Weekend Round-up!
Here’s a quick look at what’s going on in Windsor this weekend for live music!
THURSDAY
Shared Arms, a terrific local band that we here at TWZ have mentioned in depth once before, are leading another big punk rawk explosion at The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) tonight with another well stacked line-up. Joining Shared Arms are Kitchener’s Wayfarer (who are also labelmates of Shared Arms on Tragicomedy), Guelph’s The Decay, Orlando, Florida’s Nightlights, Montreal’s W!nslow and Windsor’s own The Rowley Estate.
If you’re over Stateside, Windsor’s own Eric Welton Band is taking part in the International Pop Overthrow, an international power pop festival that tours North America and the UK. Their set is at 10:30pm, and the 3-day event is housed at Paycheck’s (2932 Caniff St.) in Hamtramck.
Upstairs at The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level), Alex Carruthers & The Rhythm Brothers hold their weekly gig night. Not your conventional weekly gig, as most times the bands in question are cover acts, but AC & The Rhythm Bros. rock out new and old originals, honing their craft whether there’s five people in front of them or fifty. These guys can play and with a sound somewhere between The Strokes and The Doors, these guys are on to something.
Another weekly gig is Vice Aerial at The Manchester Pub (546 Ouellette Ave.), which teams some veterans up for a jam band that tackles songs from Zeppelin to Radiohead and everything in between. Consisting of Daren Dobsky (Magic Hall of Mirrors, Royal Dose), Josh Zalev (Huladog, Mr. Chill & The Witnesses), Mark Calcott (Theory of Everything, Huladog, Windsor Salt Band) and Joey “The Wiseguy” Desroches (The Locusts Have No King, Years of Ernest, ASK), these guys are working on original material, while working on their chemistry with an eclectic rock and roll songbook each week.
FRIDAY
Gangsta rap legends (and Oscar winners!) Three 6 Mafia bring their stylin’ and profilin’ to the Caboto Club (2175 Parent Ave.), with an opening set by Windsor’s Jay Braaks.
Huge Hardcore show at The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) featuring local metal monsters Devilz By Definition, who are joined by Detroit’s crushing Death in Custody, Chatham’s Hundred Proof and Windsor’s ADHD.
Proof that punk rawk never dies…it festers. High Mother, featuring some of Windsor’s punk rock legends of the past few decades, releases it’s heavily anticipated CD, with special guests Curbside Sofa, at The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level). High Mother’s energetic fireball of a frontman, Chris Lobb, lives in Saskatchewan now, so their shows are very limited – so if you’re thinking “I’ll just grab a CD at their next show”, remember it could be months or a year from now…
EFAN!, the solo project of Michou‘s drummer extraordinaire Stefan Cvetkovic, is throwing a farewell party at Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. West). He’ll be joined by fellow band mate Michael Hargreaves, so expect a full house of good times!
Tony Coates‘ silky soulful sounds take over Taloola Cafe on Friday with an intimate acoustic set. Taloola’s shows are early (8-10pm), so grab a bite and some tea and listen to some great music before heading out on the town!
SATURDAY
The big event for Saturday is the 3-venue, 14-band charity event called Songs For Sangha. This event – the brain child of local musician Ash Richtig (The Heat Seeking Moisture Missiles, Repetitions, NeaderTHRALL) – is designed to raise awareness and money for a new charity in Windsor-Essex called Sangha Human Services. This group is hoping to really target and combat poverty in the Windsor-Essex region, by providing food and other necessities to families that have fallen on hard times. This event is occurring at three downtown venues, with shows at The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.), Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. West) and Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West). Here’s the line-ups and start times:
The Blind Dog:
10:00 – 10:30 – Found Unconcious
10:45 – 11:15 – Devilz By Definition
11:30 – 12:00 – The Heatseeking Moisture Missiles
12:15 – 12:45 – Gypsy Cheif Goliath
1:00 – 1:30 – Pitch Union
Phog Lounge:
10:00 – 10:30 – The Nefidovs
10:45 – 11:15 – Anonymous Bosch
11:30 – 12:15 – Surdaster
12:45 – ??:?? – The Vaudevillianaires
Milk Coffee Bar:
9:45 – 10:15 – Judas O’Meara
10:30 – 11:00 – Where The Good Goes
11:15 – 11:45 – Weirdonia
12:00 – 12:30 – Awake To A Dream
12:45 – ??:?? – Luna Borealis
For more information, you can check out TWZ’s own Lauren Hedge’s preview here.
The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) caps off a three day metal bender with a big show featuring Windsor’s thunderlords Hammerdown, who are joined by Ingersoll’s Kynesys and Windsor’s Desertion.
Local Musicians and Establishments Team Up to Help Combat Poverty
Lauren Hedges
This Saturday, April 30th, the heart of Windsor will become a stage for those looking to combat poverty in the region.
14 bands and three venues are donating their time and space to help Sangha Human Services Inc. raise money to help relieve poverty in Windsor-Essex. This registered charity is looking to establish and maintain homeless shelters and provide counseling to those in need. All of their efforts will be concentrated locally and look to aid those living with life threatening conditions such as HIV/AIDS, Hep C, and substance abuse. They see this fight as a social responsibility, and have no religious affiliation. Events such as the one happening this weekend are looking to get the entire community involved in the relief efforts for those in need.
The three venues involved are The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave), Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. W.), and Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. W.). There is no set cover for any of these shows, but a $5 donation is suggested at the door. There will also be a raffle at each location, with tickets available for $5 each or 3 for $10.
At The Blind Dog the show starts at 10 pm with the punk-metal fusion of Found Unconscious. This group has been through many name and lineup changes in the six years since it’s inception, but what you’ll hear this weekend is rough and raw, marching along to a steady beat with catchy guitar riffs and scratchy vocals.
Devilz by Definition will be up next, with the usual heavy brutality we’ve come to expect. Traditional metal that inspires head banging and fist waving, they are a crowd pleaser in Windsor and are certain to deliver a great show.
The Fubar-est band in Windsor, The Heatseeking Moisture Missiles,are up at 11:30, bringing 80′s inspired metal into the mix. Fast and pumped-up, their shows are always entertaining, to say the least. Be prepared for wild riffs, wild hair, and a wild time.
Heavyweights Gypsy Cheif Goliath take things over after that. This group is characterized by a blending of blues, metal, and mental impairment. A heavy and sluggish stoner sound that nonetheless encourages you to hair whip the guy next to you, GCG are making waves in and outside of Windsor.
Closing the night will be Pitch Union, a local group who have shared stages with the likes of Queens of the Stone Age and Sloan. They are an example of alternative rock at it’s finest, with huge guitars, soaring vocals, and slamming drums.
A couple blocks north at the only all-ages venue of the evening, Milk Coffee Bar will be serving up an eclectic assortment of talent.
Judas O’Meara is a teenage songster from the area who will be opening the show here at 9:45. Be here in time for him to catch some acoustic melodies.
The indie rock acoustic stylings of Where The Good Goes will take over next. Previously playing under the name Run Penelope Run, this band features David John Zelko, who you might recognize from the pop-punk outfit Beijing Bike Club.
Garage punkers Weirdonia will showcase their style of eclectic indie-punk-grunge-dance-rock when they come on stage at 11:15. With these guys, be prepared for anything. A two-piece who have played under the monikers of SOAP and The Sagas of Why Guy in the past, they like to have fun and their music and performances reflect this. They’re also just really nice guys, so don’t be afraid to high-five the, after their set; they’ll love it.
Awake to a Dream have been playing a fair bit of late, but on Saturday they’re doing something a little different. Rumour has it that their set will be a special acoustic one; something they haven’t tried before. Sitting somewhere between modern alternative and 90′s grunge, moving in an acoustic direction will be an interesting thing to hear from them. My hopes are that bassist Pierre will bring out the ukulele again and serenade us. This is likely to be the last show from these guys for a while as they take some time off to focus on writing and completing an upcoming EP, so you won’t want to miss this.
Originally a duo from northern Alberta, Luna Borealis is now a quartet in Windsor who play acoustic folk rock. Mellow and ambient, these guys are something more than traditional folk, experimenting with different vocal effects and layers. Their Myspace describes their sound as “the type of music a mermaid would play to put you under her spell” and that encapsulates the band perfectly.
Down the street at Phog Lounge things are sure to get crazy. The event happens to fall on the same day as Phogoween, the 6-month celebration of Halloween. Guests are encouraged to arrive in costume, and it’s likely the bands playing will as well.
The Nefidovs will kick it off at 10pm with their rockin’ ska. One of the most entertaining bands happening in the city right now, they sound way unlike anything else around, and always turn the crowd into one big dancing throng. Band and audience members alike will jump and skank their way through a powerful set of bluesy, jazzy, punk rock.
Stoner metal monsters Anonymous Bosch are sure to tear it up playing tracks from their 2010 self-titled release. Heavy and huge, these guys are blues, prog, and metal, folded seamlessly into a a great sound with a great stage presence. You’ll find yourself simultaneously swaying and headbanging the entire time they have the stage.
Surdaster have been playing shows for a while with no releases other than a rarely found collection of live recordings from 2006. Their music itself is almost impossible to describe, being rock, metal, psychedelic, and blues, depending on the song and how far into it you go. Sometimes they’re a raging tempest of fury and others a soothing breeze on a moderately hot day. Quite often both in the same song. Track lengths vary but tend to be on the longer side, however the music never becomes tedious as it fails to become over repetitious and frequently takes very unexpected turns at unexpected times.
After around five months without a show, The Vaudevillianaires will reclaim the stage on Saturday. Featuring past members of other notable Windsor groups such as The Golden Hands Before God and Big Daddy A & The Merves, these guys have been playing to critical acclaim for two years now. Their music is explosion of metal and rock that will leave you cheering.
