From Akron

Well, actually, Akron/Family are based in New York; guitarist Seth Olinsky and Dana Janssen (drums, banjo) come from Williamsport, PA., while Miles Seaton (with the bass guitar) came from California. At least Ryan Vanderhoof is from Union Springs. They've become well-known in independent music circles thanks to their association with Michael Gira of Swans notoriety and Angels of Light fame. While plainly serious about music, this is a group that isn't afraid to goof around. There was some nonsensical repartee about dolphin riding, beating up otters and some rude but funny remarks about Paul McCartney and his wife from self-proclaimed doofus Seaton. They had the house lights turned up so they could get a look at the audience and brought their own bric-a-brac to enliven the stage.

First was the quiet bit ...



Quiet, quiet, quiet with Seth on slide whistle.



Still quiet with Dana playing his mini-xylophone with a bow.



Granted Miles isn't really the quiet type.



And now the noisy bit! "We cut that otter down the middle and set it on fire!!!"(?)







After several minutes of well-received feedback, the band settled down a bit. Dana came out from behind his kit to play some banjo.



This was followed by some gesticulation ...





All was now in place for the rise to the big finish!









I regret missing Dear Judah - aka Adam Solomanian - but other than that everything was just as I'd hoped (well, except they weren't quite as bearded as I'd heard). This was a really excellent show. I had been joking earlier with John Westhaver of Birdman Sound that "all three of Ottawa's Swans fans" would attend. Presumably they were there, but plenty of other folks were too. It was a full house - if not a sellout, close too.

• Show reminder: Punk action round town with The Antics, Farler's Fury, Cradle Robbin Bastards, The Sewer Rats, Hands of the Few and The Valveenus at Mavericks and For The Mathematics, Angry Agency and Clock Strikes at Zaphod's.