Down and dirty

It's strange: I've been to Royal Oaks all over the city, but last night was the first time I'd been to the one closest to my own doorstep, the so-called "Dirty Oak." I'm not sure why it's been called that, but feel free to post any non-libelous explanations in the comments section. My reason for crossing its threshold was to witness the return of Milwaukee's Goodnight Loving to Ottawa and the birth of local supergroup Year Zero at The Rock'N'Roll Pizza Party, which has relocated to the Oak after being laughed out of the Bytown Tavern by Yuk Yuk's.

Year Zero features Million Dollar Marxist and Uranium Comeback kid Tim on bass and vocals, Neighbourhood Brat Brad on guitar and Sick Fit, Mother's Children offspring and Beach Blanket warmer Michael on drums. They have a hard and heavy punk sound. "It's our first show so be gentle!" said Tim.


Year Zero, The Royal Oak, April 30, 2009

What if power poppers listened to The Byrds instead of (or more than) Big Star? What if they traded their Rickenbackers for Telecasters (if they haven't already?). You'd get something sounding a lot like the twangly, jangly sounds of The Goodnight Loving. They put on a great show - really sharp, even minus fifth member Zach.


The Goodnight Loving, The Royal Oak, April 30, 2009

I picked up their Cemetery Gates CD since they played its title track to finish their set, and it's mighty fab. They're playing Toronto tonight with The White Wires.

• Show reminder: Emmanuel Sayer recommends you all go see Detroit's Gardens at The Rocker Room under the James St. Pub tonight. Kelp's celebrating its 15th anniversary, and you can check out Camp Radio, Andrew Vincent, Andy Swan and Micarza Camaro at the Elmdale Tavern. Politique, The City Above and Opopo play Zaphod Beeblebrox; Chinese Food and Rudeboy perform at The Rainbow.