With so much diversity to this event, there is something for everyone, whether you choose one venue at which to remain for the entire night or hop from one to the next. Remember, while enjoying yourself this night you’re also helping a great cause – to relieve poverty in Windsor and Essex County by assisting Sangha Human Services Inc.
Songs for Sangha takes place Saturday, April 30th in downtown Windsor. The Blind Dog, located at 671 Ouellette Ave will host Found Unconscious, Devilz by Definition, The Heatseeking Moisture Missiles, Gypsy Chief Goliath, and Pitch Union. Milk Coffee Bar hosts Judas O’Meara, Where The Good Goes, Weirdonia, Awake to a Dream, and Luna Borealis. Phog Lounge hosts The Nefidovs, Anonymous Bosch, Surdaster, and The Vaudevillanaires. The shows are 19+ and start at 10pm, with the exception of Milk which is all ages and starts at 9:45pm. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.
The Windsor Scene with Lauren Hedges
Lauren Hedges
The playlist for Wednesday, April 27, 2011;
Trish Wales – Holding You (Single – 2010)
Shared Arms – Zavits (Unreleased Jams – 2009)
Wayfarer – Arts and Warcrafts (Our Fathers – 2010)
The Decay – That Street (This Month’s Rent – 2009)
Devilz By Defintion – A Gram Short 20 (Windsor Zene February Sampler – 2011)
The Heatseeking Moisture Missiles – Hidin’ in the Bushes (Windsor Zene December Sampler – 2010)
Gypsy Chief Goliath – Elephant in the Room (Windsor Zene December Sampler – 2010)
Pitch Union – Yeah (Windsor Zene January Sampler – 2011)
Surdaster – The Truth (Acoustic) (Surdaster Live – 2006)
Anonymous Bosch – Offspring Back in the Race (Anonymous Bosch – 2010)
The Vaudevillanaires – Your Filthy Swagger (Race Hell) (From The Tank – 2011)
Weirdonia – 1960′s Antique Clock (Jarritolum – 2010)
Awake to a Dream – Tainted (EP – 2011)
High Mother – Not For Another Day (Gotta Get Love – 2011)
Dave Russell – Rocking Chair (Unnatural Disaster – 2010)
Hammerdown – Burn it Down (EP – 2011)
Desertion – Love, Hate, Homicide (Welcome to Nothing – 2009)
The song that opened today’s show, “Holding You” by Trish Wales is a cover of a song originally written by Tim McDonald, who was last week’s guest on the show. A big thanks to both Tim and Trish for providing that some for me to spin today. Here’s another of Trish’s songs for you to check out;
Last Friday’s The Creepshow concert at The Blind Dog was everything that I could have hoped for. EVL, The Fourjury, and The Locusts Have No King all did a fabulous job opening the show and showing our guests just what Windsor has to offer musically. Punk, alt-country, and roots-rock bands that got the crowd warmed up for some wild psychobilly. To get all the details, and see some pretty rad shots, read the article.
On Saturday Inferno Fest went down on both stages of The Blind Dog. I hungout for a little while, liked some of what I saw, didn’t like some of it. Things were running behind, as would be expected – but by about an hour and a half? (I personally found this to be a bit excessive). There were also perhaps some organizational matters I might have handled differently, but I host a radio show, not concerts, so what do I know? All of those in attendance seemed to be enjoying themselves, and the bands as well, and that’s really what matters.
Coming up this Friday at FM Lounge is the High Mother CD release show with Curbside Sofa. These guys released a demo last year, which I was definitely impressed by, and the quick listen that I gave to their full-length leaves me with the same impression. This show is probably one to check out, and the band one to follow.
In another massive event of Windsor talent, this Saturday sees downtown taken over by the Songs for Sangha event, where bands are donating their performances to help raise money for Sangha Human Services Inc, a charity looking to help battle poverty in Windsor-Essex. There will be performances from fourteen local groups at three venues, starting around 10pm. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door, and raffles at each venue with tickets going for $5 each or 3 for $10. There will be a more in depth look at the event posted soon, so keep an eye out for that.
Tune in next week to The Windsor Scene on CJAM 99.1 FM between 5 and 6:30 for more on the city’s musical culture.
Thurs. April 28: Eric Welton adds Windsor flair to International Pop Overthrow
In 1998, California-based music journalist David Bash launched a music festival incorporating his long time love for power pop music. Naming it after Material Issue’s 1991 album, International Pop Overthrow has risen from an LA-based event to a touring festival featuring some of the world’s best in independent power pop music, hitting cities such as Boston, Chicago, Nashville, Vancouver and even at the Cavern Club in Liverpool.
This coming weekend, IPO hits the Motor City, with a three night stand at Paycheck’s (2932 Caniff, Hamtramick), starting on Thursday night. And Windsor will have a voice in the festival for the second straight year.
Eric Welton, one of the city’s finest pop song writers, is taking his band of merry men (featuring Eryk Myskow (The FourJury, ASK), Billy Myskow and Damien Zakoor (Vaudevillianaires, Swillingtones, Tyres, Golden Hands Before God)) to his second consecutive IPO festival in Detroit, with a great 10:30pm slot at the infamous Paycheck’s, on a bill that includes The Starfire Band, Brett Mitchell & The Giant Ghost, The Boys Themselves, Timothy Monger State Park, Sunday Painters and headlined by Detroit’s own outstanding The Kickstand Band.
Welton, who has also played IPO in Chicago and Detroit as a member of Chatham psych-rockers Square Root of Margaret, is close to releasing his long overdue new record (a follow-up to the alt. country tinged pop gem, Fool Heart), and IPO could be a great way to check out some new tracks along with some old faves.
CJAM TOP 30!!! April 18th-24th 2011!
* – Canadian Content
1 THE FAST ROMANTICS* – Kidcutter (Self-Released)
2 ALEX PANGMAN AND HER ALLEY CATS* – 33 (Justin Time)
3 CODE PIE* – Love Meets Rage (Self-Released)
4 PROTEST THE HERO* – Scurrilous (Underground Operations)
5 BRAN VAN 3000* – Dubstrumentals (Self-Released)
6 MUSIC FOR MONEY* – Flying Birds (Self-Released)
7 LUXURY BOB* – In Fragrante Delicto (Sonic Unyon)
8 CRISSI COCHRANE* – Darling Darling (Self-Released)
9 KELLARISSA* – Moon of Neptune (Mint)
10 TIMBER TIMBRE* – Creep On Creepin’ On (Arts & Crafts)
11 DUB SPENCER & TRANCE HILL – The Clashification Of Dub (Echo Beach)
12 TV ON THE RADIO – Nine Types Of Light (Interscope)
13 NICK TEEHAN* – Sidewalk Friend (Self-Released)
14 CHRISTINE FAGAN* – Once (Self-Released)
15 LITTLE SCREAM* – The Golden Record (Secretly Canadian)
16 THE LUYAS* – Too Beautiful To Work (Idée Fixe)
17 THOSE DARLINS – Screws Get Loose (Oh Wow Dang)
18 GEOFF BERNER* – Victory Party (Mint)
19 JAZZ PISTOLS – Superstring (Cherrytown)
20 GREY KINGDOM* – Eulogy of Her and Her and Her (Dine Alone)
21 THE ALBERTANS – New Age (Ernest Jenning)
22 THE MOUNTAIN GOATS – All Eternals Deck (Merge)
23 WE’RE NOT POPSTARS* – We’re Not Popstars EP (Self-Released)
24 AFRICAN HEAD CHARGE – Voodoo Of The Godesent (On-U Sound)
25 THE CAVE SINGERS – No Witch (Jagjaguwar)
26 JOSH T. PEARSON – Last of The Country Gentlemen ()
27 THE DEATH SET – Michel Poiccard (Counter)
28 NOAH AND THE WHALE – Last Night On Earth (Young and Lost)
29 PAT LEPOIDEVIN* – Highway Houses (Bridge Port Falls)
30 KRONOS QUARTET, KIMMO POJONEN, SAMULI KOSMINEN – Uniko (Ondine)
For More Info Visit: www.cjam.ca
CD REVIEW: The Blue Stones
The Blue Stones – s/t
Jon Liedtke
The Blue Stones, Windsor’s own guitar/drum duo, featuring Tarek Jafar and Justin Tessier, have recently released their debut self titled EP, and are garnering a lot of attention because of it! The six-track album features all of their own tracks and has a great sound. The two employ a sound that is reminiscent of ’90s rock, mixed with that of some of the better known rock groups of today, for example, The Black Keys or The White Stripes. Their strong guitar riffs, combined with an impressive drum backing, help to create an enveloping sound that draws you in and refuses to let you go.
“Tire Tracks” sets the album off in the way that you would expect from these two guys: classy and tasteful. It is filled with vocal harmonies that the two have clearly spent a fair amount of time working out. “Vain Vixens”, the second track, raises the level a bit, with loud drums and guitar off the bat. Again, the two vocal tracks compliment each other wonderfully. Their syncopated riffs and strong drum backing ensures that every track keeps your foot tapping, or at least that internal beat meter going steady. This song pulls you into a feeling of ’90s nostalgia, but then comes the middle of the song, a breakdown that fits perfectly into the styles of today. At times you wonder just what band you’re listening to, or rather, what decade you’re in.
“Star Killer”, their next song, tones things down to allow the lead guitar player, Tarek, to start things off with a harmonic guitar riff. This song definitely gets across to the listener the idea that these guys are a modern day blues band, just doing things their own way. With a heavy foot on distortion, these guys are able to bring the grunge, but in a style that sounds oh so good. “What She Don’t Know (Won’t Hurt Her)”, is one of my favourite songs on the album. The lyrics, harmonies, and instrumentals, all come together in what can be described as the ‘Blue Stones’ way, for lack of a better word. It’s impressive that a duo like this can fill up a live venue with sound the way they do AND pack a CD with an impressive range of sound – these two know what they’re doing.
