Painfully average. It pains me to say it, but there is no description more apt for the The Thermals first ever Canadian show.



Much to my surprise, the Portland band's clean punk sound grew tiresome as the night wore on, though the dedicated fans who crowded the stage probably digress. The set felt uninspired and the band looked almost bewildered, as though they had awoken from a dream and found themselves onstage.



Clad in keds and plaid, Hutch Harris’ distinct voice sounded great, and the rest of the band sounded remarkably similar to their recorded output. Even with the Media Club’s pristine sound, the urgency that defines The Thermals music failed to translate to a live setting, at least this evening. Coming across as a lesser Ted Leo/Pharmacists, the band ploughed through a set that drew from their three record catalogue, including a variety of songs from their critically acclaimed 2006 release The Body The Blood The Machine.



The show finally took on some momentum when the band launched into the great call to arms mission statement, “Our Trip”. Exuding confidence and contagious energy, the band inspired the crowd to respond in kind. Unfortunately, the night soon devolved into mediocrity, but the fleeting glimpse of greatness left me confident that, given an inclination to entertain, The Thermals are capable of realizing their potential.

Elsewhere

By Kevin Halpin
Photos : Kevin Halpin
Published : March, 2007.