Things to do March 5

I swear that one day I'll get around to posting those Jimmyriggers photos I've been holding in reserve, but first, since I haven't seen much new about it I'm going to pint out that Monobrow and Flying Fortress are performing tonight at Cafe DeKcuf. Here's a photo of heavyweight power trio Monobrow performing at Zaphod's to jog your memory.


Monobrow at Zaphod Beeblebrox, December 1, 2010

As for Flying Fortress, they're the two-thirds of Goathorn that did not go on to form Cauldron. Performing below them at Mavericks is Land Of Talk, who will be accompanied by Valleys. I've seen Land of Talk twice and they've been super both times. Here's a shot from their Bluesfest gig in July 2009.


Land of Talk at Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

I'd better post another since I barely posted any of them the last time.


Land of Talk at Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

If you're in a more straight-ahead rocking mood you should head off to Irene's and check out  Good2Go and New Car Smell.


Good2Go at Bluesfest, July 8, 2010

If you fancy being stuck in a small room with some punks, then 654 Maclaren is the place to be, with sets from Mistake Makers, Dead Weights, Police Funeral and Lost Youth. I'd post a picture of Dead Weights but I think I've already used every last one. As for Brainhunter, Move Your Mountain and The Start (appearing at Zaphod Beeblebrox tonight), I haven't seen any of them. Brainhunters' Myspace tracks sound so brain-dead I might have to change that. DoubleDouble and Wicked Grin are performing at The Rainbow; Ball And Chain’s are holding their Mardi Gras Party at the Elmdale with Swamperella.

All talk

I was first exposed to Land of Talk in March 2007 when they shared a bill with Field Music and Menomena at Zaphod Beeblebrox and came out looking quite good - not something easy to do with two such stellar combos on either side. Their sinewy sound once again made a good impression, and they gave an energetic performance.

Queen of the Land Elizabeth Powell gets into (alternate) tune.



The band has undergone many a lineup change, resulting in Andrew Barr of The Slip playing drums on their latest album. This, I believe, is he.



Elizabeth rocks out.



The whole lot!



Also playing musical chairs (and rocking out) is Joe Yarmush on bass, who joined in late 2008. previously he played in Kill The Lights (and may still for all I know).



Elizabeth sings!



More Joe ... or at least I think it's Joe ... honestly, I've lost track of all the people who have left and joined Land of Talk.



Faceoff action!



More Andy!



I guess the sun got low enough (or the clouds got thick enough) for Powell to ditch the shades.



Running about!



They're heading off to California in October, then up the West Coast.

• Show reminder: Lullabye Arkestra and Army Of St. Joan play Cafe Dekcuf; The Love Machine, We Were Lovers and The Property Line play Mavericks. Andrew Vincent and Sports play the Raw Sugar Cafe.
  

Rain, rain, go away!

So much for my weather-predicting capabilities. Not only did it rain, it was rather cool, never a good combination. At least things stayed pleasant enough for the first part of the day.

I arrived as The Balconies were starting their set. I was very impressed by their Gaga Weekend set, and they were just as good this time around. A sizable crowd gathered to listen to their new-wave sounds, and there was a good turnout at the autograph tent later on. It was still warm and sunny enough for Jacquie Neville to note that wearing black was a mistake.


The Balconies, Black Sheep Stage, Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

Following their set I went off to buy a copy of their new CD and to go to the Music-Themed Eatery Stage to watch The Sedatives. Ian Manhire appeared to be getting a primer on the operation of the Hammond Organ as I arrived.


Sedatives, Hard Rock Stage, Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

Then they were off an rocking, with a very hard-hiotting set. Apparently copies of their new album have arrived, but Ian forgot to bring them. He did promise to make a cover and bike one over to whoever was interested though.


Sedatives, Hard Rock Stage, Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

Since their set only lasted about 30 minutes I alsom managed to pop over the hill to see most of the Sunparlour Players set. Hmm, I'm not completely sold on their somewhat hectic take on Americana. The triple kick-drum lineup is kind of nifty, though.


Sunparlour Players, Black Sheep Stage, Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

And one can't fault the amount of energy the players - particularly accordionist/drummer Michael Rosenthal.


Sunparlour Players, Black Sheep Stage, Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

The New Mastersounds followed The Sedatives on the Music-Themed Eatery Stage. They're a Leeds-based funk-soul-R&B combo. I can't say they held my attention, but they did seem to have some of the audience grooving along.


The New Mastersounds, Hard Rock Stage, Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

Casting around for something to watch I passed by the Fast Food Chain stage, where the Homemade Jamz Blues Band was performing. Not hugely fascinating, but I dig those custom instruments.


Homemade Jamz Blues Band, Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

They're a family outfit, drummer Taya, 10, is the youngest.


Homemade Jamz Blues Band, Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

I decided to go and see Land of Talk since I enjoyed their Zaphod's set with Menomena and Field Music. They played a similarly fine set, and like the Sunparlour Players before them praised The Balconies' show.


