Wednesday, November 05, 2014

Freaks and kings

Hamilton's TV Freaks made a big impression at 2013's Ottawa Explosion, winning a ton of new fans with a thrilling set. They played another hot set at Mugshots in October of that year alongside Thee Nodes. Even though I was feeling a bit sub par Saturday, I Figured it would be foolish to give it a pass - particularly since the opening act, Brat Kings, was billed as boasting a Sonic Avenues connection (namely, Chance Hutchison, who plays bass in both bands). Here's the hairy fellow himself!

Brat Kings at House of Targ

Nick Harris provides snotty vocals and guitar.

Brat Kings at House of Targ

Chance sings!

Brat Kings at House of Targ

Theo McKibbon mans the drums!

Brat Kings at House of Targ

Singalong action!

Brat Kings at House of Targ

Extra Chance!

Brat Kings at House of Targ

Nick frets!

Brat Kings at House of Targ

Smokey action!

Brat Kings at House of Targ

Theo hits!

Brat Kings at House of Targ

The whole lot!

Brat Kings at House of Targ

Shadowy action!

Brat Kings at House of Targ

And so on!

Brat Kings at House of Targ

On to TV Freaks, who once again ripped it up. Dave is truly one of the great frontmen of rock.

TV Freaks at House of Targ

He's a wild guy ....

TV Freaks at House of Targ

T.J. frets!

TV Freaks at House of Targ

Nathan hits!

TV Freaks at House of Targ

Kevin handles the low end!

TV Freaks at House of Targ

Sweaty action!

TV Freaks at House of Targ

Shirtless action!

TV Freaks at House of Targ

Extra Kevin!

TV Freaks at House of Targ

Gripping action!

TV Freaks at House of Targ

More guitar!

TV Freaks at House of Targ

More belly!

TV Freaks at House of Targ

TV Freaks will not be served.

TV Freaks at House of Targ

Bootless action!

TV Freaks at House of Targ

Audience participation action!

TV Freaks at House of Targ

A real one-two punch of a show

Saturday, November 01, 2014

Think small

Last Saturday I headed over to Daily Grind to see some of the heavy sounds that the Grind draws.  When I arrived I was a little surprised to see folks downing their evening brews and all the chairs and tables in their usual place. Where had the show vanished too? Upstairs of course, to an even smaller room in the back.

Black Oak Decline started up the show - no bass problems this time around! Here's Mike, Tony and Neil.

Black Oak Decline at Daily Grind

Mike sings!

Black Oak Decline at Daily Grind

More Neil!

Black Oak Decline at Daily Grind

Tony hits!

Black Oak Decline at Daily Grind

Extra Mike!

Black Oak Decline at Daily Grind

Bonus Neil!

Black Oak Decline at Daily Grind

The whole lot!

Black Oak Decline at Daily Grind

Extra Tony!

Black Oak Decline at Daily Grind

The compact end!

Black Oak Decline at Daily Grind

Winnipeg's Dead Ranch were up next, with a sound somewhere in the range of Bison B.C. and High on Fire.

Dead Ranch at Daily Grind

Bass action with Steve Anderson!

Dead Ranch at Daily Grind

Guitar action with Chad Alsop!

Dead Ranch at Daily Grind

Vocal action with Andre Cornejo!

Dead Ranch at Daily Grind

Cymbal action with Ryley Devine!

Dead Ranch at Daily Grind

Singalong action!

Dead Ranch at Daily Grind

Extra Chad!

Dead Ranch at Daily Grind

Bonus Ryley!

Dead Ranch at Daily Grind

The shouty bit!

Dead Ranch at Daily Grind

Headbanging action!

Dead Ranch at Daily Grind

The end!

Dead Ranch at Daily Grind

Biipiigwan finished things off with a brief but ripping set. Here's Steve!

Biipiigwan at Daily Grind

Grimacing action!

Biipiigwan at Daily Grind

Bass action with Mike!

Biipiigwan at Daily Grind

Musky sings!

Biipiigwan at Daily Grind

The whole lot!

Biipiigwan at Daily Grind

Rhythm section action!

Biipiigwan at Daily Grind

Bonus Mike!

Biipiigwan at Daily Grind

Steve hits!

Biipiigwan at Daily Grind

Another piece of Steve's gear bites the dust!

Biipiigwan at Daily Grind

The whole lot!

Biipiigwan at Daily Grind

Extra Musky!

Biipiigwan at Daily Grind

Even more Steve!

Biipiigwan at Daily Grind

Feedback action!

Biipiigwan at Daily Grind

Great sounds (and a golden opportunity for my fisheye lens to earn its way).