Dazzling Dream Pop at the Pawnshop
Is it a dick move to go to a show with the intention of writing about it and then missing out entirely on the opening act? That said, no regrets for eating a PB & J burger at Next Act before heading over to the Pawnshop for the Royal Canoe show. I do wish I could have caught Edmonton's own, Doug Hoyer who kicked the night off.
Listening now to Doug's music on bandcamp, I feel like I missed out on a whimsical, bluegrass-y Smiths like set. The ladies in the bathroom all raved, saying his music had a fun 80's flare. I'll take their word for it. For now, I'm enjoying a song called, "Bulgogi Pizza,' which reminds me quite fondly of Steel Wheels.
I did arrive perfectly on time to witness Saskatoon's Close Talker take over. Close Talker are a charming group of dudes who so clearly love to be on stage. I'm sure it was helpful that tonight was lead singer, Will Quiring's birthday, so the band was in celebration mode. The excitement was easy to pick up on, as the group led us through several songs from their upcoming album, 'Flux' with pizazz.
There were moments I picked up hints of Kings of Leon in their sound; twangy and smooth, with just enough kick to keep everyone invested. Like going out to sneak a cigarette at grandma's house: homey and comfortable, but badass just the same.
One song in particular off the new album played with perky xylophone, creating a happy, sleepy vibe. Sadly, the vocals were a little low in the mix, and I couldn't appreciate the lyrics/vocal stylings as much as I would have preferred. Still, this song reminds me of something I would put on first thing in the morning to accompany my breakfast. Lovely, playful and uplifting.
Close Talker were brilliantly able to flow between dreamy jam sessions reminiscent of Vampire Weekend on valium and scratchy gang vocals that hyped the crowd.
They closed their set with a song that began kind of like something you would hear from Enya, but it morphed into everything good about the Gaslight Anthem, plus the ethereal Enya-like effects. It was really quite magical. The crowd was sold.
Maybe I'm slightly biased, being from Saskatchewan as well, but these guys are an amazing live band. I was enchanted from the get go. I could've handled a longer set.
The band is finishing up their tour through Western Canada through to mid October, and word on the street is that there'll be a vinyl album release party of sorts back in the homeland of Saskatoon in early December. Looking forward to hearing more from them.
Winnipeg's Royal Canoe snuck on stage quietly and dove head first into their quirky, artful set. There were sing and clap alongs early on as the band explored sandy shakers and group vocals.
The group lit up as they performed their single, 'Birthday,' which also has one of the strangest music videos I've ever seen. The song is innocently sexy, and pops with attitude just as the chorus hits. Impossible not to sway one's hips to this song.
The Juno Nominees move through sound fashionably, blending trippy sleigh bells and beautiful dolphinesque sonar echoes. There were many moments I was envisioning their music in a triumphant movie scene. Like a coming of age film that includes a young man majestically running through a field of wheat, or something.
'Bathtubs' was a tight enough performance that it could have been mistaken for record quality. A jazzy, sexy tidal wave that crashes into still more fun gang vocals.
As the night slowly waned, the group closed with a Dr. Dre inspired beat on the track, 'Button Fumbla' that noticeably had a few bootys shaking, including my own. With distorted vocals and 2 band members on percussion, it was a dynamic way to wind down. Slick, if you will.
I feel like Royal Canoe would be an excellent festival band, as their track record indicates, playing gigs such as the Oshega festival, as well as folk festivals across the country. Their show was sharp and it was awesome seeing them play after being blasted with their music on CBC Radio 3 all week. I'm all ready looking forward to seeing them live again. Maybe next time to a slightly more awake audience.
Currently on tour supporting their most recent album, 'Today We're Believers,' they'll be making their way through southern Alberta and onto the west coast in the coming days.
http://doughoyer.bandcamp.com
http://www.royalcanoe.com/believers/