Arguably their most known song, “I’m a Stereo”, was just made into a music video directed by local filmmaker Gavin Michael Booth, which features two iPhone 4’s, and the Facetime technology. Making the rounds across internet tech blogs, their YouTube video is spreading virally in all the right places. The song, if you haven’t heard it, starts with a strong guitar riff that you can’t seem to shake during the day. The final track on the album, “More to Life”, slows things down, and sets the mood right off the bat. The vocal range of the two, harmonies displayed, and sheer ability to produce this breadth of music sets the duo apart. They’re able to slow things down when necessary, and bring it back up when needed.
It’s the stage presence of the duo which really ensures that the audience is in for a treat. Playing off of each other’s musical creativity, the two employ enough energy to turn heads and stay memorable. Their CD is captivating and enthralling, demanding an entire listen the first run through. A thoroughly enjoyable album which will continue to please the next time it’s listened to. Be sure to keep up with what these two are up to, because at the rate they are going, you’re most likely going to be hearing about them more and more.
The Blue Stones are playing on Friday April 22 at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) with Alex Carruthers & The Rhythm Brothers and Cellos.
Sat. April 23: Too Much Metal for One Hand…Inferno Fest
Lauren Hedges
This Saturday, April 23rd, The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.) will be consumed by metal as Inferno Fest comes to Windsor. Almost ten full hours of music, on two stages, with nineteen bands, this is sure to be intense. The lineup is a diverse set of heavy bands, most of which are from the Windsor area. This show allows re-admittance all day, and advance tickets can be purchased for only ten dollars.
Between 2 and 3 will be two as yet undecided bands, but they’ll probably be pretty good ones.
At 3, Pomegranate Tiger will be playing the small stage. These guys are a four-piece instrumental prog rock/metal group who impress whenever they play, whether the viewers have previously seen them or not.
From there, jump to the main stage at 3:30 for local badasses Assassinate the Following… with their brand of contagious and addictive heavy metal that is not just one dimensional screaming and distorted guitars, but well arranged pieces of music that will likely induce quite a pit.
Back to the small stage at 4 for Desertion who have recently decided to make a comeback into the Windsor music circuit. Playing for their “Welcome to Nothing EP” be ready for intense vocals and grinding guitars.
4:30 on the main stage gives Celtic metal from Aeron’s Wake that will get you dancing while you headbang. A very unique group for in the Windsor scene, and the only one of it’s sort at this show, they’re probably worth checking out.
Return to the small stage at 5 for A Dream in the Morning as they show off their “2-step/Ghettotech/Happy Hardcore”
Modern Miniatures from Hamilton take over the main stage at 5:30 with hardcore featuring members of Threat Signal. Even when they lay off the screaming, it’s not to sing some pretty harmonies. The vocals remain jagged and raw, a relentless barrage of heavy.
Then catch Toronto straightedge hardcore Liferuiner on the small stage at 6 before they take off for their European tour in May. Think For the Fallen Dreams and Acacia Strain, and you’ll have a good idea of what these guys sound like.
Before going once more to the main stage for Perpetuate at 6:30 where they’ll be playing in support of their newly released self-titled album, spewing thick and layered female-fronted prog-rock.
The small stage will host Anu Beginning at 7, another group with a recent release “We Move Mountains”. This pop-punk/hardcore group will entertain you while bringing up thoughts of The Offspring from A Day to Remember fornicating with Blurt.
Are you dizzy yet? Hopefully not, because there are still 8 more bands and 4 more hours of face melting to come.
So then on the main stage at 7:35 you can catch Overcome Your Kingdom from Chatham as they scream and sing their way through a set that is likely to include a fair bit of jumping around from both the band and the crowd.
And Cyreene on the small stage at 8:10 with more prog-rock to get your head whipping about.
8:45 will show Betrayer on the main stage, one of the city’s longest-running acts, this group has in the past won numerous battle of the bands competitions, and are sure to wow you with their classic-metal style.
We Remain will take over the small stage at 9:20 for thrashy prog with a unique tone to it. Description and comparisons aren’t coming easy for this one, but it’s good. So check it out, and draw your own conclusions.
Finding your way back to the main stage after that will bring you face-to-face with Blackthorn City at 9:55, who have a new EP posted to their myspace. They have only short samples that make it rather difficult to judge, but it seems promising. Traditionalish metal, I’d have to guess.
We’re getting close to the end now… The Big Dirty will be tearing up the small stage at 10:30 with a big, growling, distorted set.
While that’s going on, the main stage will be set up for Hamilton’s Aarsonist who go on at 11:05. This is another unique band for the night. Vocals are spoken, and everything about their sound is something different that what you’ll have heard up until this point. Check out their clean guitar…Wicked.
And the day will then be closed off on the small stage by Devilz by Definition, the staple band of The Coach and Horses, self-defined as “good old fashioned metal”, you’ll want to save a bit of energy for this set so you can properly thrash around for a fitting closing to a long day.
Has your face melted completely off, yet?
Inferno Fest takes place Saturday, April 23rd 2011 at The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.). It is all ages, $10 ADV/$15 Door, doors open at 1 pm and the show goes from 2 until 12:10, with re-admittance all day.
The Windsor Scene with Lauren Hedges
Lauren Hedges
This week’s playlist, excluding live performances;
Brenda Eyler – Dream with Me (Dream with Me – 2008)
Crissi Cochrane – Coming Home (Darling, Darling – 2010)
Luna Borealis – Bed Bugs Inn (The Windsor Zene January Sampler – 2011)
Goliath – What Happened Last Night (Funweiser EP – 2011)
Assassinate the Following… – Death Row (Massacre of the North – 2009)
Desertion – From here to Oblivion ( Welcome to Nothing – 2009)
Tyburn Tree – Arch Stanron (Parliament of Trees – 2008)
Tim McDonald – Stand Tall (Somehow, Somewhere – 2007)
The Creepshow – Demon Lover (Run For Your Life – 2008)
The Locusts Have No King – Last Night In My Favourite Bar and The Repurcussions Thereof (Come One, Come All – 2010)
EVL – Out of Reach (I’ll Keep Mine EP – 2009)
Monique Belanger – Through Yellow Fields (The W Music Compilation – 2008)
This week I was joined in the studio by local songwriter, performer, and paramedic, Timmy McDonald. Tim’s songs have been covered by other artists, and the song that opened the show, “Dream with Me” performed by Brenda Eyler, is a cover of one of Tim’s songs from his 2007 release, “Somehow, Somewhere”. Tim also is set to play at numerous Relay for Life Cancer Fundraising events across Ontario, and is recording a song just for others that he cannot make it out to. He will shortly be travelling to Nashville where he will play various songwriter shows at popular venues including The Commodore Lounge. A name that you might not have heard before, Tim McDonald is nonetheless a figure in our local music scene, and someone I am happy to have had on my show. Keep an eye out for a new release from Tim in the coming months.
Here is a video of Tim playing at Rymer Hall in Nashville. For the anecdote behind the video, listen to today’s archive.
Last Thursday I attended a punkrock show at The Coach and Horses, featuring local and out of town bands. It was certainly something. After hearing and enjoying Suppressulant recordings, it was great to finally hear them play. There’s just something about oldschool, dirty, DIY punk that gets me every time. The Rowley Estate performed as well as always, with great stage antics and catchy songs that stray near to the realm of pop-punk. Playing their second show ever, Repetitions are only getting better. All the way from Boston, Pious Dogs had a bumpy start, dealing with a damaged snare stand, but they overcame that and got things moving with some rough and traditional punk that was nothing overly remarkable, but with guitars that were far too loud. I don’t even want to talk about The Swabs! If you’re looking for further explanation on any of this, there’s always the WindsoriteDOTca article.
I’m so excited for Friday that I can hardly contain myself. Psychobilly/Horrorpunk quartet The Creepshow return to Windsor for the first time since I was in like, grade ten. So it’s been a while. This is going to kick copious amounts of ass. Joining them will be new collaborative act The Fourjury, local indie-roots outfit The Locusts Have No King, and EVL, who need no further introduction. The best place to pick up tickets for this one is from Mr. Jamie Greer over at The Manchester Pub, who will supply them to you for only ten dollars. No joke. Go get one.
Saturday is an intense day for metal, with both Inferno Fest at The Blind Dog and The Heavy Diversity Show at The Coach and Horses. Inferno boasts 19 bands on two stages, raging for eleven and a half hours, all for only $10 if you go out and get yourself an advance ticket. The Heavy Diversity show features local favourites Weapon of Choice, blues-metallers Tyburn Tree, prog-rockers Perpetuate (coming from their gig at Inferno) and a band you should know, After Ashes. This one starts at 9, is 19+, and costs $5 at the door.
A great big thanks for Timmy McDonald for coming in today, he was a pleasure to have and I can’t wait to have him back.
Which local band or artist would you like to hear next on The Windsor Scene?
Thurs. April 21: Attack In Black’s Spencer Burton reveals the intimacy of his Grey Kingdom at Phog
Welland’s Attack in Black have come a long way since they first played Windsor many years ago. They’ve emerged from the mean streets of Welland, Ontario as a punk explosion but, like a similar pathed The Reason, they’ve mellowed a bit in their “old age” to create some powerful indie rock more akin to Constantines or Arkells than their punk roots.
