Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet

Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet are a Canadian instrumental rock band formed in 1984, known for their distinctive blend of surf-influenced guitar work and experimental rock textures. The group gained widespread recognition through “Having an Average Weekend,” an alternate version of which became the iconic theme for the Canadian sketch comedy series The Kids in the Hall, cementing their place in Canadian pop culture through music.

The band’s sonic palette defies easy categorization—while often associated with surf rock, they’ve consistently pushed beyond genre conventions with intricate arrangements and unconventional instrumentation. Their prolific catalog showcases a playful approach to musical identity, balancing irreverent humor with genuine compositional sophistication. Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet remain influential figures in Canadian alternative and experimental music, with their work continuing to resonate with audiences seeking intelligent, guitar-driven instrumental music.