Wednesday, March 12. 2008
I went to The red Eyed Fly and caught Foreign Born. I love this band. Live they are a different beast than that on record. More of an edge, more up tempo. Recorded or live I dig it. I chatted with Louis about vintage gear and their writing. He said that they tend to write slow songs but feel the audience demands something upbeat. All I know is that their set set the stage for today. They played some new stuff some old stuff and closed with the amazing Union Hall.
Here's some pics.
Tuesday, March 11. 2008
Oliver Future at Stubb's, SXSW 2008 - photo by Clint Gilders - staff photographer |
by Clint Gilders club kingsnake staff
Monday in Austin dawned cold a wet. Safe in my hotel room I wrestled with the "free" internet. In this case free means crap I guess. My shiny new MacBook plays pretty well with the WiFi but Christie's evil windows beast won't even shake hands with the the wireless or wired connection.
Late in the afternoon, the rain stopped and the sun peaked out. Now it was time to hit some parties. My first stop was the PhizzPop Design Challenge Finals. What is the PhizzPop design challenge? I'm not sure really, but I do know they gave me a free t-shirt and the gratis G&T had glowing ice cubes in them. There was only a DJ spinning. I set off in search of live music.
Stubb's is arguably the best live music venue in downtown Austin. One problem, it's outdoors. The weather gods were shining on Opera (and a bunch of other venues) though. I saw two cool bands at Stubb's. The first was Oliver Future. Now living in L.A. these Austin natives mix Electro pop with sometimes roaring, somtimes twangy guitars and Bowie-esque vocals. A Fantastic mash-up. The second Gliss. Gliss play the garage rock that I love with a nod to the Brits, some dance beats and ooze rock star. Both have bunch of shows in Austin over the next few days
The climax of my night was to be Tokyo Police Club at the Mohawk. I knew that before I even arrived in texas. I headed to the Mohawk at 10:00pm. Yeah, there were 2 hours until TPC would hit the stage but I wasn't going to risk being stuck listening from the street (ask JeffB about that). Tokyo Police Club at The Mohawk, SXSW 2008 - photo by Clint Gilders - staff photographer |
On my way through the club I stopped for a short chat with bassist/vocalist David Monks. It seems that the airline hadn't bothered to put the boy's instruments on their flight from Chicago. Luckily another band on the bill stepped up and provided guitar, bass and drums.
When TPC took the stage shortly after midnight it was so cold you could see your breath and I'd been standing in the same spot for two hours. None of that mattered the moment they launched into "Box" of their most recent Smith EP, and then "In a Cave" from the soon to be released Elephant Shell. Even on borrowed gear TPC rocked the tiny dark stag at the Mohawk.
Full setlist below:
Continue reading "SXSW 2008: Monday Night Parties, and how to be a rock star on borrowed gear."
Thursday, March 6. 2008
It's just over 48 hours until I leave for South By South West. I really can't believe how packed my calendar is. I have scoured Austin Tx, Showlist for all the non-sxsw parties, festivals and showcases that look cool. I have spent waaaay too much time on sxsw.com going through the band list, and I've also been poking around places like SXSW Baby! see what other intelligence I can gather.
SXSW 2007 nearly killed me. That might be a slight exaggeration, but only slightly.
This year's gonna be different.... This years gonna be different..... Say it with me "This years gonna be different." I'm going to have a plan when I set out each day. That will probably last until I hit 6th street and a cool day party beckons or my nose leads me to some Tamales or breakfast burritos. So as I forlornly stare at my quintuple booked thursday afternoon, here's a list of shows,parties, other happenings that I am leaning toward attending or are at least on my short-list.
Continue reading "SXSW 2008: Here it comes!!"
Wednesday, February 20. 2008
Rody Walker of Protest The Hero - more photos... photo by Clint Gilders - staff photographer | by clint gilders - clubkingsnake staff
Protest The Hero
Hometown: Whitby, Ontario, Canada
http://www.myspace.com/protestthehero
Protest The Hero Concert Photos
Friday February 8, 2008
The Kool Haus (Toronto, Ontario)
There's not much I can say about protest live that hasn't been said here and here and here and here before.
