Before we get into this post, I wanted to send our condolences out to the family, friends, and fans of Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie, who died last night after a 2 year fight with brain cancer at the age of 53. Though not a hard rock band, The Hip are a massive influence on numerous local musicians of multiple generations, with songs like "New Orleans Is Sinking" and "Blow at High Dough" showcasing their edgier side. Those and many others display Gord's unique singing voice and well thought out lyrics, many with heavy Canadian references, including a Soo reference in their song "Born in the Water". Local fans will surely remember The Tragically Hip's past concerts in Sault Ste. Marie, including Essar Center shows in 2007 & 2013, as well as at Algoma University's former library back in 1990, and at Sault Memorial Gardens in 1995, while many will fondly recall last summer's farewell show in Kingston from it's local screening parties.Gord and The Tragically Hip are Canadian icons, and while they haven't gotten the radio play that they get in other markets here (at least Rock 101 airs some of their songs now), their impact and influence is ever present, from covers from bands like The Din, Griphook, and Caveman Morrison, to the Little Bones tribute concert here last month, and of course beyond across Canada. R.I.P. Gord, your music, activism, and presence will all be missed! As for today's post, we have a new video, a surprise band breakup, and first, a LOCAL CONCERT ALERT for next month!
Local blues/hard rock trio Electric Church will be one of the opening bands when indie rock quartet K.I.C.K. headline their long awaited CD release concert on Saturday, November 18th at LopLops Lounge! As first announced last week, this will see the Keep It Cool Kids finally launch their debut album to their loyal fans in exactly one month's time, so definitely follow K.I.C.K.'s online pages for continuing details on the album, and click here to check out the music video for their song "Silently Screaming" (directed by former Gnaeus drummer Brendan Garlick!) This will be Electric Church's first announced show since the Sault College reunion event last month, while they'll be joined on the bill by folk/country duo The Crossroad Magdalenes, in the first time we've covered a show of theirs (talented group for their genres!) Crank Sound Distribution will be on hand to provide sound for the release show, which has a 9:00 PM start time, $10 cover charge and a 19+ age limit.This should be a fun time for fans of K.I.C.K.'s smooth blend of indie rock originals, with a dash of hard rock from Electric Church for good measure, so check the above links for current details on this anticipated release show, and early congratulations to K.I.C.K. on the impending release!
Also, we have some very surprising news, as local classic metal quartet Project 421 appear to have announced their breakup. In a lengthy post on their Facebook page on Sunday, singer/guitarist Blair Burch noted that "life has... been pulling us all in different directions" for the past year, "and it has come to a time where we must go our separate ways", also noting that he wants to "leave happy with what we've accomplished." The post also features his reflections on Project 421's run and accomplishments since debuting in late 2013, stating that "I would never change the last 4 years for anything", and he thanked bandmates, other local bands, promoters, and fans for making everything possible. Blair also recommended that fans follow Eclipse & Jack Spades for Daniel Horton & Chris Thompson's current projects, and hinted that he & guitarist Frank McGillivray "have ideas percolating, so you haven't seen the last of us."This news is very surprising to hear, especially coming just three shows into their return from their winter/spring hiatus, but Project 421 had a solid run locally, and they made lots of fans with their old school covers and select originals! When your second-last show sees you open for Diamond Head, that's not a raw deal! It's a shame that their album plans never amounted to anything publically, but of course, hopefully Blair and Frank resurface in a new project when the time is right, so best of luck to them, Daniel, Chris, and other former members in the future!
That's all for today,but stay tuned for weekend concert previews on the site tomorrow! Thanks everyone!
1 comment:
With respect to the breaking up of Blair Burch's latest "band":
It's the same story over and over when it comes to this idiot - he gets restless from doing absolutely nothing useful with his life, so he starts up a "band", he recruits 20 year olds who don't know any better, they play a few shows, they become stagnant, a few lineup changes occur (nearly always as a result of Blair's Narcissistic Personality Disorder), they play a few more shows, they go on a 'break', and then finally after 6 months to within a couple of years the entire thing implodes in on itself. Everyone goes their separate ways, Blair lapses back into doing nothing - which, to be perfectly honest, is his default state anyways - and then the cycle starts anew.
Perhaps this time as the ferris wheel grinds to a halt Blair will actually hop down to reality and do something with his life instead of making Jodi work 40 hours a week while he chases a pipe dream that evaporated in 1992. Y'know, get a resume and do what Jodi does and get a job.
Grow the fuck up already you tool. You're 43 years old and have zero life skills; your 26 year old daughter is drowning in debt in Alberta and you're too useless to help her.
Disgusting excuse of a human being.
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