Since I only heard about three minutes of their music I'll just say they sounded pretty agreeable, have a nattily dressed singer and went out with an extensive guitar solo.
Frontman Edmund Lam rocks the ascot.
Hexes and Ohs at West Fest, June 11, 2011
His lovely wife Heidi Donnelly is at left.
Hexes and Ohs at West Fest, June 11, 2011
Next up were The Johnnys. Alas, not Ottawa's almost identically named female foursome (you'll just have to wait for Ottawa Explosion for that treat). This is a hard-rocking Toronto quartet, formerly of the Northwest Territories. Unlike our homegrown Johnnies, they have a person actually have a namesake in their lineup, that being leader Veronica Johnny. They reminded me of D.O.A., though rather than singing about things political they like AC/DC still double entendres. They also like their leather.
The Johnnys at West Fest, June 11, 2011
They were joined on stage by Mi'kmaq dancer Thomas Clair. "We're talking you on tour," they said.
The Johnnys at West Fest, June 11, 2011
Finally The Pack A.D. graced the stage with a powerhouse performance. I saw them and was at impressed at Irene's in September 2007, and was even more impressed by them this time, though I don't quite understand how they both look five years younger five years later.
The Pack A.D. at West Fest, June 11, 2011
Someone check Becky Black's attic for the picture of Dorian Gray.
The Pack A.D. at West Fest, June 11, 2011
Bif Naked was the headliner, but I elected instead to head home, grab a quick bite and go over to the Avant-Garde Bar to see Muffler Crunch and local hard rockers Pretty Little Death Machine. Unbeknown to me, Montreal's Tiny Empire were also on hand to open things up with a killer set of rock that had me thinking of Amphetamine Reptile acts, Chokebore and similar lead-guitar eschewing crunchers. You may recognize at least one of these folks: Drummer Spencer Warren has also done time in Starvin' Hungry. Gen Jones and Alex Vader round out the trio.
Tiny Empire at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
It just wouldn't be the Avant-Garde without Europop videos ....
Tiny Empire at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
Pretty Little Death Machine crossed my radar screen a short while back thanks to the participation of Boom Creek/Big Bend/F drummer Ike McFaul, and I also notice they're slated to perform at Ottawa Explosion. This is one punchy combo, and if you fancy folks like The Backyard Babies and Hellacopters, they'll be right up your alley (assuming they're not off somewhere else getting hammered or thrown out of hotels).
Pretty Little Death Machine at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
Guitarist Tyler Black is also an F. veteran.
Pretty Little Death Machine at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
That makes two hard acts to follow, but I don't think Muffler Crunch can be blown off the stage by anyone. Every time I see them I'm knocked out by their powerhouse sound, and on this occasion they were even-harder-hitting than usual, if such a thing is possible.
Muffler Crunch at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
Someday there's going to have to be a faceoff for noisiest area duo with Big Dick.
Muffler Crunch at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
A great end to the night. I'm just hoping the rain gives it a rest for West Fest today ...
- Show reminder: Heartless, Kingmaker and Terror Spells terrify at Cafe Dekcuf; Gieve The Silence and King Bishop move in on the Rainbow.
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