Only the day before, Fortress had debuted at Number One on the Canadian album charts. There couldn't be a better time for PTH to play in Toronto. Tickets were scarce on the night of as was made evident when I queued up at the will call to pick up my photo pass for the show. One lucky person managed to buy the last two tickets available at the box office, while many others were left disappointed.
In classic Protest fashion the stage was lined with friends and family (I spotted at least a couple of the guy's mom's and dad's). The 40 minute set opened with the lead track from Fortress "Bloodmeat", and steamrolled on through "The Dissentience" and several other new songs. I wish I'd kept better track of the set list but my attention was focused on navigating the claustrophobic photo pit and later on securing a vantage point from the crowd. While the promoter had only sanctioned two photographers (myself among them) it appears that the boys in Protest had handed out photo passes to just about everyone with a digital rebel and kit lens who'd asked. With the pit full of security the likes of which you only see at a PTH show, at least a dozen photogs and a couple of videographers, frequent visits from crowd surfers, and dim stage lighting this was an exercise in careful maneuvering and cautious shooting. I think we actually got to shoot from the pit for four songs, and then were given free reign to shoot from the audience.
Continue reading "Concert Review: Protest The Hero at the Kool Haus. Toronto, Ontario"
Friday, February 8. 2008
Tokyo Police Club photo by clint gilders - staff photographer |
I could hardly believe my eyes as I perused the SXSW 2008 Biglist. Yeah, there are cool bands coming from all over the world, but the 100+ acts making the pilgrimage from Canada set my mouth watering.
There are some real heavy hitters making their way south. Uber-producer and singer/songwirter Daniel Lanois, Alt-Country-Rock giants Blue Rodeo, Toronto indie institution Constantines, Dallas Green's City and Colour, Indie-A/V club-garage rockers Tokyo Police Club, the outspoken Matthew Good, enigmatic Hawksley Workman, and upstarts Marianas Trench and Pride Tiger to name just a few.
Who's not on the list, but I wish they were? Hello Operator, Protest The Hero (though they'll be in Austin during SXSW), Machete Avenue, Cities in Dust, Kill Rhythm, and The Johnstones come to mind. Maybe next year.
Full List (as of Feb 8, 2008) below:
Continue reading "News: SXSW 2008 - Canadians set to take over Texas"
Monday, January 28. 2008
Finally..... It's finally here. After expected release dates in August 2007, and then September and November Fortress is set for release on Jan 29, 2008. I promise.
How exactly does one follow-up something as genre defining/defying as 2006's Kezia?
From the first dissonant bleats of "Bloodmeat" you know PTH has not strayed far from what made their debut album a masterpiece. Songs shoehorned together by an ADHD sufferer performed by idiot savants with mind numbing musical prowess. Over all the mayhem, potty mouthed Rody Walker manages to sing/howl/growl surprisingly smart lyrics.
What they have done is increase the production values, pen even smarter lyrics, and Rody's vocals have developed an admirable range. No longer limited to metal growls or nasal whine we get actual singing and layered harmonies (along with the metal growl and nasal whine).
The album is divided into two distinct parts. The first, entitled "On Conquest and Capture", is seven songs deep. The lead off track, "Bloodmeat", just owns from the seizure inducing into to the outro riff which grinds and chugs begging for raised fists and flying bodies. Then it's on to "The Dissentience" which raises the intensity level and teeters on the edge of some tricky time signatures. Only two songs in and I can't begin to count how many distinct riffs and time signatures have been thrown at the listener. This is Protest and they continue to weave an enthralling tapestry before crescendoing on "Spoils".
"Isosceles" is comprised of only three songs and has a much more flamboyant rock opera type vibe. I can't get into this as much as the septet that came before. It is a cool look at Protest The Hero exploring some new ideas and directions.