Guitarist Spencer Burton has also decided to show of his more sensitive side, with a new project entitled The Grey Kingdom. Perhaps its coming from an area of Ontario that birthed Ron Sexsmith, but The Grey Kingdom is to Attack in Black what City and Colour is to Alexisonfire (who also, incidentally, come from the Niagara region) – embracing a warmer more introspective side of one’s self by removing themselves from a larger collective. By while City and Colour is a little more Sexsmith via Jeff Buckley sounding, Burton’s Grey Kingdom is like a warmer Bon Iver or a more Band-esque performance of Great Lake Swimmers - the songwriting is as lush, just not as orchestral. It’s got more Canadiana roots feel. The song-writing is fantastic, the performance impeccable and the words ring true.
Currently on the road in support of his full length debut, Eulogy of Her and Her and Her (a self-titled EP was released last year to introduce the music world to Burton’s solo material), The Grey Kingdom is stopping by Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) this Thursday for what promises to be an intimate and beautiful showcase of some of Ontario’s finest songwriting.
Supporting the show is Windsor’s own (via Halifax, Nova Scotia) Crissi Cochrane, a songstress whose voice and music has emerged recently as one of the local scene’s most poignant and relevant songwriters (as evidenced by her recent 2011 Jammy Award for Best Local Musician from CJAM 99.1 FM). Always a treat to catch live (and not just because she brings cupcakes for the audience), Cochrane is still playing in support of her fantastic album, Darling Darling from last year.
Opening up the show is another Windsor songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Kevin Echlin. Perhaps not as well known as some of the city’s other songwriters, Echlin is a hidden gem in this scene. This young man has shown a maturity and wisdom beyond his years and it’s only a matter of time before he’s packing places with his voice and storytelling.
If you’re looking to go out for some great songs, a warm vibe (and $10 for Pint and Poutine? Mmmmm), and away from the usual delicious chaos of downtown, this might be the best ticket in town.
The Grey Kingdom with special guests Crissi Cochrane and Kevin Echlin, Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West), Thursday April 21, 9pm, 19+/$5
Emerging Artists: Inside The Asylum with Reasons Lost
Inside The Asylum
James Steingart
“SPREAD THE INSANITY!” That’s the motto for this quintet of devil’s rejects – collectively known as Reasons Lost – hailing from the county in Leamington. And after spending a few hours with them at their jam space or ‘asylum,’ one immediately gets the gist of what these guys are all about. Musically speaking they are a conglomerate of old school/new school, drawing influences from Pantera, Black Sabbath, Lamb Of God, Chimaira and SLAYERRRR!!
The band came together in 2009 when Carriere brothers Drew (lead vocals) and Kris (lead guitar) met up with drummer Gerry Pannunzio. The trio jammed with a bassist to create a skeletal frame as to what would now be known as Reasons Lost. They soon added rhythm guitarist Jason Pavao and have now picked up Matt McCormick to play bass. Red Bull Beer, thrash metal and Jager are a few of their favourite things and these vices were all on hand during an afternoon with them in a darkened room.
They thrashed out some select tunes, one of them being ‘Eye For An Eye.’ “It sounds like you’re trying to get even with somebody but it’s not really about that,” vocalist Drew bluntly states. “Basically a tormented child grows up and now has to deal with seeing that person that tormented them in themselves. And as it boils and boils and boils they get to the point where they actually turn around and kill that person and start to feel normal, it’s sociopath.”
When asked what they felt about metal bands being blamed or mentioned in relation to murder, suicides, school shootings, etc., guitarist Pavao snapped out “They’re not gonna throw on a CD and be like, oh fuck Slayer said kill this guy and they’re gonna go and do it. If the parents were any kind of parents, those kids wouldn’t be like that.” Kris adds “the bottom line is that people make their own decisions, a song can’t make somebody kill themselves. If anything, this music helps me through shit. Music heals.”
Right now, Reasons Lost is gathering up material for their debut full length due out later in the year. They’ve garnered a level of respect on the metal circuit in Windsor, playing the Doomsday Festival at the Blind Dog for 700 people last summer and also headlining the Coach & Horses on occasion. The venue’s recent ‘no moshing’ clause was a topic that was brought up. “Man my head’s been smashed upon that pillar i don’t know how many times”, Pavao blurts out. “I loosened that pillar with someone else’s body,” Drew says half-joking perhaps. One consensus that was made was the fact that the place is home to all the Metal bands in Windsor.
Reasons Lost are on Facebook and you can hear their torture tales @ www.myspace.com/reasonslost519 Escape from whatever institution is driving you crazy and lose all reason with Reasons Lost. They want to see YOU at a show sometime soon.
Reasons Lost are part of a three band bill featuring Goliath and Bullet Proof Tony at The Sunset Club (formerly the VI, 47 Erie St. South, Leamington) on Friday April 22.
CD REVIEW: Anonymous Bosch: “A binaural triptych”
Anonymous Bosch – Self-titled
Craig McKenzie
Within a dissected human brain one would see white matter then grey matter embedded inside that. Ironically the white matter is a darker grey than that of its counterpart. When dealing with prog-metal bands one must be ensured that they are ready for a full dissection, including artwork, lyrics, and of course music.
Anonymous Bosch came on the prog scene a couple of years ago and have since become a force in the music community. A play on words, the name is an homage to late surrealist painter Hieronymus Bosch, who himself could be seen as a progressive painter; often portraying religious and moralities through dark and often fantastical portraits, his most famous painting being a triptych (progressive?). To add even more ingenuity to the band name, Hieronymus Bosch was actually born Jeroen Anthoniszoon van Aken. Those prog-rockers, always keeping our grey matter from rusting.
Their self-titled CD is an interesting read through. The 9 tracks are, on average, four-plus minutes in length. The longer jams show the mature skill for a young band but I feel that the arrangement of the songs early in may be a bit overdrawn on an otherwise strong debut. The CD starts with a 2 minute instrumental “Intro”, followed by the 3:30 minute “Death. Metal. And Blues”. This song really introduces the listener to what they are in store for – a fifty minute ride through a mind-expanding series of time shifts and drugarnaughts. Track 3 clocks in at 8:30 minutes and is also instrumental. Here is where Jesse Couvillon (Keyboard) and Jesse Woodrich (Bass) impress with substantial solo efforts. Although the music is tight, explosive, and overachieving, I really miss hearing classic rock styling wails from singer Corey Woodrich. Within the first quarter of an hour, you hear his voice for roughly 2 minutes.
“Chillum Song” is where Corey really shines. Reminiscence of Slacker-era Dinosaur jr., Sully Erna of Godsmack to an early Scott Stapp come to mind. A young singer with a fully loaded arsenal of classic rock influences. And with a clear production on the track we can get a chance to hear that. Problem is that the next track, “Offspring Back in the Race” doesn’t seem to have the same crisp mix .. leaving Jamie sounding drowned out by the garage walls.
“Pulse of Existence” comes in with a Metallica-esque Master of Puppets era sound, really setting a dark-alley image fit for any after hours stoner ready for the drifting fall onto their couch. The shredding rocket fire guitar of Jamie Couvillon is again brilliant. The last 3 track sprout out an impressive 22+ minutes of a 50 minute disc. Whirling atmospheres up and around, they truly save the largest bang for the last half of the cd. With each each listen you’ll pick through layers of these tracks while they claw at your brain. The counterparts of this band embedding the mysterious Anonymous tag within your grey matter. Three songs that stand solid as a genuine closing track are placed here, side-by-side-by-side. Progressively. Metal. After all, who ever said that a triptych couldn’t be digested binaurally.
Fri. April 22: The Creepshow brings psychobilly back to Windsor
Burlington’s The Creepshow haven’t played Windsor since a stop at the University of Windsor in 2008, but they’ve hardly slowed down. In fact they spent much of 2010 touring North America and all across Europe in support of their latest album, 2010′s They All Fall Down. They’ve toured 25 countries, played with such bands as Rancid, Anti-Flag, Tiger Army, Agnostic Front and Mad Sin, were named Best Live Band by Toronto’s Edge 102 radio station, are signed to Hellcat Records (owned by Rancid’s Tim Armstrong and Bad Religion’s Brett Gurewitz) and in 2009 were named “one of the top bands you need to know about” by Alternative Press. These guys (and gal) are the real deal when it comes to straight ahead punk infused rockabilly.
Fronted by Sarah “Sin” Blackwood (who replaced her sister Jen “Hellcat” Blackwood during her pregancy in 2007 on a temporary stint that has since turned permanent) on vocals and guitar, and backed capably by Sean “Sickboy” McNab (formerly of the legendary Jersey) on bass, The Reverend McGinty on keys, and drummer Matt “Pomade” Gee (who also drums in Rehab For Quitters), The Creepshow has exploded over the past few years, routinely attracting huge crowds on their European quests and hitting major festivals in North America like Vans Warped Tour.
The Creepshow make their downtown Windsor debut this Friday night at The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.) in what is sure to be a high octane show of rockabilly, psychobilly and local roots rock.
Opening the show are two of Windsor’s local roots rock outfits, The Locusts Have No King and The FourJury. The Locusts Have No King have been somewhat quiet of late, working feverishly on their next record, the follow up to 2010′s Come On, Come All EP. They’ve been one of Windsor’s most beloved and respected acts since David Dubois built this project from the demise of his prior band, Theory of Everything several years ago. Adding bassist Paul Loncke (The Scarecrows, Years of Ernest) and guitarist Leigh Wallace (The Butterfield Gateway, Caught in the Moss, Years of Ernest) strengthened his already mighty chops and final pieces Tara Watts on guitar and vocals and drummer Joey DesRoches (ASK, Rose City, Years of Ernest) completed the line-up prior to the last offering. Bringing a Drive-By Truckers feel to his Windsor alt. country rock, Dubois and the rest of the Locusts have been one of Windsor’s finest musical exports as well, touring as far as Montreal and back, to great acclaim.
