Thursday, December 29, 2016

Just beat it!

As another year comes to a close, it's time for another oft-delayed post - this time of Day 1 of the annual ritual that is Season's Beatings. House of Targ played host this year, and things leaned toward the heavy metal, plus a couple of curveballs, starting with some synthetic action courtesy of Devils Machine and Infinity's Astrum in a faceoff for the ages! Here's Infinity's Nick.

Duelling Synths at House of Targ

Christmas sweater action with Josh!

Duelling Synths at House of Targ

Extra Astrum!

Duelling Synths at House of Targ

Extra adjusting!

Duelling Synths at House of Targ

And so on!

Duelling Synths at House of Targ

Curveball No. 2 was Middle Earth comedy sensation Gandlaf.

Gandlaf at House of Targ

"Thou shalt not laugh!"

Gandlaf at House of Targ

Scrolling action!

Gandlaf at House of Targ

Over-the-top heavy metallers Thunderkok followed with their highly Accept-able NWOBHM stylings. Here's David and some pedalboard lighting!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

Kelso hits!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

Hamish frets!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

Garrett sings!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

More David and Travis!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

Hamish sings!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

Bonus Garrett!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

Back-to-back drinking action!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

Fretful action!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

Even more Hamish!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

Drinking-and-drumming action!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

A shouty bit!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

More Travis!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

More drinking!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

More guitar!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

Okay, so his aim wasn't 100% ....

Thunderkok at House of Targ

And finally a bit of smokey Kelso action!

Thunderkok at House of Targ

Montreal's Canceric opened for Droid back in March, playing some growly thrash, and here they are again making some holiday noise. Here's drummer Zack!

Canceric at House of Targ

Matt gets a grip, J-F works the fretless bass!

Canceric at House of Targ

Guitar action with Julien!

Canceric at House of Targ

More J-F!

Canceric at House of Targ

Guitar action with Vince!

Canceric at House of Targ

Even more J-F!

Canceric at House of Targ

Bonus Zack!

Canceric at House of Targ

Extra Vince!

Canceric at House of Targ

More guitar!

Canceric at House of Targ

Extra-bonus Zack!

Canceric at House of Targ

The night came to a close with a brisk set from World War 4. Here's Josh!

World War 4 at House of Targ

Guitar action with Orca!

World War 4 at House of Targ

Rhythm section action with a smoke-shrouded Leigh and Michael!

World War 4 at House of Targ

More Orca!

World War 4 at House of Targ

More Michael!

World War 4 at House of Targ

Guitar action with Necro!

World War 4 at House of Targ

Music criticism action!

World War 4 at House of Targ

More Blake!

World War 4 at House of Targ

Leigh hits!

World War 4 at House of Targ

Leigh sings!

World War 4 at House of Targ

The smokey end!

World War 4 at House of Targ

A fun time on a frosty night!

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

All keyed up

Finishing up last week's Targ triple-play, I headed over to check out Toronto's Diana and Montreal's Mozart's Sister and Cabaal. Cabaal was the first act on stage, a solo act with a hankering for synth improv.

Cabaal at House of Targ

And now with a bit more light.

Cabaal at House of Targ

Mozart's Sister is also a solo act - and a familiar face. Caila has served in Miracle Fortress, Think About Life and Shapes + Sizes. When she played Babylon with TAL I remarked on what a great voice she has, and it was on full display this night.

Mozart's Sister at House of Targ

And so on!

Mozart's Sister at House of Targ

Vocal action!

Mozart's Sister at House of Targ

Adjusting action!

Mozart's Sister at House of Targ

Closeup action!

Mozart's Sister at House of Targ

Diana finished the evening off with a set of super synth pop. The group formed as a duo in Toronto, then added singer Carmen. Their touring lineup expands the band quite a bit; here's some percussive action!

Diana at House of Targ

Gripping action with Carmen!

Diana at House of Targ

Backup vocal action with Gary!

Diana at House of Targ

More backup vocal action with Ivy!

Diana at House of Targ

Guitar action!

Diana at House of Targ

Extra Gary!

Diana at House of Targ

Keyboard action!

Diana at House of Targ

Bass action!

Diana at House of Targ

Singalong action!

Diana at House of Targ

Synthetic action!

Diana at House of Targ

Saxophone action!

Diana at House of Targ

Extra Ivy!

Diana at House of Targ

A very fine show.