But Wentworth Perk? On Tuesday, September 6th, The M-League hits the coffeehouse as they begin a trek to Newfoundland. Armed with a acoustic guitars instead of blaring guitar amps, the band strips down their sound and showcases the heart between all those loud anthems. As seen in YouTube videos for “Head Above the Water” and the Shawn Chiasson sung “Big Times“, the songs lend themselves quite well to the quieter format.
The band, which is ready to drop a new album Acknowledge Acknowledge, is supporting the first single “Good Men” which also acts as a fundraiser for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. And, fittingly, the b-side features an acoustic version of fan favorite “Hymn for the Newly Departed”.
Another band that is no stranger to Sydney is Windsor ON’s Orphan Choir. The band, which will be pulling double duty as they hit both Caper Radio and The Upstairs Club on Friday, has been playing shows in Sydney for more than five years and have been longtime friends with members of The Tom Fun Orchestra, Horses, Hash Jesus, and many others.
It’s been a long time since their roots in venues like Steelworkers Hall, playing their hybrid of rootsy rock and punk to young people who are now old enough to hit the bars. The band had a stellar performance in 2007 at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre alongside Greg MacPherson, while they have also hit the stage at Governors Pub and The Upstairs Club alongside local rockers Static in Action, Carmen Townsend, and The Roots and Rhythm Remain.
Friday night’s show will have them accompanied by tourmates James O-L and the Villains, a folkier act that shares members between the bands. Also performing are Ladyslippers, whose music can be heard via Reverbnation, and my own band The High Tide, performing as a five piece indie rock band for the first time. Show starts very close to 10pm and will be a rocker to remember.
Over at Governors Pub, the weekend kicks off Thursday as Montreal’s The Jimmyriggers hit the little room. The alt-country band, which borrows influence from everyone from Dylan to Blue Rodeo to Wilco, is currently touring the east coast with stops also in Moncton, Charlottetown, and Halifax.
Friday night sees EMI recording artist Morgan Cameron Ross roll into the Pub alongside Halifax’s Young River. With his album hitting stores this past May, the former frontman of Toronto’s Birds of Wales has been getting comfortable in his new role as a solo artist. Saturday night sees Toronto’s Selina Martin roll in alongside fiery local songstress Carmen Townsend. The pair is likely to blow minds and the roof off.
Sunday night ends the summer by finding another way to blow the roof off Governors. With Static in Action, Ricochet, and Sons of Nebadon hosting a rare loud night at the pub, you know it’s going to be a messy, alcohol fueled night. With the holiday the next day, the boys are ready to get on ‘er and take everyone down with them.
Saturday also sees a rare show at Dominion’s The Sandbar. Psychedelic folk/indie trio Rebecca’s Room play a show closer to their New Waterford homes as they take the stage to expand the minds of the uninitiated crowd. The band has been a highlight of 2011 thus far, and I am pleased to be able to see them yet again in a new venue.
Track of the Week: Bleed Red by Sons of Nebadon. The five-piece thrashy metal outfit from Glace Bay has been rocking crowds for a little over a year now. This tune, a scrappy demo recorded over a year ago, is a staple of their live sets and always gets some heads bangin’. I dig the lead work from guitarists Chad and Mike while drummer Kenzie Coombs (ex-Jah Prophets, Taunted Youth) keeps the tempo quick and driving. Check them out Sunday at Governors.
