Off the Dial

~ with Regina’s This Machine is a Fountain and the War Doves, January 30th, 2009

Having been largely absent for some time now, Hot Little Rocket re-emerged onto the Calgary music scene with a show at the increasingly popular Palomino.

The night started with a couple of Regina, SK bands who each contain members of the long-established act Geronimo. This Machine is a Fountain led things off with the heart-felt vocals of Nysa Ochitwa and the hair-swaying, axe-shredding handiwork of guitarist Josh Duncan. Backed by an enthusiastic rhythm section (featuring drummer Garret Matheis and bassist Jon Wolfond), they put on a great opening set.

Decked out in sharp yet casual white button-up shirts and slacks, the War Doves followed, treating us to the unique vocal harmonies and melodies put forth by Dagan Harding and John De Gennaro. They also impressed us with their fantastic guitar riffs while bassist Eoin Hickey-Cameron put on a spirited performance with his thunderous bass lines as drummer Dustin Gamracy laid the ground-work.

Hot Little Rocket then got things started without front-man Andrew Wedderburn as he procured himself a beverage but he managed to jump up on stage just in time and didn’t miss a beat. No surprise as these guys just celebrated their tenth anniversary last September. Flanking Wedderburn (who prior to the show informed me they’ve recently spent some time writing new matieral) were guitarist Aaron Smelski and bassist Matt Swann, who along with drummer Joel Nye appeared as if they could’ve played this set in their sleep. Come to think of it, they may very well have done so, often spoted playing with their eyes closed, making it look easy.

Attendance was relatively low as Wedderburn commented on a free show taking place at another venue a few blocks away, cursing said venue’s curator but those who were there showed their adoration for the local act. In fact, one fan arrived at the front of the stage mid-set with a tray full of shooters for the guys, showing them the love. Proof that even an intimate performance can inspire and enlighten music lovers, making for an excellent Friday night.

Popularity: 23% [?]

I guess someone at Warner Music Canada screwed up. According to the label, the untrue date of May 5th in a press release for the new as-yet-untitled Green Day album was the result of a clerical error. Whatever that means.

The band have been working on the new album since last fall with producer Butch Vig (of Nirvana production fame) in Hollywood at the very studio they recorded their last album “American Idiot“, released back in 2004.

Apparently, their 2005 concert video “Bullet in a Bible” is slated to be re-released on Blu-Ray on April 7th, unless that announced date was also a ‘clerical error’.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Believe it or not, Calgary’s roots/punk/rock outfit Rum Runner have been at it since 2001, playing memorable gigs in and around Calgary and having put out two LPs (2004′s “Association” and 2006′s “Guns at Cyrano’s“) plus 2005′s “Dead Men Are Heavier Than Broken Hearts” 7″. They’ve just finished recording their third LP, titled “A Portrait of the Artist as a Dead Man” here in Calgary and posted the title track on their MySpace page. We asked the band a few quick questions leading up to the new album;

Off the Dial ~ It’s been a little over two years since your last album, “Guns at Cyrano’s“. What have you guys been up to in that time? Any side projects?

Al ~ Not too much.  We’re all really busy with jobs and life so touring has been relatively minimal but we’ve done a little bit.  Spenny is the ringleader for the Falling Pianos, Mike played with the Tartan Hearts for a while, Carey played a couple of shows with Michael Bernard Fitzgerald and I filled in with the Hollywood Gods for a bit.  Our personal achievements have been monumental but irrelevant in regards to this interview (I’ll just say that we’re all the same gender as we were before).

OtD ~ You haven’t exactly been laying low in the time off as you’ve played locally including more recently an opening spot for Gogol Bordello. What would you say has been the highlight for the band in between these albums?

Al ~ Our tours have been a lot of fun and there’s been a couple of shows that stand out.  If I can count recording the album as an “in-between” highlight, let’s do that.  It was nice getting all that energy out of us.  It’s the musical equivalent of taking a shit that you’ve held in for too long.  Playing with Gogol Bordello was actually our last show and I can’t wait to get on stage again.

OtD ~ How is working with Casey Lewis? Is this your first go around with him? Any specific theme(s) or inspiration on the new record?

