Zoobombs, Legato Vipers, Johnny Dowd (Silver Dollar, Sept 21/12)

Zoobombs

There's something about this Japanese four-piece and according to them there's something about Toronto. Whatever that something is, it results in magic. From the opening barrage of drums (the drummer is killer) through to the finale this was an unrelenting set of passion and music. The lead singer seems a quirky type and he absolutely runs with whatever jumps in his head while the rest of the band scramble to keep up. Thing is they are so tight that they do - the straight faced bassist will be put on the spot for a solo and fucking delivers; no questions asked. He even delivers while the singer drops to his knees in front of him, removes his belt throughout the solo and then lifts his shirt to rub his face into his stomach? Wtf, right? In context it is not only hilarious but seems fitting. Then a short time later, in the same vein while the two are squared off having a bass v. guitar battle the singer leans in and smacks a wet ol' kiss right on his lips - not even a blink! These two acts may seem like it was like that all night when really it varied hugely. There was the around the world guitar swing on his strap that failed because the guitar smashed off the ceiling of the small but intensely intimate Silver Dollar. From start to finish the sound was practically non-stop - not to say that it was always overpowering but the drums never seemed to cease as the drummer was an absolute machine. Although the lyrics may be unintelligible regardless of whether they are Japanese or English it is not to say that the music isn't any good either. It is all well orchestrated rock with hard, even hardcore, tendencies. The whole package.

Without much notice the band left the stage following their set. Despite having just been handed more show than most other full festivals can off the Toronto crowd hollered for more and all four returned to give it to us. Each person took a moment at the mic to thank us, Toronto specifically, for all of the support, with varying degrees of command of the English language. The genuine gratitude broke all language barrier as it became clear that they went out of their way to play here to begin their tour the week their album dropped. Finally they stopped thanking us and played a song - it was a slower jam and inappropriate closer so it was great when they revved up a verifiable rocker. Again the singer was everywhere, playing a solo on the female's keyboard from the wrong side and swapping vocals with her. The Zoobombs once again provided an uplifting, exhilarating display. You're welcome back any time!

Legato Vipers

The Legato Vipers were an odd stuffing to this concert sandwich. Including members of Cuff the Duke while loosely lead by Guelph's Mike Brooks. All instrumental - they played a handful of highly enjoyable rambling songs rooted in country & western but including elements of rockabilly and surf too. The musicians seemed to play off each other with some elements of freestyle in their set that seemed short and was composed of quick tunes as well. Altogether it was highly enjoyable - a band I'd watch again and again.

Johnny Dowd

 Even a few weeks later I'm not sure what to make of this set. Was there a joke here? And if so was I in on it, or were others? I mean at times it seemed an exercise in senility where Johnny had to read his words off a lyrics sheet on his stand - and the lyrics included lines like 'lost my underwear' repeated. Johnny is an older guy, with sharp guitar licks and an unmistakable voice that are all positives, though sometimes it comes close to straight spoken word. The music is quite upbeat and bouncy, uncharacteristic for guy of his age - but then again he got a late start so maybe he's just getting it out there now. The rest of the band was pretty decent as well, composed of a few guys much his junior in age playing solid keys and great drums. Song to song there were changes, as at times there was a mix of funk and atmospheric bass. Near the end Johnny said "We've done everything tonight we could for you - now we're going to do something for me" and jumped into a falsetto female voice for Betty - an odd song that tells an odd story. The whole thing was a little odd in fact - though it did have its moment and entertained, for one reason or another.