Fuzz, buzz and twang

Off to Zaphod Beeblebrox on Saturday, where a trio of local acts put on a great show for the assembled dozens. The Dead Bees, Glorious Moonrockets and Sick Sick Sicks each brought something different to the table.

First up, Glorious Moonrockets, making a fine racket.


Glorious Moonrockets at Zaphod Beeblebrox, January 19, 2013

Rhythm section action!


Glorious Moonrockets at Zaphod Beeblebrox, January 19, 2013

Then on to Sick Sick Sicks. I've never seen them before. They've got some Old Weird Americana, some rockabilly and some ska, plus songs about longboarding, hallucinogens and riding bicycles. There was also some microphone licking from bassist Red. You may also recognize drummer Kosta McKay from his stint with Department of Foreign Affairs (the band, not the ministry).


Sick Sick Sicks at Zaphod Beeblebrox, January 19, 2013

Guitar action!


Sick Sick Sicks at Zaphod Beeblebrox, January 19, 2013

And now on to Dead Bees, who favour a melodic kind of pop, and which also features some DOFA vets, including Kosta, making the night a doubleheader.


Dead Bees at Zaphod Beeblebrox, January 19, 2013

Also hailing from the ranks of DOFA, Chris Thibedeau, who plays both bass and guitar (particularly on their cover of Big Star's September Gurls, a favourite of his). Chris Sims rounds out the trio.


Dead Bees at Zaphod Beeblebrox, January 19, 2013

A well-rounded evening.

General purpose

March 30 I went to Zaphod Beeblebrox to see The Polytones and General Electrik, a band previously unknown to me. I have to say the last time I was so knocked out by a local band I hadn't heard anything from before is when I saw The John Henrys open for Elliott Brood. Like that band they have a brace of strong singers who turn in some effective harmonies. Although there aren't any brothers in this band, they made me think of the Everly Brothers and late-era Split Enz.

I was thinking some of these guys looked familiar, and indeed I have snapped guitarist Chris Thibedeau once before, playing bass last August for the Department of Foreign Affairs.



Donnie LeBlanc adds a few rootsy touches with his Gretsch.



Bassist Mike Campbell can also be seen in the Steve Gardiner Band.



If Steven Jurgutis looks a bit blue, it's just the lighting.



Electrik action!



Rhythm section action!





The whole lot!



I look forward to hearing more.

• Show reminder: If you have a ticket to Tokyo Police Club and Cold War Kids at Zaphod Beeblebrox, today is the day.

Electrik and company

TGIF - and I'm not just saying that because it's the only day I got off work this week. I went off to Zaphod's to see The Polytones put on one of their rare-as-hen's-teeth performances and get a look at General Electrik, of whom I knew naught. I also paused to admire the artificial foliage with which someone decorated the front of Zaphod's stage. Must be spring!

First up, General Electrik - I was very, very impressed. Excellent indie pop, a few country flourishes and super harmony work.



And as before The Polytones were excellent.



All told, a very sharp example of the musical craft Ottawa is capable of.