Genetic anomaly

In between passes at the Hard Rock Stage to watch Joe Louis Walker I went over to the Black Sheep Stage to watch DNA. Now, this is not the New York No Wave band that gave Ikue Mori and Arto Lindsay their start and also provided the name for Blonde Redhead. Rather, it's a quartet of young Quebecers who like guitar rock. Seems they've listened to a bit of Nirvana, among other outfits.

On the right, lead singer David Taggart and bassist Dylan Brown.



On the left, rhythm guitarist Max Gibson and drummer Alex Serre.



Faceoff action!



More David!



Faceoff action!



More Alex!



I didn't stay too long, though I can hear why some people are impressed. They seem a bit sharper, and a bit smarter, than the usual crowd of bands in their age and genre. But maybe it only seems that way because I'm turning into a grumpy old man.

• Show reminder: Downstairs at Mavericks, there's going to be lots of noise with Three Inches Of Blood, Drillpoint and Darkness Rites; upstairs at Cafe DeKcuf there will be pop with The Ghost Is Dancing, Finland's Rubik and Loon Choir. Two Hours Traffic, Spiral Beach and The Danks perform at Zaphod's; there's vague folk-festivalish action going on at Raw Sugar today and tomorrow in the afternoon. The Grass Mountain Hobos are at Irene's; Bruce and The Burgers - criminy, I remember them playing shows when I was in high school! - are at the Elmdale House.