up into the final chorus.