Friday, May 27, 2016

Frozen farewell

One of the highlights of the local music scene a few years ago was heavy post-rockers Alaskan. The last time I caught them live was back in 2013 at the Dominion Tavern; they released an album earlier in 2014 (Despair, Erosion, Loss) and that was the last I heard of them until they decided to call it a day. They played a trio of shows, starting in Toronto, heading to Montreal then back to Ottawa for one final hurrah, sharing a stage with Swarm of Spheres, Biipiigwan and New York's Black Table. Swarm of Spheres started things up just as I was sitting down to an order of perogies, so I only got to shoot for their last couple of songs. Here's Mark on drums!

Swarm of Spheres at House of Targ

Guitar action with Jay!

Swarm of Spheres at House of Targ

Bass action with Andrew!

Swarm of Spheres at House of Targ

Extra Jay!

Swarm of Spheres at House of Targ

Mark confronts his snare drum!

Swarm of Spheres at House of Targ
This was my first encounter with Black Table; they fit in quite well with Alaskan's esthetic, bringing some blackened touches, post rock and experimental metal sounds to the stage. Here's guitarist DJ Scully (and a fuzzy drummer Mike Kadnar in the background).

Black Table at House of Targ

Mike hits!

Black Table at House of Targ

Since bassist DJ Scully was in constant motion, most of my photos of him look like this:

Black Table at House of Targ

Guitar action with vocalist Mers Sumida!

Black Table at House of Targ

Extra Scully!

Black Table at House of Targ

More Mers!

Black Table at House of Targ

Mike hits some more!

Black Table at House of Targ

Mers sings!

Black Table at House of Targ

DJ sings!

Black Table at House of Targ

Extra Ryan!

Black Table at House of Targ

Tapping shirtless action!

Black Table at House of Targ

Last time I saw Biipiigwan was at the late, lamented Daily Grind; as always there's been a bit of a lineup switch since then. Here's mainstay Musky shouting a bit - he's switched over to bass.

Biipiigwan at House of Targ

Guitar action with Matt!

Biipiigwan at House of Targ

Mark hits!

Biipiigwan at House of Targ

Close-up action!

Biipiigwan at House of Targ

Mark sings!

Biipiigwan at House of Targ

Sean sings!

Biipiigwan at House of Targ

And so on!

Biipiigwan at House of Targ

Alaskan played a fine set; it wasn't the classic lineup; Deniz, Gary's partner in They Grieve, manned the kit. Here's Cory, filling out the trio on bass.

Alaskan at House of Targ

Gary sings!

Alaskan at House of Targ

Shirtless action with Deniz!

Alaskan at House of Targ

Extra Gary!

Alaskan at House of Targ

A shouty bit!

Alaskan at House of Targ

Deniz hits!

Alaskan at House of Targ

And so on!

Alaskan at House of Targ

The show was also a benefit for The Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women and raised $500 for the cause.

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