Opening attraction

Back at Bluesfest for another day of synapse-melting heat. I started things off with a brief stop at the Claridge Stage to watch The Gipsy Kings, who had a very substantial crowd, then went over to the Subway Stage to see some sui generis cock rock. Jonas and The Massive Attraction are the sort of band that should be reviled by right-thinking indie-music lovers - they've got a heavy dose of The Cult in their bloodstream and a fair odour of 1980s style musical cheesiness hung over the band's set. Fortunately they're both very capable and a sufficient thread of self-deprecation ran through frontman Jonas Tomalty's stage banter to put a subversive edge on his rock-god posing. You've also got to give them credit for playing under a scorching sun at the festival's sunniest stage.

First up, Corey Diabo - behind him is drummer Francis Fillion.



And here's Jonas, complete with trademark undershirt. Keyboardist Henri Fortier is at right.



Gripping action!



You can see they've got their stage moves down.



Bassist J.S. Baciuu rounds out the quintet.



Francis hits!



Goldtop action!



Singalong action!



Granted, they're not the most subtle band to come out of Montreal ...



... but they do put in a lot of effort.



"I usually wait until the middle of the set to pour water on myself, but damn it's hot."



More J.S.!



Consultation action1



Massive action!



Unlevel action!



And so on!



A very fun set ... I didn't stick around for the whole thing, though - I wanted to finally get a look at highly touted and award-winning local blues combo MonkeyJunk. As for Jonas and company, they're in Europe right now, but will be rolling into town Sept. 16 for a show at Zaphod's backing their new CD, Big Slice.

• Show reminder: Speaking of cock rock, Krome, D-Activ8 and A Gust Of Rival are at Mavericks (though from what I've heard of Krome, they're no J&TMA); Katie Leigh, Sun, Moon, Earth, Magic, Ben and Me and Jen Flynn play the Elmdale House.