Let there be jangle

Back in July 2010 Ottawa was treated to its first sighting of Real Estate, a New Jersey band with a fondness for mellow, New-Zealandish fuzz-pop. Then, they were opening for Kurt Vile. With the release of their second album Days, they seem to be charting a steady course for the hipster stratosphere: Their headlining show at Mavericks was even sold out a few days in advance. That may be because they were accompanied by the also-lauded Babies, or perhaps because local boyish charmers Kalle Mattson opened things up.

Kalle and Co. had already begun playing by the time I rolled through the doors.


Kalle Mattson at Mavericks, January 19, 2012 

They have a newish drummer, and nice trumpet accompaniment for this set from another recent recruit, J.F. Beauchamp.


Kalle Mattson at Mavericks, January 19, 2012

The Babies deceptively energetic pop had me thinking of The Vaselines. An excellent rhythm section kept things moving along, and male-female vocals are always nice to hear when done right.


The Babies at Mavericks, January 19, 2012

Cassie Ramone sings some.


The Babies at Mavericks, January 19, 2012

Real Estate ended the night in their laidback fashion. I remembered them as pretty mellow when they were here at Babylon. I think they were mellower this time, but also a bit more polished ... or maybe that's just the haircuts speaking.


Real Estate at Mavericks, January 19, 2012

Well, at least some people - like their new drummer - are keeping it long.


Real Estate at Mavericks, January 19, 2012

A really fine show, and an enthusiastic crowd to help things along.

• Show reminder: Irish Nails, Beer Barons, Static Revolt and Kraken The Case play The Rainbow; Bruised Knees, Karaoke and Caymans perform at Raw Sugar Cafe; The Riot Police and Breaking The Fourth are at Zaphod's; Rocket Rached and The Fat City 8 blast off at Irene's; the Elmdale hosts Ladies of the Canyon and The Heartbroken.