NICO'S WORLD

Just a guy capturing lowfi scenes from the Sudbury punk scene. 

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I’ve looked forward to this show for a while. Fashionism is a rock-n-roll/punk band from Vancouver that knows how to write a catchy tune or two. The vocalist is from Tranzmitors (who played here in 2010 or 2011 and also put on a good show then) so I had high expectations for this set. Great energy, catchy hooks and good vocals. That gets a hell yeah from me.

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If you attended shows in Sudbury during the early 2000s, you would have likely been to a few shows at the Games Room in Downtown Sudbury. Lots of bands passed through the dingy arcade on their way to other towns across Canada. Shows that stand out in my memory are Strung Out, Snapcase, Buried Inside, Fifth Hour Hero but there were many more. Here’s Arkata playing a song from their second album (pre-release) on a cold wintery day in 2002. 

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From the same show as the previous Pinstriped footage, here’s Freestyle playing live at the Mine Mill Hall in Sudbury, 1998 (or 1997). Freestyle was a skate punk band from Sudbury with Charlie Berger on vocals, Jer Quinlan on guitar, Rob Polifroni on 2nd guitar,  Trevor Marsolais on drums and Paolo Simonato on bass.

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Last night I attended the Townehouse Tavern’s Calendar Show exhibit where they’ve put every monthly gig calendar since 1993 on display and it reminded me of how many great shows there have been in Sudbury over the years. It also reminded me that I still had a few tapes left in the chamber back at home to digitize. I dug up this old show footage from Pinstriped live at Mine Mill Hall, Sudbury 1998(or 1997). Pinstriped were a newschool/skate punk band from the 90s with Jay Boudreault on bass, Jer Quinlan on guitar, Andre Pelletier on bass (if I remember correctly), Kevin Frasier on vocals and Matt Lipartiti on drums. 

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Heavy grooves, baggy shirts and grungy riffs. I had never heard of Dilly Dally before last night but when I first heard them it reminded me of a more aggressive version of the Pixies. Then I saw them at Up Here and it got me groovin’ and feeling like it was 1994. I liked what I heard. It was unique and well presented and is a welcomed sound for 2016.

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Tommy and the Commies’ first show was in an alleyway with a bar and beach balls. Need I say more? Tom and Curt brought the rock and the Houles brought the roll. Together, they’ve created a monster of riffin’ Jam-esque tunes with enough bite to leave your head spinning. Here’s #1 of 3 videos I was able to capture. 

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Statues returned from a four year hiatus to play a set for Up Here and I couldn’t have been any happier. No matter how long it has been, good songs just don’t go out of style. The Grand was packed and people wanted more. It was great to see the trio back together again and I can only hope that there is more to come. I couldn’t help but think of all the things I’ve learned from them over the years: be nice, have fun, be respectful, load out your equipment quickly, don’t waste anyone’s time, don’t be a rockstar douchebag, and most importantly, have another beer if you’re feeling hung over.

Welcome back, gents!

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Up Here 2016

I had a blast at this year’s Up Here festival. There were so many good groups ranging from ambient, dance-y electro-nintendo, grunge, classical, punk and more. The concept behind the festival is to experience something new—a new band, a new alleyway, a new artist, new food and new drinks. Indulge is exactly what I did. Checked out a bunch of new bands, met new people and saw our city anew.

I'll be posting a bunch of videos I've taken over the last few days in the coming days so keep checkin' back.

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No Warning are one of my favourite hardcore bands ever. From the moment I first heard their Self-Titled it changed everything for me. It had the rawness of punk, breaks and grooves that could compete with any good NYHC band (but better), and the anger that any alienated high school would crave. Best of all, they’re from Toronto which made it all the more relatable for Canadian kids like us. I have no idea how I managed to not see them live prior to their 10 or so year hiatus, but I definitely needed to seize the opportunity to see them last weekend at their first show in Toronto in a super long time. 

Saw a whole bunch of people I haven’t seen in a decade and it felt like a bit of a time warp... but NW’s set had a whole lot of feelin’ boy.

Apologies for the off-and-on blurring. My camera was wiggin’ out on the smoke machine and shitty lighting. Enjoy the party footage!

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Ultra Violence Ray were one of my favourite local bands. They put out several great releases over a span of 5 or so years. This was their demo in tape format. The band had a unique approach to punk rock and the musicianship was obvious.

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Shackled Down was a hardcore punk band from Sudbury. Their 2005 demo was their sole release. Here is a rip of that tape.

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Statues were such an awesome band. No really. Every album they put out was great and they were always a blast to watch. Considering we’re now in 2016, and it’s all about the new, I figured I’d amp up the volume and bring back some old stuff to give my new year a kick in the ass.

Here they are playing Shipping News from their album New People Make Us Nervous at the Townehouse Tavern in Sudbury circa 2011.

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From the Nico’s World archives we find a live jam from The Shire, formerly known as Oneshot, live from Memorial Park in Downtown Sudbury circa 2000-2001. This hippyesque arts event was called “Revive” and featured a few different bands and a bunch of artisan stands and tables from local artists.

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As They Fall were a straight-edge hardcore band from Jonquière, Québec in the early 2000s. Here is a clip of theme playing in Gatineau in 2003.