Nightcrawlin'

I grew up in the 1980s with Depeche Mode, Thomas Dolby and other synth-loving, quirky pop artists but with the advent of The Pixies, Nirvana and the ascension of "college radio" to the mainstream, keyboard went a bit out of style. Well, its been 25 years, and synthesizers are back, baby! Not that I am wholly enthused about that, but at least they're being employed with folks with a certain sinister pop sensibility - folks like Winnipeg's Royal Canoe. They've been on tour, and rolled into Raw Sugar night to perform for a few dozen folks.

Montreal's Nash opened for them. Nash (first name Mike, for those who care) is a one man recorder, but he showed up with a backing quartet for some keening melodies.


Nash at Raw Sugar, May 3, 2012


Nash at Raw Sugar, May 3, 2012

Next up were Royal Canoe, who really bust out the keyboards for some excellent, highly layered melancholy pop. Half night-time thrill, half hangover. I recognize at least half of them - Bucky Driedger, Michael Jordan and Matt Schellenberg also play in The Liptonians (who performed at the Avant-Garde a while back).


Royal Canoe at Raw Sugar, May 3, 2012

And yes, they have two drummers lurking back there.


Royal Canoe at Raw Sugar, May 3, 2012

The band heads to Montreal tonight.