Ra Ra Riot @ Lee’s – March 6, 2013

Contest: Bravestation @ The Drake – May 15, 2013

As part of the J.D Original series, thanks to our pals at Live Nation, we have a pair of tickets to give-a-way to Bravestation live at the Drake Hotel on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.

// BRAVESTATION combine the ambient textures and spaced-out guitars of New Wave with colourful harmonies and tribal percussion to achieve a sound both immediately familiar and new. Or, as Flavorpill put it, “if Foals moved to Canada and joined Wolf Parade, they might sound something like Bravestation, boasting flawless vocal harmonies and genre-bending melodies.”

This is a 19+ Show.

To enter please email aviva@singinglamb.ca with your name in the body and “I want to see Bravestation” in the subject line.

Contest closes Wednesday, May 15 at noon.

Caitlin Rose @ The Garrison – April 5, 2013

I visited Nashville a few months ago, and it’s no cliché to say that music oozes from that city’s proverbial pores. Nashville’s Caitlin Rose (originally from Dallas, TX), proved her natural talent at The Garrison – at 25 years old, Rose has a classic old country voice that some have compared to Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline.

In support of her recently released album, The Stand-In, the set began with album opener, “No One To Call.” Wearing a black and white polka dot dress and comfortable-looking cardigan, Rose was backed by a four-piece all-male band. The backing band included Andrew Combs, who was also the supporting act.

While either playing guitar or tambourine on most songs, it was evident that Rose’s powerful vocals were front and centre. Though The Stand-In on record sounds produced and glossy, Rose and her band brought a lively warmness to the songs in a live setting, namely “Waitin’,” “Menagerie” and “Only A Clown.” A pedal steel in the band also helped to ensure the sound of country music authenticity. Sadly, “Old Numbers,” my personal favourite off The Stand-In, didn’t sound quite its jazzy/country self without the horns that appear on the album.

The audience at the Garrison seemed enthusiastic in their applause for Rose after each song, but unfortunately seemed strangely less generous in responses to Rose’s attempts at banter between songs. This seemed to irk Rose after repeated tries to interact with the audience while introducing her songs. I couldn’t help but wonder what a Nashville crowd would be like in comparison to this hot-and-cold Toronto audience.

Still though, Rose and co. went on to play about an hour-long set that included a rousing Buck Owens cover, “I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail” and lovely swooning torch song, “For the Rabbits” (which has, “absolutely nothing to do with rabbits,” Rose admitted when introducing the song) from Own Side Now.

Closing the set with “Shanghai Cigarettes,” Rose seemed surprised to return to the stage after shouts of “One more song!” from the audience. Sans band and only using a tambourine to keep time, she sang “T-Shirt” about a well-loved t-shirt she gave to an old boyfriend and couldn’t get back after the breakup. Though shaky at first because she couldn’t quite remember the lyrics and exact rhythm, Rose eventually got it.

Watch this: “Waiting” by Program

“I thought I’d hide, from the world today” is the opening lyric of Program’s debut album. It’s also a bit of a mantra. Which is probably why it’s taken them three years to emerge from their home studio. But before you hear where they are going, the band wanted you to know from where they came.

Under their previous name – Volcano Playground – they recorded an EP that never felt right, and so it didn’t get the release that it (probably) deserved.

Produced by Toronto producer David Newfeld (Broken Social Scene), Program will release “Waiting” on a 7-inch split with Grounders.

Listen to “Waiting” via Bandcamp.