British blues-rockers The Temperance Movement appeared at Lee's Palace on October 1. I was really happy when I saw how early the Ash show at The Mod Club was, because it meant I could make it up to Lee's Palace to catch The Temperance Movement. I love it when a plan comes together.
The Temperance Movement play a musical style from years gone by, with their own unique energy and attitude that makes it all new again. They've got energy, soul and rock and roll in their veins. Singer Phil Campbell has more charisma and presence than 100 other singers, and his voice has that perfect mix of soul and growl that makes the music come alive. He's a relentless force of nature on stage, delivering everything that great rock and roll should and making sure each and every audience member has an awesome time.
The band features a couple of great guitarists who can dole out the bluesy licks and solos along with the heavy power chords. The rhythm section holds down the groove even when it threatens to fly off the rails into chaos.
This band is a breath of fresh air. The Temperance Movement should be huge. Give them a listen and get out to see them next time you have the chance. I know I can't wait until my next opportunity.
Irish alternative rock / power pop band Ash came through Toronto for a performance at The Mod Club in celebration of the twentieth anniversary of their incredible album 1977. They played the album from front-to-back and then kept it going with more amazing music from across their discography.
The band sounded great and played perfectly, with energy and enthusiasm to spare. Several tunes from 1977 are personal favourites, like "Lose Control", "Goldfinger", "Girl From Mars", "Kung Fu", "Oh Yeah" and "Angel Interceptor".
The set continued with a very early Ash tune, their first single, "Jack Names the Planets". The encore is where some of my ultimate favourite Ash tunes appeared, including "Orpheus", "Shining Light", and the final, closing tune, "Burn Baby Burn".
This was my second time seeing Ash live and it cemented my opinion that they are a fantastic live band who I will see every time I get the chance.
The scene: a bar near The Danforth Music Hall, an hour or so before Catfish & The Bottlemen are to take the stage. Photographer B. Hartling and I are sitting in front of pints of Guinness, admiring the vinyl version of CATB's latest, The Ride. It strikes me, and not for the first time, that admiring an album cover and looking at all the details inside is a lost art in the age of digital. I stare at the image of a crocodile munching on its own tail. What's it all mean?
The scene: inside The Danforth Music Hall, waiting for CATB to hit the stage. I always think it's a good sign when the crowd cheers for the sound check. It means they're chomping at the bit, ready for the rock show to begin. And something told me that this would be a proper rock show.
Now, truth be told, this was not going to be my first CATB experience. I saw Catfish & The Bottlemen when they played The Phoenix Concert Theatre. Those pics are here. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get the full CATB experience on that night. This night would be different.
Smoke filled the air and that crocodile from The Ride cover was in full glory on the back wall of the stage. Dean Martin's "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" rang out from the PA and the lights went out. The crowd roared and CATB took to the stage.
The audience took over singing opening track "Homesick" right away. The low-end of the bass and drums pound your chest and Van McCann's voice pours over you while the guitars wash over everything else. I love a good rock show and this was the very definition of a good rock show.
The songs came fast and furious. One of my favourites, "Kathleen", from their debut The Balcony, was next, followed by "Soundcheck" from the new album. "Rango" was a big sing-along tune, as was the chorus of "Fallout". They got the acoustic guitar out for "Hourglass" and pretty much let the audience sing the tune.
Other than "Hourglass", the pace never really lets up, but they know how to play with the dynamics enough to give the show flow. They bring it down just enough to make sure that when they slam it home it really slams. All of the music was accented by a wicked light show and tons of dry ice.
Towards the end of the set, I realized that CATB is one of those bands that doesn't go through the charade of the encore. You know, the big "Good night, Cleveland!" followed by everyone cheering for a few more songs we all know are coming anyway. Does an encore really make for a better show? It's a pretence and it's a sham. A rouse. A game. Everyone knows it's all planned. I don't mind it when it happens, but I applaud a band with the guts to forego this rock cliche and finish off strong, just like CATB did with the triple-threat of "7", "Cocoon" (another of my all-time favourites), and "Tyrant".
Catfish & The Bottlemen play great rock songs without a lot of superfluous crap that comes with many live shows. For them, it's all about the songs, as I think it should be. Catfish & The Bottlemen put on a solid rock show. Go see this band live if you get the chance.
Check out some tunes from their set while you admire B's photos from the show.
