The Paint Movement, Still Life Still & The D'Urbervilles @ Silver Dollar

I'm at the point where I've really had just about all that I can stand of winter, and I'd be lying if I didn't admit to really wanting to stay home on that freezing Friday night last week. But I had invested so much time and energy into promoting this show at The Silver Dollar that I knew I had to go. Add to that the extra motivation of the fact that a friend of mine, whom I hadn't seen for a couple of months, had just returned from Mexico itching to go to a show, and you've got yourself a couple of guys sitting at that bluesy bar on the corner of College and Spadina, preparing to have our minds blown by some seriously crazy local talent.

Although the bands to follow certainly have the greater fan base for now, as far as I'm concerned The Paint Movement was the highlight of the night. The energy emanating from that stage was solid as they proved that their stellar first CD was no mere product of studio wizardry. I especially enjoyed the jazzy interplay between saxophonist Jason Loftman and drummer Glenn Candy. Although those moments of sonic exploration had a touch of the jam band feel to them, the fact that they avoided getting overly meandering and extemporaneous made them accessible for everyone. (Personally I love when bands get a little overwrought, but I recognize that not everyone does.) I feel that their show is only going to get even more impressive as time goes on, as their style leaves lots of room for continual development and improvisation.

Photos: My pics of The Paint Movement @ Silver Dollar are on flickr.
Myspace: The Paint Movement

There's currently a lot of exciting rumours surrounding the gang in Still Life Still, and the fact that Kevin Drew was working the door at this show just adds a little bit of credibility to those rumours. Their feature debut is reportedly being released on Arts and Crafts in the near future, and at the behest of Mr. Drew there may have been a few important music type people in that crowded room on Friday night. If that's the case, then it's a good thing that the band had all of their friends and family in attendance because their performance was as celebratory as it's ever been. It'll be interesting to see if their sound will translate as well once they leave the comfort of Toronto. Part of their whole vibe is the fact that their friends know exactly when to jump onstage and wreak merry havoc all over the place. Are the songs strong enough to evoke the same reaction when they travel the country, or perhaps even Stateside? Only time will tell.

Photos: My shots of Still Life Still @ Silver Dollar are on flickr.
Myspace: Still Life Still

I had mentioned before that following Still Life Still is not an enviable task, and The D'Urbervilles certainly had their work cut out for them. The crowd had dissipated slightly and it was getting rather late. Still the band was clearly up to the challenge and I felt that they really held their own that night. Lead vocalist John O'Regan displays an assured awkwardness onstage that is very obvious once he puts down the guitar and starts dancing. I loved watching it personally. There are many bands that remind me of David Byrne in their vocal delivery and lyrical influence, but this time it was his stage demeanor that reminded me of the Talking Heads frontman. All O'Regan needed was a giant oversized suit. They blasted through their set rather quickly, which was appropriate considering the immediacy of most of their material. While The Paint Movement may have the greatest sense of musical adventure, and Still Life Still corner the market on frenetic energy, the winner in the best overall songs category is by far The D'Urbervilles.

Photos: My shots of The D'Urbervilles @ Silver Dollar are on flickr.
Myspace: The D'Urbervilles

'Sup In January

I have to admit that a part of me has been enjoying the last few weeks away from the concert goings. I've read somewhere that the best way to know whether or not you're addicted to something is to try doing without it for awhile and see how you hold up. At this point I can honestly say that live music has finally become an enjoyable pastime in my life without being the hardcore addiction that it once was. So, now that I know I can quit anytime, it only makes sense to get right back at it again, doesn't it? Starting tomorrow night...

