Seven Year Old Poets were on stage when I arrived. A smart-looking bunch, they play tunes that are apt indeed, though as I thought before, I regret to say I think they will remain a small bar band for their existence. They make an excellent opening band though, that's for sure. One of the fellows in the band jovially exclaimed between songs at one point, "I'm so excited I kicked out my plug!" Hahah.





While watching these guys play, one of the members of Sweetheart approached and informed me that they were perhaps treated a little too well at their show (all the bands here tonight except Elias had played the night before as well) in Nanaimo the night before. They were given enormous amounts of beer for playing - though it was an inexpensive brand and was all just on-tap. Result? A lot of seriously loaded band members and vicious ill-feeling hangovers the following morning. And daytime. And perhaps even nighttime! Wheee.











Okay so on with the show. Next in line was Elias, whose album we've loved and reviewed here at Cord. I believe this may in fact have been the first time seeing them live. And I was absolutely impressed. I was standing behind the speakers for most of the set, so there's a good chance I missed out on some of the sonic nuances, but performance-wise, they were great - mobile, not over the top, very fitting. The intensity of the singer when he was at the keyboards was engaging. Soft and beautiful, soaring vocals, indie charm. The audience was enraptured too. It became clear the majority of those in attendance were there for this band. The entire room was packed right up to the front for this set, after which they quickly departed again. I must apologize to their drummer as well, who was trying to indicate to me while he was drumming that he wanted some paper towels to wipe the sweat from his face. I had no idea what he meant and thought he was indicating something to do with the amp behind him. Oops. Someone else figured it out and rescued him though.









After Elias had cleared the stage, Sweetheart took over. Perennially fun, jumpy and active, this is the band to really get the night hopping. Okay so maybe they didn't have quite as many people crammed in front of them, but all that did was give the rest of the crowd room to dance like idiots (to varying degrees... hah) along with the band. The guys themselves are complete cut-ups. Along with their matching checkered ties and kicks, they bounce and jive about like a Saturday morning aerobics program. One of the boys from the Sessions came up to air guitar at Sweetheart's singer for a while, and repeatedly, they threw their hearts in the air, inviting the crowd to do the same. They just make little heart shapes with their hands and hold them aloft (see one of the photos below - the drummer is peeking out from the side making this gesture). It's like the Carebear stare... facing down crappy unfun music everywhere, or something like that. Their bass player is particularly energetic, throwing wild faces and hopping around and charging the front of the stage, nearly taking out everything in sight with the headstock of his bass. Can't discount the drummer either - when you can see him behind the hand-throwing singer, you can see he's hugely animated. Definitely one for the new hipster crowd, kids.











Closing the night - wow it's getting late here for a midweek - is The Sessions. We've come across these boys a few times before, beginning with last year's New Music West. Since then they've cropped up at a few shows, including the FMA fashion event last fall. I'm still startled by how much it looks like the members of this band should be split into two different bands. There's the singer and drummer who have their short cropped hair and regular-guy appearance, and then there's the bassist and guitarist who have all the floppy, black-swoopy-haired coolkid vibes. Weird, how did this even happen? Anyhow, they also play a brand of music closer to Sweetheart than the other bands on the bill, though even moreso. Quite keyboard and loop-laden, they chime and dance their way through a loud set of tunes that could easily have been a hit at Library Square or Century House or wherever all the Chuck-wearing kids hang out these days. Zero complaints with this set, though I did have to leave a bit earlier than they finished. grand stuff though, also playing host to a string of peculiar dancers out front. i still say keep an eye out for these boys - they seem like they can only be destined for a lot of great things. You're gonna want to say you knew them 'back when' at some point in the future. Gallery time!

Elsewhere

By Andy Scheffler
Photos : Andy Scheffler
Published : March, 2007.