If you didn't like Kezia you probably won't like Fortress. If you didn't like Kezia you probably need to get a clue anyway.
What the boys in Protest have done is craft and album which is an evolution from Kezia not a reprise . What I love about Protest is that they mix jaw dropping musical prowess with intelligent lyrics, and just enough pop sensibility creeps in to afford them a wider appeal.
Tuesday, January 22. 2008
The Drive home from Toronto on Dec, 16th, 2007 photo by clint gilders - staff photographer The Drive home from Toronto on Dec, 16th, 2007 photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
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If you were among the few brave souls who made it to the Alexisonfire show in Toronto on December 16th, well guess what? You don't get to come on Friday!!
Those who wussed out and didn't make it to the Arrow Hall during the worst snow storm in recorded history can redeem their ticket this Friday at The Sound Academy (formerly The Docks).
I was one of those that wussed out. I was in Toronto on the 15th with plans to take my wife home to Peterborough on the 16th, and then head back to T.O. for the show. When it took 3+ hours for the usual 1 1/4 hour drive I thought better of my return to Toronto.
Opening for Alexisonfire are upstarts Arkells and Quest For Fire. On their choice of openers Alexisonfire had this to say:
We thought that since this was a fun show to do, we would pick two bands that don't sound anything like us. Two bands that are just getting their feet wet. Two bands that are local and that we are all big fans of.
We'll see you there. Fingers crossed for decent weather.
Monday, December 3. 2007
Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan of Stars - more photos... photo by John Hargraft - staff photographer | by clint gilders - clubkingsnake staff
club kingsnake staff
Stars
Hometown: Toronto/Montreal, Canada
http://www.arts-crafts.ca/stars/
Stars Concert Photos
Wednesday Nov 28th, 2007
The Phoenix Concert Theatre (Toronto, Ontario)
I'll admit knowing little of Stars before the show on the 28th. Seeing that they had sold-out four nights at the Phoenix was what piqued my interest. I'd also missed their set at V-Fest in September and this was my chance for redemption
As I arrived there was only a short line but, by the time Stars hit the stage at 10:00pm, the club was packed shoulder to shoulder.
The new guy John Hargraft was handling photo duties for the night and I didn't envy him having to work his way to the front. There was no barrier in front of the stage and thus no photo pit. This was Guerrilla shooting - snap and run, begging forgiveness from the die-hards in front.
Torquil Campbell of Stars - more photos... photo by John Hargraft - staff photographer |
The stage dressing reminded me of The Killers; all amps drums and keys covered in flowers. Stars entered the stage to deafening applause and opened with "Take me to the Riot". As each song unfolded I just just fell more in love with Stars. The beautiful call-response vocals of Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan simply astound. Amy's delicate vocals juxtaposed with her oft raging guitar work created a thrilling counterpoint. "The Ghost of Genova Heights" was even more otherworldly performed on a darkened stage with Campbell in a white light adorned jacket.
You could also feel Torquil's honest respect and adoration for the crowd. "It just keeps getting better at the Phoenix", "You're making my mother very happy", "you bought the tickets, it's a Fu*kin' dream". There was also an honest 'F' you to a highschool coach and a song (about people having sex with him until he dies of a heart-attack) dedicated to him.
Once a little indie band, Stars are poised on the edge of greatness and Toronto was more than happy to provide them a four night send off.
Click Here to view the Setlist
Monday, November 19. 2007
The Academy Is.. at The Guvernment - more photos... photo by clint gilders - staff photographer | by clint gilders - clubkingsnake staff
The Academy Is...
The Guvernment (Toronto, Ontario)
November 9,2007
Also: Sherwood and The Rocket Summer
"Girls...Girls...Girls...." comes to mind as I drive by the Guvernment looking for a parking spot. Hundreds of girls in the rain, lined up around the block, waiting for the doors to open. What are they waiting for? The latest crop of teen idols of course.
