It's been a blast

I had about an hour for recuperation before it was time to set off for Babylon. I like Babylon, particularly since thy put in a lot of couches for tired geezers like me to sit on. Even better, a whole bunch of cool bands were finishing off the Ottawa Explosion with some kick-ass rock'n'roll.

First up, The Steve Adamyk Band, sounding rough but ready.


Steve Adamyk Band at Babylon, June 18, 2011

Kristina, Allie and Barbarella filled in on the wheels.


DJs at Babylon, June 18, 2011

And let us not forget the comedy stylings of Nick Flanagan, previously seen around town fronting sadly defunct hardcore combo Brutal Knights. This is the first performance by him where I haven't seen his underwear and the first (and so far only) comedy performance at Ottawa Explosion. Coincidence? I think not ...


Nick Flanagan at Babylon, June 18, 2011

Adamyk and Co.  were followed by one of the best sets of the whole festival, courtesy of Montreal's mighty Red Mass. They were supposed to finish off the matinee but were stuck on the highway. The band's lineup has always been fluid but this time around founder Choyce was the only fixture. Not that I haven't seen the others around. I barely recognized Eddie "Symphonic Sausage" Blake, formerly of The Cockroaches, without his standup bass, and monster drummer Post has done time in Sundry Montreal combos. Between the two you've got one of the most thunderous rhythm sections around. I'm at peace with the short set, since they had to be squeezed in at the last moment, but someone better bring them back to town soon ...


Red Mass at Babylon, June 18, 2011

Ottawa's own Mother's Children played a very hot set as well. Once again Davey Quesnelle wins the festival iron man prize for playing scads of bands and still staying on his feet.


Mother's Children at Babylon, June 18, 2011

As Emmanuel noted on stage, it seems like a bunch of bands from Nashville have been to Ottawa (or in the case of Jeff The Brotherhood, are here Wednesday!). Heavy Cream have been making waves for little while now. For some reason they reminded me of White Lung, but I suspect that's mostly singer Jessica's tonsorial resemblance to Mish Way and her hectic stage moves.


Heavy Cream at Babylon, June 18, 2011

A great set, despite some last-minute bassist abduction!


Heavy Cream at Babylon, June 18, 2011

Then it was time for the ultimate act of the evening - only an hour late, so much for the schedule! - The White Wires.


The White Wires at Babylon, June 18, 2011

It was also time for the crowd to go insane, plus a record amount of crowd-surfing. There goes Luca!


The White Wires at Babylon, June 18, 2011

Bum rush the stage!


The White Wires at Babylon, June 18, 2011 

Closing time came way too soon, but it was a happy crowd being shoved out Babylon's doors to go get wasted someplace else. Can't wait until next year!

• Show reminder: James Farr performs at the Rainbow.