Land of Talk, Black Sheep Stage, Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

Then I headed back over the hill to catch The King Khan and BBQ Show, which is when things turned nasty. I don't mean musically nasty, I mean meteorologically nasty. with a lengthy rainshower. Bleaaah. Not too good for the camera, either. At least King Khan and BBQ were entertaining as usual, with their between-song banter even more cracked than usual. Also, King Khan kicked the crap out of those heads mounted along the front of the stage, an act I heartily condone.


King Khan and BBQ Show, Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

I went looking for an umbrella for sale, but had no luck, so soon enough I was back at the Music-Themed Eatery Stage getting wet. At least I had a plastic bag to wrap my camera in. Bloodshot Bill and his new wife also showed up to bop along around this time. That done, I headed off to the Telecommunications Giant Stage to fulfill my main reason for sticking around through the rain - seeing Neko Case, one of my favourite singers, perform.


Neko Case, Rogers Stage, Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

It was well worth the wait and slight sogginess, she put on a super set, which lasted about 80 minutes, including a cover of Harry Nillson's Alimony and an encore performance of Sook-Yin Lee's Knock Loud.


Neko Case and Tom V. Ray, Rogers Stage, Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

She was joined by her usual backing band, including Jon Rauhouse (below on banjo), but usual co-conspirator Kelly Hogan couldn't be there due to a death in the family.


Jon Rauhouse, Paul Rigby, Rogers Stage, Bluesfest, July 12, 2009

After that, I sped on home - I've got an early day today, and I'd prefer to be reasonably dry when it comes time to greet it.

The land is strong

Another week, another bunch of cool shows I will completely miss due to work. At least I get Monday off, so I may just troop over to Zaphod's free showcase to see Pysiedius, Paul Hinger, Clepto and The Art Burn Project before they all become international superstars, or at least start charging.
On Tuesday The New Pornographers make another pass through the capital. As I understand it, this is the Neko Case-equipped version. The opener is the mighty swell Land of Talk.


Land of Talk, Zaphod Beeblebrox, March 24, 2007

Wednesday, Time Again, Machine Gun Dolly, Gunsmoke and Zero Hours shoot 'em up at Mavericks.
On Thursday, Grand Theft Bus and The Soiree perform at Zaphod's. Over at Mavericks Hello Terror!, We, The Undersigned, Man With Target and Of the First Born Son play loud and fast.
Friday, there's more action at Zaphod's with The Sin Kickers, Twelve34 and Sedrick.


Rock Plaza Central, Irene's, September 16, 2006

Saturday The Bible All Stars, Sick Sick Sicks and The Rookers help out our four-legged friends with a benefit for the Humane Society. Jetplanes of Abraham, Rock Plaza Central, The Ghost Is Dancing and Interweb Sabotage bring their collective talents to Barrymore's. Blazer, Camp Best Friends and Dusty Walker perform at Zaphod's.


Danger City Rebels, The Aloha Room, May 11, 2005

Sunday seems awfully busy with The Slackers and Bomb The Music Industry at Babylon; The Danger City Rebels at the Rainbow; Hellbros, Trevor Thompson, The Bronze and Flesh Cadillac at Zaphod's; Paint It Black, Cold World, The Wishlist and Constant Struggle at Mavericks and Farewell To Freeway, Shotgun Rules, Lifestory:Monologue and Assemble Me rip it up Cafe Dekcuf ... seriously, is it a holiday on Monday?

Talk of the town

Land of Talk formed in Montreal a few years back. They went into the studio with The Besnard Lakes' Jase Lacek (like 95% of the Montreal bands I've listened to of late) and emerged with Applause Cheer Boo Hiss, a well-lauded seven-song EP. The band's tomboy indie rock didn't win over every listener, but I thought their performance was an energetic divider between Field Music and Menomena. I can imagine the band appealing to P.J. Harvey fans.

Singer-guitarist Elizabeth Powell is the trio's motive force. At times during their robust set I thought she sounded a bit like Cat Power (a comparison I gather she's heard before).





Powell eyeballs Bucky Wheaton's drumming.



Bassist Chris McCarron gets into it.



Rhythm section action!



Talkative action!



The whole lot!







And some last-minute looming.



An album has been recorded and is slated for release in 2013 (or perhaps earlier).

• Show reminder: The Polytones and General Electrik perform at Zaphod Beeblebrox; Skunch, Sketchy Poutine and Head Disorder perform at End Hits.

Tones in town

Field Music, Land of Talk and Menomena have been garnered a good chunk of praise from the usual suspects, and a large crowd showed up at Zaphod's to catch three prime candidates to be the next big thing.

First up was Britain's Field Music: Two brothers who spent some time listening to Skylarking and electropop and a bloke on piano (he's off to the right - this is David and Peter Brewis).



Next up Montreal's Land of Talk, a scrappier trio.



Finally Menomena, the artiest of the bunch.



Unfortunately Menomena's set was delayed by microphone problems, and truncated to about 45 minutes by the club's switch to dance party. Other than that, great set.