The dead of winter

The tail end of winter can be a dreary place to set up a show; few bands are coming through town, much of the audience is in hibernation, sunning in the south or preparing for a last scholastic push.That hasn't stopped Lucas Mackenzie of New Teeth fame, from putting on a Doldrums mini-festival (with a bit of help from Kichessippi Brewery. They actually got the ball rolling on Thursday with a show at The Clocktower, and will be holding night No. 3 this evening at Pressed. For this gig at Cafe DeKcuf, a bunch of hard-rocking bands were called to serve.

First up, Yes Please & Thank You busted out the short shorts and off-kilter power trio rock Here Jarrod rocks the Tele..


Yes Please & Thank You at Cafe DeKcuf, March 1, 2013

It was a good night for headbands, as modelled by bassist Gavin and drummer Pat.


Yes Please & Thank You at Cafe DeKcuf, March 1, 2013

Amalgamation were up next; this was the first outing for a new lineup. Singer and guitarist Jeff Bertrand and drummer Bradley Martel have been joined by bassist Alex Dulong (standing in the shadows off to the left of Jeff) and guitarist Andrew Sutherland.


Amalgamation at Cafe DeKcuf, March 1, 2013

Bradley got some guitar time at this show, too.


Amalgamation at Cafe DeKcuf, March 1, 2013

The Ticket dressed up for the occasion. They're a two man outfit who made me think of a less-bluesy Digger & The Pussycats. Adam Waselnuk rocks  the guitar.


The Ticket at Cafe DeKcuf, March 1, 2013

Jake Litster mans the kit.


The Ticket at Cafe DeKcuf, March 1, 2013

I haven't seen Plaster Babies before (or The Ticket, come to that); too bad for me since they played a great set of dirty rock that reminded me of The Starlite Desperation.


Plaster Babies at Cafe DeKcuf, March 1, 2013

Singer Ben gets a grip.


Plaster Babies at Cafe DeKcuf, March 1, 2013

Ornaments finished things off with an incredibly ferocious set, featuring cool covers of The Stooges' Loose and T. Rex's It's A Gas.

David Sings, Kevin hits!


Ornaments at Cafe DeKcuf, March 1, 2013

Faceoff action with bassist Jay.


Ornaments at Cafe DeKcuf, March 1, 2013

A good turnout too! They fest continues at Pressed tonight with Tindervox, Sea Change, Still Native, Little Sun (previously Dry River Caravan) and Marxist Cowboy & The Hand That Feeds.