The FourJury is the new name for the amalgamated project featuring the reuniting of original Hung Jury vocalist Jamie Greer (The Vaudevillianaires, The Golden Hands Before God, Magic Hall of Mirrors) with his former Hung Jury bandmates Kelly Nicholls, Eryk Myskow (Eric Welton Band, ASK), and Bradford Helner (who had some notoriety in the national rockabilly circuit as the drummer in Michigan’s Twistin’ Tarantulas), who originally carried on post-Greer as FourLetterWord, with bassist/guitarist Gary Van Lare (Surdaster). Now called The FourJury, they’ve already played with bands such as Grady, The Benito Band and New Country Rehab, and it was The Hung Jury who played with The Creepshow their prior two stops in Windsor.
Sickboy (Creepshow), Greer (FourJury), Nicholls (FourJury), Sarah Sin (Creepshow), Myskow (FourJury) and Pomade (Creepshow) at St. Clair College post-gig, 2007
At press time, another local opener, Motorcity Headrush had to pull out of the show and another local is being added before showtime.
Advance tickets are $12 (although members of The Locusts Have No King and The FourJury are selling them for $10) and it’s $15 at the door, for what is sure to be a freewheel burning night of raucous and roll downtown.
The Creepshow with special guests The Locusts Have No King, The FourJury and TBA, The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.), Friday April 22, 8pm, 19+
Fri. April 22: Old Punks 3 brings more legends to the stage for a great (punk rawk) cause
This Friday, some of Windsor’s punk rock legends come together for a clash of epic pistol-leering and damned stoogery. Dale “Elad” D’Amore and Frank Carlone – of the legendary Spy’s – and Hevy Kevie, Tommy Vomit and Ray Maybe – of the notorious Dry Heaves – join forces for Old Punks 3, a punk rawk variety show that features them – alongside backing band members bassist “Coma Mike” Fortier and Dave Garant on drums – bulldozing their way down memory lane playing many of the classic Spy’s and Dry Heaves songs (Spy’s “Machine Shop” and Heaves’ “Shoot Yourself” are Windsor staples), as well as other period punk anthems by acts like The Stooges, Ramones, Sex Pistols, New York Dolls, Dead Boys and more. And all money from the door is going to help Canadian Diabetes.
The Spy’s exploded on the local rock and roll scene in Windsor, Ontario in 1978 because they were something it had never tasted before: wild, raucous, debaucherous streetsmart punk rock and roll. The Spy’s started when some buddies went to a show at The Old Miami in Detroit and caught their pal – guitarist Dale “Elad” D’Amore - up on stage jamming with former MC5 guitar great Fred “Sonic” Smith. It was then they knew they had to build a band around their axe slinging friend. And so The Spy’s were born – featuring Frank Carlone on vocals, ”Coma” Joe Desrameaux on bass and vocals, Dave O’Gorman on drums and the catalyst, D’Amore on guitars. They quickly began tearing up anywhere they could play, from Windsor to Detroit and back again. They left blood, sweat and beers (all empty) wherever their onslaught took them. Their shows became events and everyone knew that Windsor had conquered the underground. They released the Machine Shop/Underground 7″ in 1980 and soon agents and promoters from around the country came sniffing. But the pressures of possible commercial success started to suck the fun out of the band and in the late 1980, the Spy’s dissolved. D’Amore and Coma Joe merged with The Hard-Tops to form The Nelsons, Windsor’s first punk supergroup, while O’Gorman joined rival punk gang The Dry Heaves. Carlone moved on to Toronto to form The Ronald Reagan Story. The Dry Heaves have had several reunions since, the most recent being the live recording in 1995 at The Loop in downtown Windsor. D’Amore is still active in the local music scene, leading The Guitar Army. Although their run was brief, their impact was enormous – almost everyone who experienced the Spy’s went on to form their own bands, many of them influential in their respective scenes.
Shortly after the arrival of The Spy’s came Windsor’s second punk rock soldiers, The Dry Heaves. Formed in 1979, it featured Hevy Kevie on lead vocals, Tommy Vomit and Rudy Babyon guitars, Ray Maybe on bass/keys andCookie Man on drums. Their punk rock attack was a ferocious barrage of angst ridden mayhem, aimed at injecting some youth in the classic rock pomp of the Top 40 doctrines of the day. They played a ferocious schedule, playing a multitude of gigs with such bands as The Spy’s,Destroy All Monsters and Teenage Headto name a few. They released an EP in 1980 on Salem Records entitled Shoot Yourself. Considering the complete commercial unacceptability of punk rock in this time, the album gained national notoriety. The Heaves unfortunately broke up in 1981, following Hevy Kevie’s move to Toronto. They would get together periodically throughout the 1980′s and 1990′s for a series of reunion shows and in 2000, RaveUp Records released a 12-song Shoot Yourself album (featuring the original EP and other unreleased original recordings from the initial sessions). The renewed interest stirred the Heaves into reforming on a more permanent basis and they gigged quite reguarly up until 2004. Hevy Kevie and Tommy Vomit are also still performing locally as part of The Shannon Brothers. Whether or not the Heaves are officially done is anyone’s guess. You never know when another Dry Heave will come up! As in the case of the Spy’s, the Dry Heaves legacy has lasted longer than they did.
If you want to see some true musical legends from Windsor’s earliest days of punk rock, head over to the FM Lounge on Friday. You won’t regret it.
Old Punks 3 featuring The Spy’s and The Dry Heaves, The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level), Friday April 22, 9pm
Emerging Artist: The Swillingtones add a little soul and lotta funk to the local scene
Windsor has long been known for it’s bone crunching metal scene, it’s quirky indie pop waves, and it’s fascination for sweaty rock and roll. Even it’s hip-hop scene – although seemingly unnoticed in comparison to the more amplified six-string brethren – gets its fair share of combatants from the 519. But considering Windsor’s connection – both physically and lovingly – with Detroit, it’s a wonder Windsor never ventured deeper into the soul side. I mean, we’re practically Motown’s little brother. Bands like the Spy’s were practically (and literally) weaned on Detroit punk rock like the Stooges and the MC5 (Spy’s guitarist Dale “Elad” D’Amore jamming with MC5′s Fred ‘Sonic’ Smith was a launching moment of The Spy’s). So why did no one in Windsor draw from the soulful side of Motown like Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye or Diana Ross? Huladog has come close, but they’re closer akin to some of the jazzier side of funk and soul, while MicLordz & Sauce Funky‘s powerfunk is more akin with Rage Against The Machine‘s “Renegades of Funk” than Afrika Bambaataa‘s.
Well, this Saturday, we’ll get a glimpse of a new combo outfit made of some local veterans who hope to do just that. Emulating some of the sweet soul and bop that made Motown world famous as well as some of the funk that moved generations of hips and bootys, The Swillingtones are making their live debut this coming Saturday night at The Dominion House Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.) on the West Side in Olde Sandwich Towne.
Lead by the powerful voice of Aaron Stanton (whose been more known lately for his gig behind the drums for Kenneth MacLeod & The Distinguished Gentlemen), The Swillingtones have chosen well as far as finding themselves a golden throated crooner. With a voice as silky as Marvin’s, Stanton (who also toiled in the ’90s as a member of Ruckus) could melt the pants of a statue of Mother Theresa. Scott LeGrand and Dan Carpino flesh out the stringed instruments that dance in the sexy funky pocket filled by veteran drummer Damien Zakoor (The Vaudevillianaires, The Tyres, The Golden Hands Before God, Eric Welton Band, Stephen Hedley & The Busstop Minute Band). The smoothness of the band’s chemistry is due to the fact that they’ve all played together in various combinations over the years – Stanton and LeGrand were both in Ruckus, as well as Blue Hawaii with Stephen Hedley back in the ’90s (pre-Busstop Minute Band); alongside Zakoor they were in The Serious Problems. Carpino previously hooked up with Stanton and LeGrand in a band called Winx Wonx. Years of musical brotherhood has lead them to this sweet soul system of a bring-it-down.
If you’re looking for something a little funkier this weekend, why not take a trip to the West End and see if you’ve still got that money maker your mama gave ya and give ‘er a little shake. What’s the worst that could happen? You just might have a little fun…
The Swillingtones, The Dominion House (3140 Sandwich St.), Saturday April 23, 9pm
Your Weekly Round-Up
Here’s a look at some musical shows coming up this week in Windsor…
TUESDAY APRIL 19
Internationally renowned electronic pioneer and DJ Tiesto makes a Windsor stop at The Boom Boom Room (315 Ouellette Ave.) this Tuesday night for his first of two shows. Arguably one of the world’s most influential and important DJs of the past decade, this Dutch musician, DJ and electronic dance producer will surely pack the place, even on a Tuesday. Special guests on Tuesday are Man
Edmonton’s Gobble Gobble return to Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) and I’ll muster Windsor will be a little more prepared for the intensity of their live show. Last year when they came through minds were blown – now people can enjoy the frenetic electro-pop dance stylings without being so stunned from what they were witnessing, many for the first time (aurally too). Also on the bill is Halifax’s uber-talented Rich Aucoin.
WEDNESDAY
Tiesto‘s second show in two nights at The Boom Boom Room, another sell-out. Wednesday’s show features special guest Sydney Blu.
Windsor singer/songwriter Pat Robitaille returns home for a full band show at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West). Robitaille – whose younger sister Jackie Robitaille is an equally talented performer in the local music scene – usually does more solo performances, so its always a treat when he brings the whole band up to flesh out his songs.
THURSDAY
Welland’s Grey Kingdom hits Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) on Thursday for what should be an intimate show of some stellar storytelling. Who is Grey Kingdom you ask? Well, Grey Kingdom is to Attack in Black, what City and Colour is to Alexisonfire. By that I mean, Grey Kingdom is the more introspective side of Attack in Black’s Spencer Burton. He’s joined by two of Windsor’s finest singer/songwriters, in Crissi Cochrane and Kevin Echlin.
