Solids and liquids

A couple of days ago I was record-shopping at Birdman Sound (note: I can say this most days of the week) and ran into Dave Reford of Castor and The Band Whose Name Is A Symbol. He told me that the Valiha Experimental Orchestra - Castor's less-electric twin, let's say - was putting on a show at the National Gallery of Canada Thursday. They don't play often, in fact I don't think I've ever seen them live, so this was obviously a don't miss for me. Also, who could ask for a nicer day for an outdoors show?


Valiha Experimental Orchestra at the National Gallery of Canada, July 19, 2012

There were plenty of youngsters on hand to chip in on the visual side with some interactive chalk drawing. Also, a very tiny saxophone.


Valiha Experimental Orchestra at the National Gallery of Canada, July 19, 2012

I'd guess there were a good 70 or 80 people there to enjoy the mellow sounds and Malagasayfied blues tunes.


Valiha Experimental Orchestra at the National Gallery of Canada, July 19, 2012

For those into less mellow sounds, there was a show at Cafe DeKcuf, featuring sets from Solids - back in town after their fine Ottawa Explosion set last night, Pregnancy Scares (they didn't leave town, but they also played at the Explosion) and Milk Music. First up, Solids, whose rhythmic churn sounded a lot more postpunk to my ears this time around.


Solids at Cafe DeKcuf, July 19, 2012

It was a pretty powerful set.


Solids at Cafe DeKcuf, July 19, 2012 

Next up, Pregnancy Scares. This set wasn't as wild as their Explosion performance, but it was still pretty hot.


Pregnancy Scares at Cafe DeKcuf, July 19, 2012

Craig sings!


Pregnancy Scares at Cafe DeKcuf, July 19, 2012 

Milk Music wrapped things up. Their noodling lead guitars made me think of a punkier Ladyhawke., with some Mudhoney thrown in.There was also much shaking of hair.


Milk Music at Cafe DeKcuf, July 19, 2012

More guitar!


Milk Music at Cafe DeKcuf, July 19, 2012 

If they hadn't already sold out of their merch, I would have bought a record.

• Show reminder: Corey Isenor and Winchester Warm perform at Raw Sugar; Dead Weights, Benevenstanciano, Landslider, and a "Mystery Band" (or maybe that's their name?) play 558 Gladstone Ave. Cetascean, Lost Youth, Spilt Guts, Stuck In A Hole perform at Assholehaus (a.k.a. 297 Powell); Skullians, Brain Damage, Iq32, The Machetes and Murder State play Cafe Dekcuf; downstairs, Skeletonwitch, Barn Burner, Loviatar and Rainbow Pony Power destroy Mavericks; Moira Darling, The Revenge of Johnny Skyline, Thought Project, Brainhunter are at the Daily Grind on Somerset; Daylight For Deadeyes are at Zaphod's; The Sinners get sinnin' at Irene's; the Elmdale hosts hotly tipped combo The Bruitals and The Powergoats.