Cobra Starship and Armor For Sleep were to be among the opening acts, but it appears that Cobra Starship had some issues crossing the border into Canada. Armor For Sleep's story is more tragic. While driving to the show their trailer decided to separate from the bus and careen across the highway destroying most of their gear. Directly behind them was The Academy Is.. whose bass player witnessed the accident. Amazingly no one was hurt. Armor For Sleep aptly put it:
because we dont have this stuff today we had to cancel the toronto show...but its only that...stuff. We are all soooo unbelievably happy that the only thing mangled in this whole disaster was stuff not dudes.
Continue reading "Concert Review: The Academy Is... at The Guvernment. Toronto, Ontario."
Wednesday, November 14. 2007
Brown Brigade at The Undedog - more photos... photo by stewart stick - contributing photographer | by clint gilders - clubkingsnake staff
Brown Brigade
The Underdog
Peterborough, Ontario. November 10, 2007
Also: DieNoSystem
You know the story.... Dave "Brownsound" Baksh was in multi platinum, super gynormous Sum41, became disenchanted with the music, the industry, etc. Brownsound left that other band in 2006 and got back to work with his cousin Vaughn Lal in, what had until then been a side project, Brown Brigade.
A myspace bulletin by promoter Robbie Veale tipped me to the November 10th show at the Underdog. Lucky, since there was little other promotion.
With James "Trash" Sampson on board for an interview and Stewart "such a good photog it makes you sick" Stick along for some lighting and photo help we headed to the Legendary Red Dog to meet Brown Brigade and learn what's what in their world.
What a cool bunch of guys. The interview went great. So great that it was hard to tell when the conversation ended and the interview began. I just started rolling video, and figured Trash would do some kind of intro. Check it out below. After that, Trash also did an interview with the opening act, and local up-and-comers DieNoSystem. They've been doing some cool stuff for charities and in movies, and did a great job with one of their first press junkets.
Brown Brigade at The Underdog - more photos... photo by stewart stick - contributing photographer |
Continue reading "Concert Review: Brown Brigade at The Underdog. Peterborough, Ontario"
Friday, November 2. 2007
Protest The Hero at Warped Tour, Barrie. photo by clint gilders- staff photographer |
Protest The Hero is playing six free sets in Toronto this weekend at the Northern Digital Expo!! It's an awesome video game trade show, conference, competition and you can get in for free all weekend long to hang out, and maybe even try your GH3 skills against Moe.
All you have to do when you get to the front gate is say:
Protest The Hero's 'Fortress' January 29th 2008
That's their new record. It's gonna be like god, and butter, and soup. Everything good.
Here's some further info:
Continue reading "Music News: Wanna See Protest The Hero for Free??!?"
Wednesday, October 31. 2007
I loved the FedEx man. I really did. I loved the FedEx man because he brought my preview copy of A7X's latest. I've listened to the self titled release a bunch of times and now I've begun to hate the FedEx man. Huh? Well, you see as far as mainstream commercially viable hard rock/metal albums go this one is the shizzle. As far as A7X albums go it leaves quite a bit to be desired.
Don't get me wrong. I am a fan. City of Evil was my go-to disc for long drives, short walks and just hanging around. I so wanted its successor to be at least as good as "Evil".
The album starts strong with the kidney punch that is "Critical Acclaim". With its soaring intro, chunky riffing, and sinister whispers one instantly sees why it was released several months ago as a teaser. "Critical Acclaim" is also blatantly political and flexes A7X's right-wing muscles.
After that there is no sign of the complex arrangements and dynamic shifts seen on previous releases. There are songs that tween chicks will dig. When my wife starts bopping to "Lost" I know the album isn't what I'd hoped it would be.
The people who began chanting "Sellout, Sellout!" when City Of Evil was released will undoubtedly begin their chant again. There's nothing incredibly new here. With every album A7X has moved toward the mainstream. That's a balancing act which I don't envy them. I guess they could have stayed underground with M. Shadows screaming his lungs out and selling a few thousand albums here and there, or they can take their incredible talent and pen some hits.