FRIDAY
Burlington’s psychobilly darlings The Creepshow, hot off touring Europe and North America, return to Windsor for their first show in almost three years, with a huge bill at The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.). They’re being joined by area roots rockers The Locusts Have No King and The FourJury (featuring members of The Hung Jury, FourLetterWord, The Vaudevillianaires and Surdaster) and another as yet named local opener. Word has it that original opener Motorcity Headrush had to pull out.
The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) is throwing down it’s second Hip Hop Showcase of the past few months and it’s good to see some of the downtown venues take a chance on showcasing something different and unique than their usual musical fare. This once features L.Y.E., Kayyce Closed, STACK, Ritt Theme, Eric Smyth, Jay Braaks, Expanson Fam, and Sean feat. Flow & Reks.
The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level) is home to Old Punks, a tribute night to Windsor’s original punk rock cast and crew. Lead by Dale “Elad” D’Amore and Frank Carlone from The Spy’s and Heavy Kevie and Tommy Vomit from The Dry Heaves, this will be a great chance to see some of Windsor’s punk rock fore fathers continue to rock it out. Playing choice covers from both their bands – as well as many classic punk rock staples – this will be a another amazing show.
Unfortunately, it looks like The Paint Movement had to cancel their showcase at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West), but fear not. Original opener Alex Carruthers & The Rhythm Brothers have assembled a line-up with two Windsor up-and-comers, The Blue Stones (whose recent video was the buzz of the technology world) and Cellos.
SATURDAY
Inferno Festival, a huge multi-band bill celebrating local heavy metal acts, goes off at The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.) and is headlines by some real heavyweights of the local scene, including Assassinate The Following, Gypsy Chief Goliath, Betrayer, Perpetuate and Devilz By Definition. There are loads more on the bill, so this show will be worth the bang for the buck!
The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) will be having a more intimate metal show in its legendary dungeon with the return of Weapon of Choice, joined by After Ashes and Tyburn Tree.
Saturday marks the debut of a new group at The Dominion House Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.). The Swillingtones are bringing something different to Windsor’s music scene – a little live original funk and soul. Aaron Stanton (best known recently drumming for Kenneth MacLeod), Scott LeGrand, Damien Zakoor (The Vaudevillianaires, The Tyres, The Golden Hands Before God) and Dan Carpino are The Swillingtones. They’ve been holed up for a few months now working on their own material and they’re combining them with some choice covers to make the West Side the best side to be on for a funky dance party!
Toronto’s PaperMaps (formerly EX-PO) make their Windsor debut at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West), bringing their indie pop sounds alongside Halifax’s Paper Beat Scissors and Windsor’s own psychedelic folksters Luna Borealis. Oddly enough, this will be the third show (and fourth band) this weekend to feature a side project of members of members of Surdaster (Jason Testawich and Louis Cooney are in Luna Borealis, drummer Adam Bombardier holds down the beats in the Rhythm Brothers, bassist Joe Rabie also plays in Cellos, and guitarist/vocalist Gary Van Lare also plays guitar & bass in The FourJury).
CJAM TOP 30!!! April 11th-17th 2011!
* – Indicates Canadian Content
1 TIMBER TIMBRE* – Creep On Creepin’ On (Arts & Crafts)
2 VARIOUS* – Oh! Compilation Two (Open House Arts Collective)
3 THIS CITY DEFECTS* – Patterns (Self-Released)
4 OBITS – Moody, Standard and Poor (Sub Pop)
5 TV ON THE RADIO – Nine Types Of Light (Interscope)
6 DUM DUM GIRLS – He Gets Me High (Sub Pop)
7 THE CRACKLING* – Keep Full Ambitious (File Under: Music)
8 GRAYDON JAMES* – A Smalltown Eulogy (Self-Released)
9 NORTHERN PRIMITIVE* – Northern Primitive (Self-Released)
10 BRYAN POLE* – List of Greviances (Oh!)
11 LES JUPES* – Modern Myths (Head In The Sand)
12 THE MOUNTAIN GOATS – All Eternals Deck (Merge)
13 PJ HARVEY – Let England Shake (Island)
14 MOTHER MOTHER* – Eureka (Last Gang)
15 DSTRUCT.O – Drumstep EP Vol.2 (Self-Released)
16 VARIOUS – Angola Soundtrack (Analog Africa)
17 WE’RE NOT POPSTARS* – We’re Not Popstars EP (Self-Released)
18 KIRAN AHLUWALIA* – Aam Zameen: Common Ground (Self-Released)
19 WAYLON JENNINGS – The Music Inside (Open Road)
20 DAVID FRANCEY* – Late Edition (Laker Music)
21 JESSICA LEA MAYFIELD – Tell Me (Nonesuch)
22 COLIN STETSON* – New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges (Constellation)
23 YUCK – Yuck (Fat Possum)
24 THE BIRTHDAY BOYS* – Tin Head (Self-Released)
25 RICHARD LAVIOLETTE* – Soundtrack To The Life Of A Car Nearly Driving Into The Pacific EP (Self-Released)
26 VIVIAN GIRLS – Share The Joy (Polyvinyl)
27 PROTEST THE HERO* – Scurrilous (Underground Operations)
28 THE WOODS OF YPRES* – Woods IV: The Green Album (Earache)
29 ELECTRO QUARTERSTAFF* – Aykroyd (War On Music)
30 JEAN-PAUL DE ROOVER* – Pitch Pipes (Self-Released)
More Info?: www.earshot-online.com
Your Weekend Roundup
This weekend, starting with Thursday night, is jam packed with some top tier music shows. It’s impossible to hit them all, but hit a couple – these are monster shows!
THURSDAY
The punk rawk invades The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) tonight with a huge bill full of angst and rebellion with a stacked line-up. Toronto’s The Swabs and Boston’s Pious Dogs headline a show that also features local punks The Rowley Estate and Suppressulant as well as new crustkings Repetitions.
On the complete other end of the spectrum, the smokey voice of Tara Watts is being showcased at The Gourmet Emporium (1799 Wyandotte St. East) tonight. Best known these days as part of the roots rocker ensemble The Locusts Have No King, Watts isn’t that far off from being one of the area’s most acclaimed solo performers and one of the most respected Open Mic hosts in the city. Her solo debut, About Love, was one of the best releases from Windsor in the past five years.
The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.) should be sold out once again when Edmonton’s STEREOS swings by for a return engagement. This show was originally slated to be done at Encore in Chatham, but for some reason it was shifted further down the 401 to the dear old Rose City. The line-up also includes Toronto’s Neverest, Vancouver’s Eric Solomon and Windsor’s own The Classix and The Tragedy of Miriam. This is an all-ages show, with doors at 6pm.
FRIDAY
Local metal heavyweights Devilz By Definition have been on a meteoric rise since signing with Al Petrovich’s Yeti Agency, playing some amazing shows in Windsor and in other Ontario outlets. They’re headlining a massive testament of doom at The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) on Friday, playing Windsor metal ambassadors for a bill that features Chatham’s Davis Block and Greater Than Gatsby and St. Thomas’ 120 & The Fighting ’68s.
The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level) throws a punk rock party that is sure to hit capacity early, as hometown heroes Orphan Choir return to headline a bill that also features Welland’s The Snips (formerly known as The Ceremonial Snips) and Woodbridge’s Permanent Bastards (who are playing the Barrie stop of this year’s Vans Warped Tour). These are three of Canada’s premiere punk combos who are in their performance primes. Expect this to be a sweaty and intense candidate for show of the year.
Not to be outdone, Phog Lounge (157 Univeristy Ave. West) brings in the amazing Young Rival from Hamilton. Originally known as The Ride Theory, Young Rival have toured the country relentlessly bringing their psychedelic tinged garage rock to major festivals and venues for the past few years (including headlining last year’s Phog Phest). The energy they exhume is infectious and overpowering. They’re being supported by Toronto/Niagara’s Elk, another garage rock outfit starting to make waves.
SATURDAY
The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) features the return of Seven Out, the fantastic metal project that rose from the ashes of one of Windsor’s finest, Shot Down Stars. The rest of the line-up is equally impressive, with Shinje, Supressulant and Protect Ya Neck! rounding out the bill.
Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. West) will be turning the volume up a notch with Meters To Miles returning to the downtown stages. This band, compromised of Windsor music scene veterans, are a rock solid tight unit who never fail to impress. They’re being joined by the incomparable George Manury to open the show.
Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) returns to its “roots” with a show featuring more Canadiana alt. country stylings. New Country Rehab is a classic alt. country outfit from Toronto who are like a sweet combination of bands like Phog favourites Ox and Twilight Hotel, with traces of early Wilco. These guys also sound like the missing links between Windsor’s own Mr. Chill & The Witnesses and Lonesome Lefty. They’re being joined by Windsor’s The FourJury (pronounced ‘forgery’), an amalgamated project featuring members of The Hung Jury, FourLetterWord, The Vaudevillianaires and Surdaster, playing what can only be described as “Outlaw Blues Prog Country”.
These Guys I Know Who Have Got A Band, Episode 1: Explode When They Bloom
Adam Craig
I remember it like it was yesterday, us playing shows together. Me in Measured in Angles, them in Explode When They Bloom. Actually, I don’t remember much of that at all. I remember them being pleasant young men, who played pleasant music for other young people. At the time I was already entering what would be a long-standing period of deep cynicism and curmedgeonry so these fresh faced, handsome young lads who were so full of optimism and enthusiasm about rock and roll was sort of disgusting.
I recall that one of the first times we had played with them was an all ages event in the banquet hall of an arena in Kingsville, and thinking ‘Christ, these guys are nice’. It made my skin crawl. They would have been just starting out at that point, and the pessimism that inevitably accompanies the Sisyphean struggle to ‘make it’ had not started to settle in for them. Back in those days, you wanted to hand over a lollipop, tousle their hair and give them a hearty “way to go, boys”, like you might for a kid who at just come out on top at the track meet.
