Head games

Year Zero and a super-secret band were slated to perform at The Atomic Rooster for the Sept. 24 edition of the Rock'n'Roll Pizza Party. I worked that night so I missed Year Zero, but I did manage to catch the set by the surprise guests.

They're a band shrouded in mystery!



Okay, it was actually Off With Their Heads. The shouty punks were on tour with Bouncing Souls and Youth Brigade, but apparently one set in Ottawa wasn't enough for the Minneapolis quartet (sometimes quintet), so they knocked out a growly set for the punks on Bank St. as well. They apparently switch membership quite often, so all IDs barring main man Ryan Young are provisional.

Zack Gontard downstrokes.



Ryan shouts some.



Ryan Francis mans the skins.



More Ryan!



Even more Ryan, plus bassist Nate Gangelhoff.



Zach keeps his neck sinews well-exercised.



More Nate!



The whole lot!



Rocking action!



The end!



They're still busy touring, and will be back in Ottawa for a show at Mavericks with The Queers February 22.

• Show reminder: The Rainbow gets a jump on New Years with The Maria Hawkins Band ... most other folks appear to be resting up for Thursday.