Now or never

Back to the rock'n'roll with Toronto powerhouse The Mercy Now. Last time I saw them play it was also the depth of winter - February 2009 to be exact - and they put on a hot set. They did it again at this show, and also got to play a bit longer than their Zaphod's gig.

David Viva twangs the Tele.



Russ sings!



Emergency replacement drummer Derek Downham keeps the beat.



Singalong action with Adam Burnett!



Guitar action!



Viva shakes the hair.



David sings!



Derek hits, and shows some T-shirt love for Stratford, the city of the abyss.



Russ shakes it.



The view from the left.



Russ escapes the stage.



Faceoff action!



David bends.



Russ works the crowd.



Guitar-raising action!



I imagine it was all a bit tiring ...



They've got a handful of Ontario dates in February and March, and hopefully will be back in town sooner rather than later.

• Show reminder: Belie My Burial, Take The Throne, Rising City States, We Were The Fires of Rome and Denounced slip into Mavericks; Them Shenanigans, The Trippers and Out of Options get up to something at the Rainbow; Brennan Pilkington of That's the Spirit and Department of Foreign Affairs, Greg Brayford and Michael Peterson of The Flats, and Marc Audet of Woodrunners get together to play solo at the Elmdale House.