That would have been late 2006 or 2007 maybe. It’s hard to remember, as the intervening years have meant a lot of details getting lost in a haze, but the thing to remember is that they were young and just starting out, but they were fucking good. You can take my word for it if you weren’t there, and it’s an honest and unbiased assessment of where they were at. The truth is that I didn’t really like it very much at all; it just wasn’t my thing. But despite that, I could listen to it and safely say, “these kids know how to play, and they know how to write songs”.
At this point in the article, it occurs to me that I still haven’t said anything about their music.
When you’re in an indie band there’s a couple of scenarios that will likely play out for you. The most common being that you do a couple of shows, people are falling over themselves to pat you on the back, and then they forget about you, the crowds dwindle and you stop. You can almost set your watch to it. There’s a reason that this hasn’t happened to Explode When They Bloom; it’s catchy. It’s catchy, and it almost forces you to bob your head around or pump your fist. Like it or not, I’m going to say that Explode sits right at the intersection of Bruce Springsteen and Tool. Didn’t see that horribly awkward comparison coming, did you? And I’m willing to wager that you can’t even grasp what that might sound like.
Before you start thinking that the piece you are reading right now is a thinly veiled slab of cockstrokery between buddies, let me say that Explode isn’t really doing anything new. It’s still just rock and roll, it’s got hooks and choruses and some solos and all the rest. It’s just that it’s really good rock and roll. It’s the kind of thing that could launch a modest career, get a little North American notoriety in the ‘blogosphere’, and then after a couple of years give it up gracefully and be satisfied with the knowledge that what was done was done better than most indie bands do.
When I told the guys from the band that I would be writing this, I had them pick a couple of songs that they thought best represented them. Being the cooperative young lads that they are, I promptly received a handful of tracks in my inbox and set about diving in. Having listened to this stuff, and having heard some of it live and on my own in the past, let’s see if I can say this diplomatically; Explode When They Bloom starts with last year’s The Ugly. That’s not to say that there’s no recorded output before then, and it’s not that it’s not good…. but it all sounds a bit like a lead up to what’s on this most recent offering. There are prime cuts on the earlier As The Animals Make Their Way Through The Crowds, some of which are recognizable if you’ve seen them live, but at that point it sounds like they were still figuring things out. Maybe it’s that The Ugly takes a big step forward in terms of production, or maybe they all just got a little more confident with respect to songwriting and musicianship, but on As The Animals… they sound like kids. On The Ugly, the balls have apparently dropped.
I should add that saying some of the early stuff is a little ‘weak wristed’ is only in reference to the recordings. Those same songs played live in a tiny place like the Phog turn into the sonic equivalent of a balled fist in the nose, which is considerably more pleasant than it sounds.
So The Ugly is Explode’s grown-up album. There’s any number of indie rock journalistic tropes that I can use to put this differently, but I’d prefer not to go down that route. So instead, let’s get into details and see if you can fill in the rest: It’s groovier. It’s maybe a little bluesier than the older stuff. There’s a new sense of dynamics that wasn’t present before, and it sounds like they started to understand the idea of ‘atmosphere’. Use caution when interpreting that last statement… When i say atmosphere, I’m not talking about Enya or whatever that mess was that Radiohead just put out. It’s still a rock album, but maybe a little closer now to a rock ‘experience’ than on As The Animals Make Their Way Through The Crowd.
Being close to the source, I know for a fact that this album took a long time to push out and may have been the source of no shortage of frustration. And maybe this is a good thing. The longer you stew on something, the more vibrant the flavors and the more time you have to set things up just right. That comes through while you’re listening to the album itself. There are few if any missteps, and everything sounds like it was meant to be there. It’s spit polished, slick and quite frankly more ready for the’ big time’ than anything else I’ve heard coming out of Windsor in a long while. I very rarely sing along at local shows. EWTB has got those kind of choruses that make you want to do that.
They’re at Phog April 29th. It’s a Friday, and I can almost guarantee that there won’t be anything better going on anywhere else in Windsor. So do yourself a favor; show up early, grab a poutine and a pint and settle in for the closest thing to ‘big-chorus’ rock and roll that you’re going to get around here. Here’s some links in case you’re still not sold:
http://www.myspace.com/explodewhentheybloom
http://www.facebook.com/explodewhentheybloom
http://www.twitter.com/explodeupdate
CD Review: TimeGiant ‘Grow’
TimeGiant: Grow (2011)
Craig McKenzie
TimeGiant, Grow
Grow like a giant sprout .. or ( little sunshine/summer groove, how do we know the slacker generation)
We grow like a weed and die like one too. From the opening riff of TimeGiant‘s Grow, we fall into a hippy ice cream parfait of technical deserts. The band rocks, in that they move and lift a wrestling crowd off their feet. They move, in a way that creates anxious Tragically Hip fans to slow the puff-puff-pass, and see, what is music. The music that Canadians work themselves to strive to .. a blue-collar, pub-esque genre, only created in Southern Ontario.
TimeGiant, formerly Time, are a Windsor-born, Toronto-based band that exemplify what (and where), Windsor music is moving. In an ‘indie’ fashion, we see what talented musicians can pull off when having a good time, and hoping to move forward. With Windsor being a new stomping ground for the ”indie” scene, a band like TimeGiant are showecasing their territory like the father of the city brood. A stronghold is the cohesive sound they play with.
“Zenith” opens the album with a strong guitar riff, a reminisce of those ’80s guitars (featuring guest work by Mikey Heppner, from Montreal’s rock heroes Priestess).. bang it, bang it! It leads into a stellar vocal performance by Tyrone Buccione who wails like a fighting viking in his promised battle. It can easily bring upon a vibe of slackerism via the movie Almost Famous. “Buyer’s Remorse” follows and it make us realize the band can have fun with the talent of those jam bands that could go wild on our ears with 6 minute guitar solos. Tyrone Buccione showcases his skills and proves he can do both.
The acoustics from “Let it Grow” in to “Temple in the Sky” prove that Time Giant are ready to enlarge. The lyrics give us a ‘tongue-in-cheek’ approach of what we are headed for: they are going for the sunshine of California. Songs groove into song, something Windsor bands are hard on.
When the track “After the Battle at Mt. Megiddo” hits your ears, you realize that are we entering a beast-play of the band. The 7:30 minute track treats us to a phenomenal spectre of what a local band can perform. A progressive, sexy piece of art that can speak to Springsteen and Seger. Love it and move on.
The last track teaches us and, well themselves, that art can never be taken too seriously. Are 7:30 minute songs real? Are people like Daniel Victor the future of Windsor sound? Is money gonna show Windsor another Hamilton coastline of shit? I don’t believe it. The last song, “Lobotomy”, plays as a loose-fitting track after a ‘magnum opus’. But, yes, it moves in a serious way that shows Windsor can produce artists that not only bleed talent but breed skill.
The Windsor Scene With Lauren Hedges
Let’s kick it off with the setlist from this week’s edition of The Windsor Scene;
Shortcut to Last – This Isn’t Over (I Know You’re Not One for Serious Situations – 2010)
Stereos – Attitude (Uncontrollable – 2010)
The Classix – Nothin’ to Lose (Live What You Love EP – 2011)
The Tragedy of Mariam – C;imb Up On The Kiosk (The W Music Compliation – 2008)
Suppressulant – People Like You (Powercore – 2010)
The Snips – Tired Tires (Do You Remember When Punk Rock Was For Fun? – 2010)
Orphan Choir – Burning Ash Again (Everything in Past Tense – 2010)
Odium – It Gets Cold (At The Bottom – 2009)
Dreams Destruction – Blighted (Dream Destruction EP)
Dismata – March of the Ignorant/Deadhorse (Understand – 2008)
Allison Brown – Magpie (Everything That Shined – 2005)
Erin Gignac – Not Tonight (Erin Gignac – 2002)
Julie Kryk – Fate’s Hands (Beyond the Moon, Beyond the Rain – 1999)
George Manury – MilesDavidKindaBlueSundayMorningRain (From The Tank – 2010)
Leighton Bain – Saint Vincent (Oh Alaska – 2010)
Ron Leary – Miles (Dependent Arising – 2010)
Gobble Gobble – Skin of Prohpets (Neon Graveyard – 2009)
Dstruct.O – Death Machine (Drumstep EP02 – 2011)
I certainly had fun with this week’s playlist, as might have been evidenced by my inane chattering. (Some people apparently were wondering what I was on when doing this show. I assure you, it was nothing but sunshine) The set list was also apparently helpful to Maggie, a listener who hadn’t been enjoying her day too much until she tuned in. Glad to have been able to help her out there.
I’d also like to say “Thanks!” to the guys from Odium. At their show on the weekend, (which was stellar by the way, you should be sad if you missed it) they provided me with a copy of their album, which I played a song off of today and have been jamming to all week. It’s great stuff, if you like metal, check these guys out for sure, and if you don’t like metal, check them out anyhow. You’ll still probably like it.
The rest of that show, Goliath, Reasons Lost, Deathpoint, and Weapon of Choice, was all awesome as well, my favourite show at The Coach, recently. Good vibes and good times all around.
Upstairs that night, FM Lounge hosted Weirdonia, Silver Glory, SixtyFirstSecond, and Awake to a Dream. Everyone there did a great job as well, things were a bit more laid back but just as fun. I had a blast listening to Weirdonia, (and they were just cool guys) Silver Glory was impressive yet again, Awake to a Dream sounded the best I’ve heard them, and SixtyFirstSecond were better live than even their recordings had me prepared for. An all around good time.
Although trying to bounce back and forth between the two shows was too much like work; I might not try that again soon.
