Show Overview: Wildlife @ Michael's Bar & Grill - Friday, March 30 2012
Words & Video by Dan NightingalePhotos by Tiffany Naugler
WILDLIFE
with special guests Teenage Kicks, Glory Glory & Writers' Strike
Michael's Bar and Grill
Friday, March 30 - 10pm
http://www.wildlifemusic.ca/
http://teenagekicksteenagekicks.com/wordpress/
http://www.ggmu.org/
http://writersstrike.bandcamp.com/
Writer's Strike were a last minute addition to the bill (and I guess 4 bands for $17 is a little more bang for you buck than 3). Though they arrived sans their usual signage and props, their infectious, melodic pop tunes still caught the ear. Despite mirroring the headliner's setup quite closely with synths, guitars, and many part vocals, Writer's Strike dispense a uniquely maritime flavored version of pop rock that's distinct but hard to quantify.
Halifax's own Glory Glory wooed the crowd with their usual syrupy, pleasing pop tunes. The band was as tight and enjoyable as ever, though their set is still populated mostly by Zombies!!! era tunes - it would be great to hear some new ideas from these guys, especially given their prowess with both instruments and vocals.
Teenage Kicks, hailing from Toronto, showcased an unabashed love for classic rock, with a wild, tamborine shaking front man, and straight time no nonsense drumming. Scattered vocal harmonies added flavour to otherwise uncomplicated rock and roll tunes. Of course, it's often that case that opening bands are chosen so as not to show up the headliners, so Teenage Kicks served as a nice warm up to headliners Wildlife.
The band kicked off with an energy building swell of synthesizers, guitars, and a run amok drummer, tapping on walls, floors, speakers, and eventually the drum kit, as the band launched in to their frantic, rich indie rock tunes. With an unabashed upper-Canadian sound inspired by the likes of the Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade, Wildlife delivered the expected dance floor movements combined with thick layered sound and smart, catchy songwriting.
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