CONTEST: Still Life Still, The D'Urbervilles and The Paint Movement @ The Silver Dollar

STILL LIFE STILL

Everybody needs a support group, and from what I've seen, no Toronto band has a greater one than Still Life Still. In a recent interview on the Zygiella podcast with local sensations Dinosaur Bones, the members of that band could not stop singing their praises. The notorious Lonely Vagabond has described them as a "sonic-stew of epic rock with rhythmic theatrics rivaling that of a frat celebration." And James L. Burling of Boxes and Bags has declared Still Life Still to be the best band in Toronto, no question. To add to such incredibly high praise, the band is planning on releasing their debut album this summer on none other than the highly influential Arts and Crafts label. The support group is about to expand huge!

I've had the privilege of seeing this band twice now, and while their sound is still that of a band in its early stages, their rambunctious live show is amongst the most incendiary I've ever seen. It's not uncommon for their rabid fans to attack the stage, cranking the on-stage party up to a blistering zenith, one that automatically presents a difficult challenge for whatever band is in the unfortunate position of performing after them. The demos I've heard recently also show a lot of promise as they borrow from the high gain, feedback and distortion of the 90's to the melodically chaotic collective sound of the present.

Myspace: Still Life Still
Download: Pastel (demo) mp3


THE D'URBERVILLES - WE ARE THE HUNTERS

While we're on the topic of bands with a great support group, The D'Urbervilles have been gaining friends and fans everywhere they go, as their album We Are The Hunters continues to inherit enormous amounts of praise with every mention. This really is a testament to the album's immediate appeal, as well as it's ability to get even better with repeat listens. It contains all of the ingredients to satisfy any post-punk 80's-loving appetite. The album opens with Knock Out The Fat, a fantastic new wave instrumental piece, that nicely sets the tone for the rest of the album. The title track opens with a percussive clak meeting Kyle Donnely's slightly P-Funky bass line before Tim Bruton's frenetic power chords blast forth, and John O'Regan's vocals chime in with a 60's British Invasion meets Ian McCullough sort of sound. The organ opening of Dragnet throws you off a bit as the song opens with an aire of mystery before the dancey chorus takes over with an art rock keyboard that sounds very large and in charge. This Is The Life is another classic new wave pastiche, with a brooding vocal that sounds as if it should stand in stark contrast to the chorus's shout-alongs, but surprisingly, it doesn't. The album ends with the highly infectious and anthemic Belladonna, Deadly Nightshade which is an adventurous number filled with tempo changes aplenty. While the songs themselves hold nothing back, the album as a whole shows admirable restraint, clocking in at just over half an hour, the perfect length for an album of such high class intensity.

Myspace: The D'Urbervilles
Download: Hot Tips mp3


CONTEST: The D'Urbervilles and Still Life Still are going to be joined by a band that I'm incredibly excited about called The Paint Movement (whom I reviewed here) on February 27th at The Silver Dollar. These are three of the most energetic bands in the city and they all have the potential to blow up all huge-like within the next year or so. So it would definitely be worthwhile to be at this show, especially since it's only $6 to get in. Or for one special person ... free!!!

I've got two tickets to giveaway for the show, courtesy of Audio Blood Media. If you're interested in winning this one, email me at quadb2001 [at] gmail [dot] com with "I Want Some Still Movement" in the subject line and your full name in the body.

Contest is now closed. Congrats to Kelly B for winning the tix. Thanks to all who entered.