National Capital Rock: Close to home

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Close to home

Considering how close it is to my house, it's odd that I've been to Live! On Elgin a grand total of twice. I visited it once when it was relatively new, back in July 2015, and again a week ago for a killer show featuring locals Shadowhand, Whoop-Szo and East Coast pop sensation Walrus. Shadowhand kicked things off. Here's Jamieson (also of How Far To Mexico)!

Sean hits!

Guitar action with Matthew (also of Acres)!

Faceoff action with Brandon!

Guitar and bass action!

More Jamieson!

Extra Brandon!

Singalong action!

Keyboard action!

I've been lucky enough to catch Whoop-Szo twice - probably not enough for such a fantastic band given the opportunities. Last time was in 2015 when I stuck around for a song or two of their Ottawa Explosion set before bouncing off to see some Creeps. They were down to a quartet again. Here's Andrew!

Bass action with Joe!

Closeup action with Adam!

Eric (of I Smell Blood) hits!

Rock action!

More Adam!

Joe sings!

Gesticulating action!

Walrus is another band that's blown me away, the single time I've seen them, at Mugshots three years ago on a bill with The Auras. This time singer and guitarist Justin was giving his axe a rest after injuring his thumb. Here's Justin and his lawnchair-afflicted thumb!