Canadian Music Week bands – making their mark
Jason Collet, Zues and the Bahamas
This unique collaboration project features three bands that help write songs for each other. They join forces with their counterparts to create a sound that is refreshing and a very different experience for the average concert-goer. At Canadian Music week they played Lees Palace, which starts them on their tour across Canada and they just recently made a stop in London Ontario at Call the Office.
The Treasures
This new Canadian country band is one to look out for as they played a well-crafted set at The Silver Dollar on the Wednesday of Music Week. They originate from right here in Ontario and have a fun time doing what they do best — singing their hearts out — and they are very upbeat. They have a rock edge to them, which makes them a fun live act as they write their songs to ensure they're laced with thick harmonies and smokey steel lines.
We Are The City
We Are The City is three-piece progressive rock act hailing from British Columbia. This Coldplay- and Muse-inspired band know how to really blend orchestra-style storytelling and rock lullabies together, which creates something that sounds somewhat new when you first listen to them. Their songs have a sense of nostalgia of blue summer skies and jamming with friends at night. If you're looking for something to add to your Ipod playlist, this is it. They took over the famous El Mocambo (Mick Jagger played there) on Spadina Avenue during Music Week. They were also featured on CBC Radio 3's website recently too, so this currently unsigned band could make it big as they have gone onto play numerous local shows, record in a professional studio, and get positive recognition from both audiences and professionals alike.
Calgary has its share of good solid bands and they can add another one to the list. With the mixture of ska riffs and emotional stories, these Dudes literally can rock any space. They are a barrel of laughs and have the style of Motion City Soundtrack but are more vibrant and address those awkward situations that we avoid talking about such as liking your best friend's girl. It just feels like they've been there, done that, and with that type of experience, you know you're in for a treat. They played the Horseshoe Tavern on the Thursday with great presence and had a blast on stage.
Jets Overhead
Alan Cross asked recently, “Why is no one talking about these guys?” It seems that bands from British Columbia are making their mark and for Jets Overhead they are making an impact on the music scene as one of the most respected and hard-working ensembles around. They combine synth and edgy bass to forge an easy listening groove not unlike Metric and Radiohead. When I heard these guys at the Horse Shoe Tavern, I just had to buy their new disc No Nations. They really hit chords within their lyrics as they create a metro underground feeling that you will be addicted to.
Melissa Auf der Maur
Montreal legend Melissa Auf der Maur, who has been in bands such as Hole and Smashing Pumpkins, is just releasing her second solo studio album. She made an appearance at The Horse Shoe and really got the evening going with her Joan Jett style of bass playing; you could feel it in your soul. If you're looking for a new rock anthem or something to go along with your collection of progressive rock then you have come to the right place.
They have been busy getting signed onto labels, recording new songs, and hiring new bassists. With their new outlook on their work, they are back on track to bring a powerful sound to the stage as they took control of the Horse Shoe after Auf der Maur. They surprised everyone with their sound. If you have never heard them you're actually missing out on a lot of with what this band has to offer. Check out Future Breeds in July.