Al ~ Working with Casey Lewis is great and I would highly recommend it.  Kurt and I have been recording with him for almost 10 years (since he opened his studio and preceding the existence of Rum Runner) and every time a new project comes up it’s not even a discussion as to where we’re going to record it, it’s always with Casey.  However, working with Derek Stevie (co-producer) is a fucking nightmare and I don’t know why we always end up doing so album after album.  The guy is WAY out of control.
As for inspiration for this album, I’d say that there’s less than usual.  Life has been a lot better for me personally than in the past and I find that such stability does nothing for the creative process.  Nonetheless, I feel that we’ve made a good album.  I don’t know how that happened.

OtD ~ When do you hope to get the new record out?

Al ~ We’re sorting out stuff with our labels right now and hopefully it will be in the next 3 months.

Rum Runner will be opening up for Knucklehead‘s 7″ release party at the Palomino tomorrow night (January 31st, 2009) with the Colin Decker Freefall. From there you’ll be able to catch them in Lethbridge (@ the Royal Canadian Legion) on February 27th, Fernie, BC (@ the Northern Hotel & Tavern) on February 28th and Edmonton (@ DV8) on March 14th. They then have two more Calgary shows lined up; March 17th for St. Patty’s Day at the Ship and Anchor and March 21st at Tubby Dog.

Popularity: 16% [?]

Recently I’ve had to travel to Cambridge in the UK for work, and while the city is nice it can at times leave you with a lot of free time in the evening.

During my past visits, I’ve managed to miss some pretty cool acts by mere hours and was beginning to wonder if I’d ever get to catch something truly cool while abroad.

Then along came The Streets.

It just so happened that my most recent trip coincided with an appearance by Mike Skinner (aka “The Streets”) and the rest of his crew at a place called The Corn Exchange, on January 27, 2009. Through the miracle of electronic commerce I purchased myself one standing room only ticket for the grand total of ₤18.50 (Bargain).

Upon arriving in Cambridge I went to the Corn Exchange box office to pick up my ticket, where a nice hand-made sign informed me that Delphic would take the stage from 8:00 – 8:30 PM, with The Streets ripping things up from 9:00 – 10:20PM.

Figuring like most concerts things would kick off an hour late, I went for dinner and a pint only to arrive at 8:40 to find I had missed Delphic completely. Crap. Ah well, at least I wouldn’t have to wait long for the main event.

Now, I’ve seen The Streets perform on video and was looking forward to what I expected to be a lively set…for once I was right.

The Streets are a full band, drums, bass, acoustic/electric guitar, DJ, Hype Man and Skinner leading the pack. They started with “Everything is Borrowed” off the most recent album of the same name (for those unfamiliar check out the video below), and blasted through a solid mix of material from the entire catalogue. From “Fit To Know It” and “Blinded By The Light“, to “Never Went To Church” and “Could Well Be In”, there was a good cross section of his work.

The entire band is tight and explosive on stage, and I have never seen anyone work a crowd as hard as Skinner does. From the moment he stepped on stage he was working on building up the crowd’s enthusiasm and excitement in being there. Summed up perfectly about 4 songs in when he bellowed:

“This is not Radiohead! My name is Mike Skinner! I jump around a lot! And I shout! And I expect you to do the same!”

After that anyone that was not committed to his cause quickly conformed and began bouncing and shouting any time he commanded.

It was obvious that 95% of the crowd loved this guy. They were going to have a good time no matter what. What was amazing was how he managed to win over the other 5% with relative ease.

I’m not one for audience participation, but when he stopped a song mid-chorus and commanded that the audience all crouch down only to have the song roar back to life and take the crowd with it, I was a believer. From that point on all hands were in the air, and every body in the place was moving/jumping/twirling/convulsing; Even the dude well into his golden years to my right was into it after that.

The Streets did not disappoint and made all the other boredom filled nights well worth it. If you have a chance to check them out, do so. It doesn’t matter if you’ve followed him since the beginning or are just looking to check out something new, you won’t be disappointed. Next time though, be prepared to be yelling out a different name as apparently he’s through as The Streets.

Show

Popularity: 11% [?]

