National Capital Rock: Mothers and others

Wednesday, June 01, 2016

Mothers and others

Victoria Day I skipped the fireworks and headed over to Black Squirrel Books for some bedroom style music. The headliner was New York's Adult Mom (back in town with a full band after a successful solo outing at Black Squirrel the previous May. Also on board: AM tourmates Forth Wanderers, Ottawa's own Trails, and Sheila Beach. Sheila Beach were on first, and come from Peterborough, staking yet another claim to be musical capital of Canada. Here's Charlotte, from every other Peterborough band (I kid, but she is in Puberty Hands and Lonely Parade, among others)!

And here's Luca!

Charlotte sings!

Close-up action!

Extra Charlotte!

Bonus Luca!

The whole lot!

Charlotte plays guitar!

Luca drums!

Trails were up next - that's Allie from Weed Mom and Spell, for those not up to date on such things - once again demonstrating what an outsize musical talent she is. Incidentally, she's performing tonight at Bar Robo with Wares and Marlaena Moore.

Guitar action!

Forth Wanderers come from Montclair, New Jersey and made me think a bit of Built to Spill's guitar tangle (apparently I'm not the only one to make the connection), albeit with a sound more chiming and glossy, as well as The Vaselines lo-fi pop (vocally, I hit a bit of Blonde Redhead as well). Here's singer Ava and bassist Noah!

Guitar action with Ben!

Extra Ava!

Guitar action with Duke!

Flashy action!

Zach hits!

More Ava and Ben!

Adult Mom is Steph Knipe and some other folks; she's deep in the bedroom pop genre and reminds me of Julie Doiron a bit. Here's drummer Liv Battell, snapped before everyone got in place and obscured her from view.