2004-12-21, Horseshoe Tavern - Toronto, ON

I didn't really think underwear and ska went together, but after tonight, I can say from experience that it can be pulled off.

The Pylons hosted their very own underwear ska party. They invited their fans to come to the show in their underwear and the band would play in their underwear as well. To be honest I was a little skeptic once I first hear the idea, but after attending the show I can say I had a good time, something that everyone in the audience should be able to say at the end of each show.

Pulling a stunt like this you really have to enjoy what you are doing, or I'd at least hope so, and that is was shown tonight. The band was having a really good time with it, and put on a stellar set. I enjoyed their newer material being it was my second time listening to some of it, and I guess it just set better with me. There was definitely more ska in this set than the last time I saw them, and it was top notch, as is to be expected from this band. I can't wait to finally get their CD and was hoping I'd be able to get it at this show. Dave said it will be done very, very soon. I suspect I'll be able to purchase it the next time I see these guys perform.

The Pylons (set 1)   The Pylons (set 2)  


Comments (14)

(Posted 2004-12-24)

2004-12-10, Shadow - Guelph, ON

It was Ska vs Emo, and Ska won (was there ever really any doubt?).

First one into battle was Ill Scarlett. Although they played a really good set, I didn't find it as good as the last show I saw them at, but it will be hard to compare any of their shows to that one as they played so well there. It is also harder to play a better set when your set length isn't as long. These guys were playing two shows tonight; they were off to Toronto to meet up with their sauga boys (Keepin6) CD release party. Ill Scarlett played a solid set to get the night going.

Next up were the two emo bands. It was time for me to head to the bar to get some drinks, and ended up talking to the lead singer/sax player of Catch 22 for the better part of an hour. Nice guy and enjoyed his company. The Reason played a really good set, and had great stage presence. These guys seems to be getting big.

Catch 22 put the nail in the emo coffin. This is my third time seeing Catch 22 within the past year and this was one of their better shows. Maybe that it was held in a smaller venue for a more intimate setting, but they played extremely well. The crowd was pumped for them, and the band seemed to feed off this energy. You just can't go wrong with Motown Cinderella, Keasbey Nights, 9mm and a 3 Piece Suit, Lamont's Lament...do I need to go on? The only way this night could have been more enjoyable would had there been another bigger ska band on the bill. This is my first time putting up two sets of pictures, but there was just so many good photo opportunities (being at the front always helps that).

Ill Scarlett   Catch 22 (set 1)   Catch 22 (set 2)  


Comments (11)

(Posted 2004-12-12)

2004-12-03, Albert McCormick Centre - Waterloo, ON

So I finally went to another show in Waterloo. It was only my 5th show, which is pretty lacking considering I've been in the Waterloo region on and off for 4 years now.

I was there specifically for the only ska band on the bill, but was hoping I'd hear something decent from the 519 area. Thankfully I did. Two Liner put on a really good set (unfortunately I didn't take pictures). They had people from the crowd up on stage dancing with the band and signing along. I'd love to hear a cd of these guys when they put one out.

Pretty Big Plunger went on next. They are a religious ska band from Guelph, and I've heard good things about them. They have a very similar sound to Five Iron Frenzy and OC Supertones (two other Christian ska bands). The sound at the venue wasn't that great, so it was hard to judge how good the band was. They seemed decent, but I'd have to hear them again before making a better judgement. From what I heard, I liked the horns, the bass player was really into it, the drummer did a great job of playing and signing at the same time. One thing that did stand out negatively was the back up vocals by the trombone players seemed a bit weak, but again, that just could have been the sound at the venue.

Pretty Big Plunger  


Comments (6)

(Posted 2004-12-11)