Saturday, January 28, 2017

First in the fight

I rounded off last week's show-going with one of my frequent trips to Targ, for a show headlined by Swedish megafuzz combo Truckfighters. They're on tour with New York doom lords Kings Destroy, who were the main draw for me. Hogtown power trio Old James opened things up, and young local outfit The Aphelion provided a proggy twist to the proceedings. Here's Old James, and some bass action with frontman Brian (who along with brother Chris was in Ottawa metal combo Aggressor)!

Old James at House of Targ

Guitar action with Andy!

Old James at House of Targ

Rhythm section action with Brian and Chris!

Old James at House of Targ

Brian sings!

Old James at House of Targ

Extra Andy!

Old James at House of Targ

Elderly action!

Old James at House of Targ

Hair-tossing action!

Old James at House of Targ

Faceoff action!

Old James at House of Targ

More Chris!

Old James at House of Targ

The shouty bit!

Old James at House of Targ

Hirsute action!

Old James at House of Targ

And so on!

Old James at House of Targ

Shirtless action!

Old James at House of Targ

Even more Chris!

Old James at House of Targ

Gripping action!

Old James at House of Targ

The Aphelion made quite an impression. They're a young band (most had thou-shalt-not-drink exes on their hands), with a fondness for Strapping Young Lad style sonics. Here's some pointing action from singer Evan!

Aphelion at House of Targ

Keyboard action with James!

Aphelion at House of Targ

Bass action with Christian (this was his last show with the band).

Aphelion at House of Targ

More guitar with Tyler!

Aphelion at House of Targ

Evan sings!

Aphelion at House of Targ

Distant action!

Aphelion at House of Targ

Faceoff action!

Aphelion at House of Targ

Percussive action with Nate!

Aphelion at House of Targ

More James!

Aphelion at House of Targ

Even more Tyler!

Aphelion at House of Targ

They're an active lot.

Aphelion at House of Targ

Tyler sings!

Aphelion at House of Targ

Brooklynites Kings Destroy ripped it up next with some heavy sounds that reminded me a bit of Wool and Goatsnake. Here's some gripping action with singer Steve and guitarist Carl!

Kings Destroy at House of Targ

 On the left, bassist Aaron and guitarist Chris!

Kings Destroy at House of Targ

Rhythm section with Aaron and Rob!

Kings Destroy at House of Targ

Guitar-lifting action!

Kings Destroy at House of Targ

Rob hits!

Kings Destroy at House of Targ

More Chris and Aaron!

Kings Destroy at House of Targ

Even more Rob!

Kings Destroy at House of Targ

The shouty bit!

Kings Destroy at House of Targ

And so on!

Kings Destroy at House of Targ

More Carl!

Kings Destroy at House of Targ

Destructive action!

Kings Destroy at House of Targ

Truckfighters steamrollered the rest of the night with their desert-rock style buzz; I find their tunes a bit on the samey side, but the crowd was definitely super-hyped for their bouncy performance. Here's Ozo!

Truckfighters at House of Targ

Extra Ozo!

Truckfighters at House of Targ

Bass action with Dango!

Truckfighters at House of Targ

Aaron hits!

Truckfighters at House of Targ

Ozo bends!

Truckfighters at House of Targ

Dango sings!

Truckfighters at House of Targ

Rhythm section action!

Truckfighters at House of Targ

Running it about action!

Truckfighters at House of Targ

Take that, cymbal!

Truckfighters at House of Targ

A really good night for fans of the heavy.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Return to the roots

Last week I paid my annual visit to Irene's for a trio of roots-rocking acts. It was the debut performance for Hundred Pacer and the sophomore show from Chris Landry & The Seasick Mommas, but I dare say they aren't too many unfamiliar faces on stage. The usual suspects start with Chris, usually seen playing with The Glorious Moonrockets. For this more acoustic offering, he was joined by Stuart, his only Momma (for this set, anyway).

Chris Landry and The Seasick Mommas at Irene's

Momma action! Stu has also played with The Dusty Drifters and Train Jumpers.

Chris Landry and The Seasick Mommas at Irene's

Closeup action!

Chris Landry and The Seasick Mommas at Irene's

Extra steel!

Chris Landry and The Seasick Mommas at Irene's

More guitar!

Chris Landry and The Seasick Mommas at Irene's

Saint Clare was on stage next with some loud'n'rowdy Memphis-styled rock'n'roll. Here's some closeup action with frontman Matthew!

Saint Clare at Irene's

Bass'n'keyboard action with Ryan and Casey!

Saint Clare at Irene's

Some jumping about on the left from Morgan, Nick and Jeffrey!

Saint Clare at Irene's

More horns!

Saint Clare at Irene's

More Matthew!

Saint Clare at Irene's

Clapping action!

Saint Clare at Irene's

Daniel is stuck back there.

Saint Clare at Irene's

More guitar!

Saint Clare at Irene's

Extra Casey!

Saint Clare at Irene's

Ryan might be enjoying himself a bit too much.

Saint Clare at Irene's

Richard sings one!

Saint Clare at Irene's

Headliners Hundred Pacer are fronted by Rey, of John Henrys fame, and feature a couple of Pop Shove-Its in the lineup as well (and some Handsome Devils as well). Here's Sebastian on guitar, Rey singing and Kosta on drums.

Hundred Pacer at Irene's

Close-up action!

Hundred Pacer at Irene's

Singalong action!

Hundred Pacer at Irene's

Pop Shove-It, Handsome Devil and Chops & The Holicster Rob rounds out the quartet.

Hundred Pacer at 
Irene's
Extra Sebastian!

Hundred Pacer at Irene's

Kosta hits!

Hundred Pacer at Irene's

Guitar-lifting action!

Hundred Pacer at Irene's

Well-paced action!

Hundred Pacer at Irene's

Sebastian sings!

Hundred Pacer at Irene's

Extra Rob!

Hundred Pacer at Irene's

Faceoff action! Rey: "The photographers like it when we do that. We'll have to do it more often."

Hundred Pacer at Irene's

A super night out.