With the New Deal taking time away from North American touring for the remainder of 2004, band members have started to focus on other efforts. Drummer Darren Shearer has put together a project called the JOIN which is gigging on Thursdays in Toronto at the Harmony Lounge on College St. Shearer is using an electronic kit as he draws in other area musicians to focus on ‘super chill atmospheric layering, break beats, and other subdued approaches. It is completely improv, and will be structured on the spot.’