Great Bloomers @ Trash Palace
Many people tell me that they’re not used to afternoon gigs but I love them. Maybe that’s also because I’m rarely hung-over when I attend them. Either way, I’ve had my fair share of afternoon shows, to say the least (Singing Lamb launch party, anyone?). Sometimes it just feels good to be basking in the fresh air and the sunshine before noon on a Saturday. (Side note: this was not one of those days – I felt like hell)
Regardless of how I physically felt though, nothing was going to overshadow the amount of excitement I had for this CMW showcase, put together by No Shame’s Lauren Schreiber and MuseBox’s Bobby Kimberley, featuring The Rural Alberta Advantage, Dinosaur Bones, Great Bloomers and Peachcake. Being somewhat familiar with the whole roster, I knew this was going to be an action-packed afternoon.
I had never been to the Trash Palace before but I was familiar with the area so I thought it would’ve been easy to find…guess not. Hidden in a rather quaint and unlikely neighbourhood just off King and Bathurst, tracking down the actual location and entrance took quite a bit of time but once you leap over that frustrating hurdle, the rest is smooth sailing.
The venue itself is small and intimate, and was quite unique to explore and observe upon walking in. The walls were plastered with classic movie posters and its dark, garage atmosphere is authentic and fun. It feels like a friend’s basement that you’d use to hang out in during the high school years. Even if you haven’t experienced such an environment, the nostalgia was overwhelming. The tiny snack bar off to the side, next to the small set up for band merchandise especially warmed my heart for some reason. Who needs Cineplex theatres when you have gems like the Trash Palace? Also, on a side note – how good does it feel to be at a show that served hot dogs and popcorn? I believe that should be mandatory at shows from now on; you hear me, Lee’s?
When I walked in, I immediately noticed the bizarre set up: a bright, rainbow feather boa slung around a microphone stand and stuffed animals scattered around – I was scared. Arizona’s Peachcake was up first and surely enough, those props were used. Clearly filled with liveliness, the boys of Peachcake unabashedly blasted out song after song at the audience, frequently joining the audience in attempt to spread the infectious energy. Pulling out all the tricks, from a “mirror-dancing” game to having everyone dance under a blanket, Peachcake can unquestionably put on a party. Their actual music though was not nearly up to par with their showmanship. Easily forgettable in comparison, it’s not that they are a terrible band; it’s just hard to focus on their entertaining, electro-dance rock while running around and dancing with lead singer, Stefan Pruett.
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/peachcake
Next up was Toronto’s Great Bloomers. All the members were dapperly dressed in button up shirts but that wasn’t the only thing that was coherent and appealing about them. Great Bloomers left quite a fantastic impression on me with their catchy, roots-pop rock tunes. These guys know how to put on a solid set and their blend of genres is a breath of fresh air to the music scene. If you didn’t catch them at the Trash Palace, catch them at their CD release show at the Horseshoe On May 2nd, along with Gavin Gardiner and Modernboys Moderngirls. Their new full-length, entitled Speak of Trouble will be released on April 21st. I also suggest you peruse their MySpace now and listen to “The Young Ones Slept” – a fun and catchy tune that exemplifies the band’s unique rock sound and makes me more and more excited for the new record every time I listen to it!
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/greatbloomers
This was my first time seeing local favourites, Dinosaur Bones and after watching their set, I have a feeling that this may be one of the last times we’d see these pop-rockers play such a small venue. Like Great Bloomers, Dinosaur Bones fuses exciting, youthful pop with flourishing melodies and at times, a haunting and beautiful darkness. There’s a sense of familiarity when I listen to them but at the same time, it’s like nothing I’ve heard before. Give “NYE” and “Royalty” a listen and you’ll know what I mean. It may not be as intimate as the Trash Palace, but if you want to catch Dinosaur Bones play, they will be at Lee’s Palace tomorrow night with Still Life Still, Oh No Forest Fires, and Arietta or at this year’s Edgefest (June 20th). See, already onto bigger venues.
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dinosaurbonesband
I’m not going to lie, I may have been fairly familiar with all the acts on the bill, but I was there for The Rural Alberta Advantage; and they didn’t disappoint. An RAA show will always consist of fun, intensity and consistency. Paul Banwatt’s drumming is among the best I’ve ever heard and provides the heartbeat of which the band builds upon. Vocalist, keyboardist and percussionist, Amy Cole adds a whole other dimension to the music with an endearing voice and highly energetic persona. And of course, lead singer Nils Edenloff’s powerful voice is sure to make an impact on the audience with every lyric he sings; together, they create some of today’s most strikingly beautiful indie-pop. This local band is one of the city’s best live acts and is my top recommendation of CMW. I even remember talking to a friend afterwards and she said that she was holding back tears during their encore performance of the oxymoronic tune, “Goodnight”. That’s right, they induce joy, dance and tears.
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theraa