I struggle with how to end this review. I remember all too well my sense of loss upon hearing Metallica's Black Album. Gone were the 9 minute long epics with 16 different time signatures and nary a chorus to be found. Metallica had gone mainstream, and in the opinion of millions had never sounded better.
I, on the other hand, wept.
A7X - A7X marks a significant departure from a solid body of work. And I'm sure in the opinion of millions they too have never sounded better.
Monday, October 15. 2007
Issa at Showplace. Peterborough, Ontario. photo by clint gilders- staff photographer | by clint gilders - club kingsnake staff
Issa
www.issalight.com
Thursday October 4th, 2007.
Showplace Centre For The Performing Arts (Peterborough, Ontario)
About a year ago Jane Siberry made some major changes in her life. Along with changing her name to Issa (pronounced “eee sah�) she has sold almost all her possessions and simplified her life to traveling with little more than a backpack. As of late she has been working on the recording of 33 songs funded solely by the generosity of "patrons", and selling her back catalog in digital only format using Self Determined Pricing. In a nutshell, pay what you think the music is worth to you either before or after you hear it. Also of note is that fact that, on sheeba.ca, Issa makes a handful of free tickets available for each of her shows.
Continue reading "Concert Review: Issa (Jane Siberry) at the Showplace Centre for the Performing Arts, Peterborough, Ontario"
Wednesday, October 3. 2007
I love to pop a CD in without any knowledge of or preconceived ideas about a band. Foreign Born's latest On The Wing Now ( Dim Mak) was one of these. Out of the mailbox, into the CD player, let's have a listen.
Man, what gorgeous collection of songs. One immediately thinks of early U2, but also Arcade Fire, Tokyo Police Club, many of the current Brit imports and the like. The opener "Union Hall" immediately grabs you and takes you where Foreign Born wants you to go. Then there's a shot from left field. "Into Your Dream" is the closest they come to a rocker.
The musicianship is impressive. Guitarist Lewis Pesacov's composition is often touted, and with good reason. The arrangements are what separates these reverb-washed atmospheric compositions from the nap-inducing Coldplay school of composition. There are super emotive vocals that hearken back to the indie rock of the late 80s and early 90s. The guitar is spartan single note lines mixed with heavily effected riffing, ambient squawks, and noise, all richly and intelligently layered.
And those drums! The percussion is out of this world and is really what lifts this album to another level. Often it seems unrelated to the song playing over it and even the mix has the drums sounding far off and otherworldly. Somehow this works.
The album is like a journey with each piece inescapably linked to the last. This culminates with Never Wrong deliciously building to a crescendo that never quite comes.
Yeah, I dig this record. What a fresh slap in the face of indie rock. Foreign Born has raised the bar.
Sunday, September 16. 2007
article and photos by clint gilders - club.kingsnake staff
It's hard to really study a band and get lost in their performance when you're also photographing them. As such I was glad to have Andrea coming to report on Day 2 (September 9th). On Day 1 (September 8th) I was on my own.
You can liken the way I am at these festivals to a sort of binocular tunnel vision. One eye on the schedule I've mapped out and the other on the quickest way to the designated stage at the designated time for the designated band. At Virgin Festival, to go from the Main Stage to the Future Shop stage fully took 10 minutes. Why'd they put the stages so f'in far apart? Dunno.
Don't get me wrong, I do my best to listen to the bands. It's a Gong Show kinda thing. Catch my attention or I'm off to find another band. Here's a little photo essay on some of the bands I shot on Day 1 of the Virgin Festival on Toronto's Centre Island.
Here's a quick idea of what the weather was like each day of the festival. Toronto Skyline Day 1 | Toronto Skyline Day 2 |
Continue reading "Concert Review: Virgin Festival Day 1 - a photo essay of sorts."
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