As I just finished contesting out on this page, Amos The Transparent is playing a TWM show at Rancho Relaxo on Friday January 2nd with Whale Tooth and Bellewoods. I just got the heads up that Amos is going to be filling the tiny Rancho stage with the six piece version of themselves. I also know that there are going to be a lot of people there so I'd definitely get there early, if I were you. $7. [Myspaces: Amos The Transparent, Whale Tooth, Bellewoods]

The 2nd anniversary of local indie label Out Of This Spark is being celebrated here in the city on Saturday January 10th at the Tranzac. Looks like it's bound to be a pretty wicked show since it's featuring some of the buzziest buzz bands that the city has to offer, namely The D'Ubervilles, Forest City Lovers, Timber Timbre and Jenny Omnichord. Tix are $8 w/ a non-perishable food item; $10 without. [Myspaces: The D'Ubervilles, Forest Ciy Lovers, Timber Timbre, Jenny Omnichord]

Another interesting looking show is at the Tranzac on Wednesday January 14th, when Entire Cities takes the stage once again. I've likely just been in the dark, but it feels like it's been forever since they've played live in the city. At any rate, it has been forever since I've seen them, and that just might be a good opportunity to do so again. They are sandwiched inbetween a couple of acts called Hobson's Choice (who are also doing a CD release show earlier in the week on the 10th, also at Tranzac) and The Owle Bird. $5 [Myspaces: Hobson's Choice, Entire Cities, The Owle Bird]

After an exciting jaunt opening for Broken Social Scene on tour, Montreal's Land Of Talk are headlining a show at The Horseshoe on Thursday January 15th. I'm thinking that this may be a good time to see them since Saddle Creek has been promoting them quite heavily as of late and their stock seems to be rising rather quickly. The days of seeing them for $12 at the 'Shoe may not be around for much longer. [Myspace: Land of Talk]

If a heavy hitting rock show is your thing, than you'll want to be at The Horseshoe on Friday January 16th when glamy thrash metal rockers Diemonds take the stage with Dean Lickyer, Drunkula, Birthday Boys and Left Of Zero opening. Not sure if I can make it or not, but I have to admit that Diemonds throwback classic rock sound has been mildly intriguing me for awhile. You can take the man out of the rawk but you can't take the rawk out of the man. Or something like that. $7 [Myspaces: Diemonds, Dean Lickyer, Drunkula, Birthday Boys, Left Of Zero]

One of the best bands in the city, Dinosaur Bones is celebrating their one year anniversary at The Horseshoe on Saturday January 17th with The Junction and Black Hat Brigade. Stay tuned because I've got a pretty cool Dinosaur Bones prize pack contest coming up soon that will allow you to win tix for this show. Otherwise, you'll be dropping a cool $7, which is still a great deal if you ask me. [Myspaces: Dinosaur Bones, The Junction, Black Hat Brigade]

Unfortunately for me, I've got a bit of a scheduling conflict on that day, because I'll be at El Mocambo on Saturday January 17th to see Bishop Allen (pictured above) perform in promotion of their upcoming Grr.. album which is due out in March. I loved their show the last time they were in town so I doubt that my feelings on this one should be any different. Opening for them are Electric Owls (from North Carolina) and the adorable Hooded Fang. $10 [Myspaces: Bishop Allen, Electric Owls, Hooded Fang]

Nickel Eye is at El Mocambo on Tuesday January 20th in support of his upcoming debut entitled The Time Of The Assassins. This is the "cleverly" monikered new act featuring Strokes' bassist Nikolai Fraiture. Personal opinion: It's never a good thing to have your name looking THAT similar to Nickelback. *shudder* Tix are $12. [Myspace: Nickel Eye]

The Fembots will be banging their pots and pans at The Horseshoe on Friday January 23rd with The Harbourcoats, Tusks and Great Bloomers. $8 [Myspaces: The Fembots, Tusks, Great Bloomers]

It's been a long time since I've had the chance to see Oh No Forest Fires so I just might pop in to check them out on Sunday January 25th at Sneaky Dee's with Adolf Glitter and The Weirdies. PWYC [Myspaces: Oh No Forest Fires, Adolf Glitter, The Weirdies]

Anf finally, a nice way to end the month would be by going back to everyone's favourite watering hole Rancho Relaxo on Thursday January 29th for the very first IndieCredit charity show. This will be headlined by Lovely Killbots and supported by Wilderness of Manitoba and Wendy Leung. Cost: TBA [Myspaces: Lovely Killbots, Wilderness of Manitoba, Wendy Leung]

Welcome to 2009, and I'll blog to ya soon!