Combination platter

There was a quite a mixed bill at Zaphod's last night. Not that the blues rock of StillNative, drum machine rock of Robots! Everywhere! and psychedelic surf-punk of Wooka Tribe were a million miles away from each other's styles or that of mathcore headliner SSRIs, but still - not a collection of acts you'd expect to hear on the same comp, say.

First up, Robots! Everywhere! He had already started when I walked in the door, was playing off the floor and joshed me about getting his good side. Songs I heard include turning into one of the living dead and girlfriends with polychromatic hair.


Robots! Everywhere at Zaphod Beeblebrox, September 15, 2011 

He was followed by the twisty chaps of Wooka Tribe, who I'm sure I've listed on multiple occasions in my show reminders ... They made me think of west coast punk rock and British psych-punker The Afflicted Man.


Wooka Tribe at Zaphod Beeblebrox, September 15, 2011 

They're quite a punchy trio, and covered The Chantays' classic Pipeline.


Wooka Tribe at Zaphod Beeblebrox, September 15, 2011 

StillNative  seem to have a serious think for The Black Keys going so far as to cover Set You Free. They also sported big fur vests. They're also playing a show at The Elmdale on September 21. Here's guitarist and singer Patrick.


StillNative at Zaphod Beeblebrox, September 15, 2011 

And a similarly warmly clad Max. They have plans to release a single later in the fall.


StillNative at Zaphod Beeblebrox, September 15, 2011

Finally Vancouver's SSRIs rocked the join with their weird guitar noises, rhythm section grumble and adenoidal vocals. They even got a conga line going on their penultimate tune. It was a really great set.


SSRIs at Zaphod Beeblebrox, September 15, 2011 

They had a small but enthusiastic audience.


SSRIs at Zaphod Beeblebrox, September 15, 2011

A great finish to a fun night.

• Show reminder: Hunter City Madness, A Darker Day, Texas With A Dollar Sign, Rainbow Pony Power and Wolves In Stride are at Mavericks; upstairs at Cafe DeKcuf you'll find Koffin Kats, The Beer Barons and Kraken The Case; Katatonia , Inire, Dead Culture Society and Damnus bring the metal to Zaphod Beeblebrox; J.F. Robitaille (of the Social register) performs at Raw Sugar; Double Pumpers, Knives For Kids, Glorious Moonrockets and On Better Ground play the basement at The Clocktower; Michigan's Jowls and The Reptilian join local Alaskans Malvo and Montreal space-bar non-users thediscordofaforgottensketch at 439 McLeod to pummel your ears with volume. Papa Shango casts a charm at The Rainbow; Brock Zeman holds forth at Irene's; The Elmdale hosts Royal Ottawa with opener John Allaire.Jon Roy and Leah Flanagan play the Avant-Garde Bar.