The sign of four

Are four-band shows the new three-band shows. I caught two in a row Thursday and Saturday, and if that isn't conclusive evidence, I don't know what is. Anyway, Friday's show featured a rare performance by The Double Pumpers, who seem to be busting it out one a year these days, Knives For Kids, which is the hard rock combo fronted by Big Jeezus Truck's Mat Spag, The Glorious Moon Rockets, which is Harvey Cartel/Train Jumpers frontman Chris Landry's new rock outlet and On Better Ground, of who I know nothing apart from the fact that, like all the other bands on the bill, they're a power trio.

They were performing as I walked through the double doors to the Clocktower's basement room. In fact they were right beside the doors, which is convenient for drummer photos, such as this one of Mike Iwaskow.


On Better Ground at The Clocktower, September 16, 2011

James Gray and Steve Tozzi round out the crew, which had a good crowd of pals out to watch them. They also covered Pink Floyd's Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2.


On Better Ground at The Clocktower, September 16, 2011 

The Glorious Moonrockets played next, kicking things off with some extravagant feedback.


The Glorious Moonrockets at The Clocktower, September 16, 2011

And so on ...


The Glorious Moonrockets at The Clocktower, September 16, 2011

Knives For Kids brought their smoke machine ... it was a little too smokey for the basement, and set off the fire alarm.


Knives For Kids at The Clocktower, September 16, 2011

The lightshow worked out okay, though.


Knives For Kids at The Clocktower, September 16, 2011

Finally Double Pumpers came up and rocked it in their usual rocking fashion!


Double Pumpers at the Clocktower, September 16, 2011

The crash cymbal made a few attemtps to escape ...


Double Pumpers at the Clocktower, September 16, 2011

A fine night out.

• Show reminder: Camp Radio launch their new record at Babylon with Mother's Children and Mnemonics; Reverb Syndicate also have a new CD on their hands, they're at The Rainbow with The Pelts and Hobo Outlaws. The Dodos and The Luyas play Mavericks; Aggressor, Joe Thrasher, The Sin Sisters and sundry others bring metal mayhem to The 2nd Bass Line Skybar & Restaurantat Ottawa Stadium. Ball & Chain hold their annual Hank Williams tribute at Irene's. Daddy Long Legs and The All-Stars perform at the Elmdale House; the Avant-Garde Bar hosts Leah Flanagan and Swift years.