Word on the street

The show schedule is getting a little sparse as winter truly descends on Ottawa (except for the weather, which seems to think it's still November ... where did I put that umbrella?) but at least the switch over to 2011 gives bands an excuse to put on year's-end shows. This gig at Zaphod's last night was a bit peculiar ... you had the big fuzzy rock of The Big Muffs, the indie-rock of Those Gulls and the electro-rap of Street Meat. One of these things is not like the other.

The Big Muffs sound a lot harder-riffing than when I saw them a year ago. I could definitely see them a bill with a band like Torche. They also have a new drummer.


The Big Muffs at Zaphod Beeblebrox, December 29, 2010

I saw Those Gulls back in April; they were a four-piece with a violinist then. There was no violin in evidence this time around and they were sounding like a cross between Bailter Space and Eric's Trip.


Those Gulls at Zaphod Beeblebrox, December 29, 2010

I picked up Street Meat's debut CD a little while ago. The band features Lee from Daiquiri, but instead of guitar he's playing drums behind a couple of lady toasters. Sort of a strange end to the night, but less mysterious given that there is a room-mate connection with Gulls bassist Pierce.


Street Meat at Zaphod Beeblebrox, December 29, 2010

Well, it was different from what I usually go see ....

• Show reminder: Slyde, We Surrender and Aerith are at Mavericks.