January 28th starts off with a bang! We have pre-sale passwords for a bunch of shows. As always, just email passwords@offthedial.ca and you’ll be added to our mailing list and receive the password(s) you need. Here are the show details;

Underoath is touring Western Canada in March with Norma Jean and Innerpartysystem. They’ll be stopping in Calgary (@ MacEwan Hall) on March 9th, Edmonton (@ the Events Centre) on March 10th, Saskatoon (@ the Odeon) on March 11th and Winnipeg (@ the Garrick Centre) on March 12th. Pre-sale runs January 28th, 2009 (TODAY!) at 10:00 hrs until January 29th at 22:00 hrs local time.

The No Fear Energy Music Tour is stopping in Vancouver at UBC Thunderbird Arena on April 8th, 2009 with headliner Lamb of God plus Children of Bodom, As I Lay Dying, God Forbid and Municipal Waste. Pre-sale runs January 30th at 10:00 hrs until January 30th at 22:00 hrs local time.

Fall Out Boy is playing UBC Thunderbird Arena in Vancouver on April 11th with Cobra Starship, All Time Low, Metro Station and Hey Monday. Pre-sale runs January 28th, 2009 (TODAY!) at 10:00 hrs until January 30th at 22:00 hrs local time.

Kevin Smith will be playing the Centre in Vancouver on March 27th. Pre-sale runs January 29th, 2009 at 10:00 hrs until January 30th at 22:00 hrs local time.

Watch this post if more dates are announced with pre-sale passwords. Good luck!

Popularity: 9% [?]

Late last year, we featured a new band from Ontario called Innes Wilson & His Oppision both with a review of their debut EP and on our December podcast. While preparing for both, I asked the group some simple, boring, straight-forward questions and bassist Adam Sturgeon responded with some candid, funny and somewhat convoluted answers. Here it is, unedited;

A.S. ~ Blake Stevenson – skins
Adam Sturgeon – vocals and fuzz bass
Innes Wilson – vocals, harmonica and guitar

Popularity: 15% [?]

Earlier this month it was reported that Bedouin Soundclash had lost their drummer, but things are already looking up for the new Kingston, ON duo.

No Doubt announced last week that they’ll be touring with Paramore this summer, their first tour in almost five years. The opening act slot will be shared among the aforementioned Canadian ska band, Swedish new wave band the Sounds and U.S. urban/alternative artist Janelle Monáe.

Bedouin Soundclash have a show in Guelph, ON on February 7th before heading to Australia for 5 dates in February and March. The only No Doubt date announced so far is their spot in the Bamboozle Festival in East Rutherford, NJ on May 3rd. World tour dates are expected to be announced soon.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Not only did this relatively unknown Canadian company pick up the entire Death Row Records catalogue for a mere $18 million US, WIDEawake Entertainment Group is headed up by a 48 year old Jewish mother of two. Not exactly what you’d consider a suitable candidate.

Yet Lara Lavi, a lawyer and recording artist who’s likened her music to Sheryl Crow and Sarah McLachlan, outbid music industry giants Warner Music in court last week. This after Global Muisc Group tried to buy the bankrupt ridden label for $25 million US, but their financing fell through.

The steal of a deal could be very lucrative as the catalogue of music from such huge rap names as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and the (supposedly) deceased Tupac Shakur contains plenty of unreleased music and film material.

Popularity: 6% [?]

In support of their new split 7″ with Hostage Life, Calgary punk rock quintet, Knucklehead is planning a gig at The Palomino on Saturday, January 31.

Knucklehead will be sharing the stage with Rum Runner and the Colin Decker Free Fall, and plans to kick their set off around midnight.

Tickets are $10 and capacity at The Palomino is limited (around 200) so the later you show up, the harder it might be to get in – which is a good excuse to show up early, check out the other bands and have a good time.

For those of you who need a little sample before pencilling this into your busy social calendars, check out www.knucklehead.ca for a taste of Hearts On Fire off the new disc.

Show.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Winnipeg’s the Waking Eyes have announced a show in Vancouver on February 25th, 2009 and we’ve got the password for the pre-sale which starts January 22nd at 10:00 hrs local time.

They’ll be supported by another Canadian rock act, Hamilton Ontario’s Arkells for the show at the Biltmore Cabaret. For your pre-sale password, please email passwords@offthedial.ca and you’ll be added to our mailing list so you won’t miss future updates! Pre-sale ends January 22nd at 22:00 hrs and public sale starts January 23rd at 10:00 hrs local time.

Popularity: 10% [?]