I’m sure it’s happened to you… you open the refrigerator and get a whiff of leftovers you’ve forgotten about. Some you lament over because the meal was delicious and you really should have done it justice by finishing it. And others… well you wonder why you took them home anyway.
Same goes for the Chart Attack Showcase, waaaay back on March 14 during Canadian Music Week. As we move into summer– the season of concerts and parties, I’m duly noting some of these Chart Attack Showcase bands which will likely be featured at some festival, bar or club in the city. To go or not to go?
Two Hours Traffic
Two Hours Traffic
These PEI musicians play music that is cheerful, upbeat and catchy. Simple melodies, riffs and choruses that will always get the crowd singing along. This band is one to see if you want to relax and hang out with friends, have a few cold beers and have good Canadian rock to bop your head to. Latest album, Little Jabs, was once again produced by the ever growing Canadian icon, Joel Plaskett. They played a solid set, definitely a pleasant discovery during CMW. Rating: 4/5
Golden Dogs
The Golden Dogs
Fronted by husband and wife duo, Dave Azzolini and Jessica Grassia, they played a relatively decent show in front of an audience that had waited through a gazillion band set to see them play. Following Two Hours Traffic, their sound didn’t seem as polished or well put together. While they played crowd pleasers such as, “Construction Worker”, I think I was satisfied after the second song. Lost in the muddle were the catchy hooks that you pick up on in their recorded music. Worth catching? Yes, I think good enough that you ought to give them a try. Rating 3.5/5
Hexes and Ohs
Hexes and Ohs
With a lot of hype following this sweet heart duo now located in Montreal, their blend of rock, electro synth pop has got everyone talking. I saw a lot of bands I wanted to see during CMW, but they were one I was really looking forward to. Their music is cute, poppy, and on the brink of nerd-dom. A soft spot in my heart? Yes, I dare say it is. I stood in front of the stage ready to dance, but instead stood baffled, lost in the sound that they were trying to reproduce from their album. I was disappointed and shocked by their performance. While I appreciate their music and the sound they’re going for, I can’t say they’ve made it up to quite the same level in their live shows. At least the live show I saw. I’m sure over time, the transition from recorded music to live stage will become more smooth and we’ll see more of the Hexes and Ohs flair that we hear in their album. Rating 2.5/5