This week, go to The Coach on Thursday night for punk rock in the form of Suppressulant, The Rowley Estate, Repetitions, Pious Dogs, and The Swabs! It’ll get rowdy, I’m sure, but what better things do you have to do on a Thursday night?
Be sure to tune in next week between 5 and 6:30, I’ll have local musician Tim McDonald in the studio with me answering questions and playing live. Who is this guy, do you ask? Someone you should be familiar with. A paramedic for Windsor and Essex County, Tim also plays at multiple Relay for Life events all over the place, travels to Tennessee to perform and help with song writing panels and workshops, and has his music covered by numerous artists, some of whom you’ve probably even heard of. So listen in next week to learn more about Tim, and hear some live performances.
CJAM Top 30 – April 4th-10th/2011
* – Indicates Canadian Content
1 C’MON* – Beyond The Pale Horse (Self-Released)
2 DANIEL ROMANO* – Sleep Beneath The Willow (You’ve Changed)
3 SUN WIZARD* – Positively 4th Avenue (Light Organ Records)
4 THE ALBERTANS – New Age (Ernest Jenning)
5 THE RAVEONETTES – Raven In The Grave (Vice)
6 MY SON THE HURRICANE* – You Can’t Do This (Self-Released)
7 WYE OAK – Civilian (Merge)
8 PAPERMAPS* – Papermaps (Sparks)
9 THE MOUNTAIN GOATS – All Eternals Deck (Merge)
10 THE AGGROLITES – Rugged Road (Stomp)
11 BRAIDS* – Native Speaker (Flemish Eye)
12 BIRDAPRES* – Catch An L (Marathon Of Dope)
13 MIDDLE BROTHER – Middle Brother (Partisan)
14 VARIOUS – Cartagena! Curro Fuentes & The Big Band Cumbia… (Soundway)
15 ELECTRO QUARTERSTAFF* – Aykroyd (War On Music)
16 EASY STAR ALL STARS – First Light (Easy Star)
17 SYNNE SKOUEN – Call Notes (Aurora)
18 LES BREASTFEEDERS* – Dans la gueule des jours (Blow The Fuse)
19 THE RIDERLESS* - Atelier Gild (Kinghaxi)
20 DINOSAUR BONES* – My Divider (4AD)
21 HA HA TONKA – Death Of A Decade (Bloodshot)
22 JOHNNY WEST* – Medium-Fi Music For Mentally Unstable Young Lovers (Tosteestostas)
23 TIMBER TIMBRE* – Creep On Creepin’ On (Arts & Crafts)
24 DESTROYER* – Kaputt (Merge)
25 THE LUYAS* – Too Beautiful To Work (Idée Fixe)
26 MONOGRENADE* – Tantale (Bonsound)
27 SARAH LEE GUTHRIE AND JOHNNY IRION – Bright Examples (Ninth Street Opus)
28 DAVID FRANCEY* – Late Edition (Laker Music)
29 SHUGO TOKUMARU – Port Entropy (Polyvinyl)
30 THE WOODS OF YPRES* – Woods IV: The Green Album (Earache)
Find More Info At: www.cjam.ca
Mon. April 11th: Monday Night Madness At Phog W/ This City Defects, Life In Vacuum, Red Rows and Cellos
Monday nights are traditionally pretty quiet in the Windsor music scene, most often playing host to a myriad of open mic nights that are a great way for local musicians to share new songs or build stage presence and confidence for the future. But every now and then, a touring schedule dictates a change in the night and tonight’s show at The Phog Lounge is a prime example of this.
Coming from Calgary to headline the event is a band that is no stranger to the Windsor scene making their fourth visit to the city inside of two years. This City Defects first visited Windsor as a 5-Piece , then a 4-Piece and now return to us as a trio. Funnily enough, we’ve been able to catch this band at each of their performances and they have actually become a tighter unit with increasingly interesting song writing as the members of the band dwindled down to the current roster. This City Defects is a somewhat difficult act to describe; you could say the band is firmly rooted in punk rock but their experimental interludes and strange vocals may have you changing your minds moments later. With a highly trained rhythm section that has a strong post-secondary education in Jazz mixed with a self-trained singer/guitarist/frontman, the band does something that not many other acts can claim these days, they are truly creating their own original sound and their recently released sophomore full-length ‘Patterns‘ is a perfect example of this. On top of all this originality, there is a hell of a lot of drive, as tonight’s performance will be the 37th of 48 gigs inside of two months that has taken the through the southern states, US midwest & east coast, back into Ontario and west again. Not a band to be missed.
Joining in on the fun are Guelph’s conceptual punk rockers Life In Vacuum who have always seen a very positive response in the city as well as locals instrumental jam rockers Red Rows who perform for the first time in just over two months and a new comer band full of veteran scene musicians called Cellos who made one hell of an impression in their debut performance, opening for the monumental Ken Mode (Check out our article about this emerging talent by clicking HERE).
Doors: 8pm – Music 9pm – Phog Lounge – 157 University Avenue West
The Weekend Round-Up
Here’s a quick fly by of shows and events going on this weekend…
THURSDAY
The Locusts Have No King are at The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.) tonight, sharing the stage with their pals from Toronto, Dustin Jones & The Rising Tide. Kind of a Canadiana version of the Pogues or Dropkick Murphys (if they were more influenced by East Coast Celtic than Irish) or a rougher Spirit of the West, The Rising Tide blew the roof off last time through.
Venue Rock Parlour (25 Chatham St. East) is opening it’s doors tonight at 9:30pm. The brand new rock club – originally previewed right here a few months back – has yet to finalize plans for live shows (sounds they’ll be held back for more special event type shows), but it’s nice to have a fresh avenue to hear rock and roll on the heavier side at a club rather than the typical boom-boom-boom of Top 40 pop and dance clubs.
FRIDAY
The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.) once again hosts indie rock sensations Tonight.Tonight - these guys packed the place last time, which is no small feat considering the size of the room. Sure to be another well attended show. Also on the bill are locals The Greatest Invention (formerly Credible Witness), We Can Be Heroes and Hello Audio. This is an all-ages show and doors are at 6pm.
The legendary Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) continues to be Windsor’s premiere venue for discovering metal and being intimately close to the musicians. Always a great place to soak in a vibe or simply get soaked by sweat or beer. This Friday features some true heavyweights as local metal giants Goliath return with Walkerton pals Odium, and further stack the bill with locals Reasons Lost, Weapon of Choice and Deathpoint.
Upstairs at The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level), SixtyFirstSecond hosts a night alongside Awake To A Dream, Weirdonia, and Silver Glory. Windsor Zene’s own Lauren Hedges wrote a profile of the show earlier today.
Across the street at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West), prog rock party dogs Surdaster return after a quiet few months (following an amazing opening set at The Capitol Theatre with Elliott Brood), with a few out of town acts rolling through. Freedom or Death and The Wilderness, both from Toronto, share the stage. Interesting pairing, as Surdaster embodies more of an organic dirty Southern Rock meets King Crimson prog, while the out of town acts are more melodic electronic.
New Song Chuch (999 Drouillard Rd.), which is perhaps Windsor’s most underrated venue, continues to bring some of North America’s biggest Christian (and non-Christian) hardcore acts through town for relatively inexpensive all-ages shows. They continue this trend on Friday, with Minnesota’s Venia (who are about to launch on a massive North American tour) and Toronto’s Uplift. Locals The Rowley Estate and We Remain round out the bill of this all-ages showcase. Doors are at 7:30pm.
SATURDAY
If dirty two piece blues a la The Pack AD or Hot Kid is something you can get down and sweaty to, Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) is offering up another Canadian hidden gem making their Windsor debut, in Toronto’s Little Foot Long Foot.
The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) switches to a more traditional rock and roll evening (than their usual metal fare) on Saturday with Windsor’s own Mud Lions leading a bill that also includes Acousticfire and Sophist.
SUNDAY
Dave Russell & The Precious Stones return to the scene (and day of the week) of their previous sold out show with a Sunday show at The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level). Opening the show are Oakville’s The Standstills and local singer/songwriter Justin Alexander.
Lots to do this week! See you out at the shows!
The Rock Is On at FM Lounge
Lauren Hedges
Amidst the plethora of shows going on for your viewing and listening pleasure this Friday, there will be some rock at FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. W.) that promises to be a grand ol’ time.
Brothers Randy and Bob Samrah (formerly of Focal Point) and bassist Jeff Meloche (formerly of Ictus) together are known as the alternative rock group SixtyFirstSecond. On their debut EP, released in 2009 and titled “An Introduction to Insight” you’ll find well-polished tracks that make you nod your head and hum along, and they’ll be stuck in your head for hours after.
Joining them are the equally memorable Awake to a Dream, who are experimentally and progressively another alternative rock group. Their sound is a bit more rough around the edges, the kind of grit that popularized a lot of the music you listened to in the 90’s. It’s blended with blues and rock in a way to create songs that manage to be catchy without being annoying. And sometimes the bassist plays ukulele, which is pretty awesome.
One of the most eclectic bands happening in the city right now, Weirdonia will also be making an appearance. Can and Cam, previously of acts such as Slitback and The Sagas of Why Guy have been playing shows under the current moniker since 2009. Their songs range from bluesy to funky to dancy, always with a punk flavour, the kind you’ll find in a suburban garage.
To round out the evening we have the relatively new group, Silver Glory. They played a few weeks back alongside Anonymous Bosch and Jonas & The Massive Attraction, and their set was a definite hit. A sound rich with layers, very Rush-esque at times, and backed by some strong vocals, these boys won’t make you want to mosh, but it’s guaranteed you’ll be paying attention to their entire set.
This show is happening Friday, April 8, 2011 at FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. W, next to Pogo’s) it starts at 9 pm, is 19+, and there is no cover.
