Turn, turn, turn

Turning Into Salt was described to me as "piano pop." They do have a piano and there's plenty of pop in their makeup, but also post punk stuff like The Cure. They referenced Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart in one song. There was also some joshing about the similar melodies of their Got What You Came For and a popular tune about falling in love with a stripper.

Chris Vechsler does have a few Robert Smith-style vocal mannerisms; nothing overwhelming, mind you.



Caleb Abbot hits it.



Bassist Jason Abbot and guitarist Craig Mainprize. Craig had a lot of fun bopping about on stage.



Dean Grenville adds some synth.



Salty action!







And all together.



I'm keen to hear more.

• Show reminder: Apart from Bluesfest, Black Actors, Heartwarmer and Zhenodtel play at End Hits.

Salt and battery

Off to Zaphod's for a slightly odd double bill: Local new-wave influenced piano pop group Turning Into Salt and Saskatchewan oddball punks The Ultimate Power Duo. Then again, it's certainly in grand UPD tradition, since last time they played they were on the same bill as Danish folk singer Pernille and Mile Over Mecca.

First, Turning Into Salt's Chris Vechsler and Dean Grenville.



... Caleb and Jason Abbot and Craig Mainprize. Great set from these guys, who share a couple of member with Jetplanes of Abraham.



The Ultimate Power Duo were as fine as I remembered them.



On the downside: Though I expect a pathetic turnout on a Wednesday night, this was one of the worst-attended shows I've been to. A few folks turned out for TIS, but by the time UPD hit the stage they'd left. It wasn't quite as bad as The Raging Slab gig where the audience consisted of myself, John Westhaver and the bar staff ... three people stayed this time!

• Show reminder: My Dad vs Yours, Born Ruffians, Henri Faberge and The Adorables and Relief Maps play at Zaphod Beeblebrox.