Saturday, February 12, 2011

Altered states

It seems a bit strange to be watching Julie Doiron at Mavericks, which nowadays I usually think of in connection with metal and punk; the only stage I've seen her look at home on was The Rainbow (then again, it is a very homey stage). The first time I saw her solo on stage, opening for The Rheostatics, she literally was the only person up there. I've also seen her perform with a quartet, drumming for Blue Heeler, as part of Eric's Trip, singing with Attack in Black and attempting to submerge herself in her scarf with Wooden Stars at the long-gone Lucky Ron's. In short, for someone who's supposed to be a sad'n'strummy, heart-on-sleeve style singer-songwriter she's never appeared the same way before me. For this gig she seemed to be in touch with her inner Neil Young. I say this not because she accompanied Will Kidman's fairly straight-forward stab at Everyone Knows This Is Nowhere, but because of her frenetic guitar attack. If you've heard her latest album, 2009's I Can Wonder What you Did With Your Day, you'll know what I'm talking about.

Julie rocks the Hagstrom!

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

Kidman kicks in on the kit.

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

Toe-pointing action!

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

Running about!

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

Will hits! This drum set actually belongs to Doiron, and was feeling a bit worse for wear after being pummelled by Jon of The Allrights during their opening set.

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

Double the Julie!

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

Julie sings!

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

Extra Will.

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

Hair-shaking action! At one point Julie brushed her considerable bangs aside and accidentally saw the audience, much to her alarm.

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

There was considerable between song banter about self confidence. "I think I'm pretty cool ... some of the time," she noted. Also: Much discussion of Canadian municipal pride and it's dark side, dislike of Toronto.

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

Julie sings! Most of the photos were taken during the more active part of her set, which might leave the false impression it was more extroverted than it actually was.

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

Julie bends!

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

This was an extroverted bit.

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

Julie sings while Will wrangles the Strat.

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

Julie on the mic!

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

Here comes that Neil Young cover!

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

And so on!

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

And some final Will strumming.

Julie Doiron at Mavericks

And that's it! In fact as of this writing that's the last photo I've taken, so goodbye backlog. Hopefully I shall be able to replenish it at tonight's Carlangas show. Anyone have suggestions for Sunday or Monday? Otherwise you'll be subjected to yet more ancient photos, previously only seen on the Birdman website.

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