Field Trip '14 - Half Moon Run - Fort York (June 7)

My toughest decision of the fest was whether to stay and watch the always stellar Shad K or to catch the buzzy Half Moon Run who were great last time out. I tried to split the difference, watching Canada's smartest rapper through and then steaming over to what turned out to be the last two tracks from the Montreal rockers. These were two spirited songs though as they demolished them both in their casual clothes and long hair with thrilling guitar work. It's not easy to put a thumb on just what makes a rock set stand above others but this definitely did. I don't regret catching all of Shad but Field Trip, why'd you make me choose?

Hillside Sunday Eve - Cold Specks, Joel Plaskett+ (July 29/12)

I Predict a Graceful Expulsion is a beautiful record based primarily on the lovely voice of the young Al Spx. Performing under the Cold Specks moniker she put that voice on display as she opened a Capella, but for much of the rest of the set was backed by a couple of competent Englishmen and a Winnipegger (electric guitar, keyboard and drum, plus her own electric). There had been some well-deserved buzz about this artist and this was reflected in the tent turnout. Unfortunately for any fans not yet indoctrinated to the church of Specks it must not have been quite as captivating and resulted in an audible buzz of conversation overtop of some of the quieter songs (a pity). Naturally drawing much of her material from the debut album she did it justice and even included a few non-album cuts as well. With about two minutes to spare at the end of the set Al delivered an astounding unaccompanied old standard that just about floored me. Raw talent was on display.

A surprisingly small crowd greeted Memoryhouse considering they are locals AND they had a positive review on Pitchfork. Perhaps that's the snapback from not touring locally or being overtly involved in the Guelph scene? Regardless the two primary members persisted, Denise on keys and obviously lead vocals, and Evan seated with his acoustic, accompanied by a live drummer. Akin to Beach House, the music (especially that from the early EPs) is more suited to headphones in a lonely bedroom than being played live, especially at a festival. Not varying much from their workshop earlier in the day they played a couple of the same songs, even the same obscure cover that is a sonic departure for them, and didn't really make a connection either way with the audience.

Half Moon Run were slightly better dressed than the schmucks they looked like last time around, they wore simple jeans and tees while engaging the crowd. Their show works in part because of its dynamism as they are constantly swapping instruments in and out and between each other on nearly every song. The group featured as many as three drummers during their set this Hillside. Even the sound varies, including a supreme R&B groove on one of the newer songs that really hit the spot. Reception was solid and it's great to see this band continue on their upward trajectory.

Having seen Great Lake Swimmers a number of times, even on this very stage, it wasn't that high on the objective list to spend another few sleepy songs in the grass. That being said Your Rocky Spine is a stellar tune, especially keying on the lyrics, and it's always a treat to catch that, even in passing.

Having built and built their reputation from exceptional performances in their workshops over the weekend it was finally time for the Birds of Chicago to showcase their wares all on their own. Playing to a tent full of mostly new converts this part primarily American (Chicago) band, with ties to Canada, put on a show living up to the bar that they had set for themselves. From the few songs that I did catch it seemed that they were putting a lot into it and getting a lot back from the crowd, even on their non-English language track. It wouldn't be a surprise to see this band returning in the coming years as audience and band alike seemed to thoroughly enjoy the interaction.

The Slakadeliqs came in with some hype behind their recent release having garnered all sorts of accolades for its genre busting sounds despite consisting of a fairly standard four piece configuration, drum, acoustic, electric and bass. The crowd was fairly meager being up against some strong names on the other stages but they did their best to amp it up in the Island Tent regardless. There's a definite groove to their music that carries them along.

As disappointing as it was for Joel Plaskett to miss a couple of workshops earlier in the weekend (imagine the songwriting ability coupled with Tony Dekker and Bry Webb??) it was worth it as the extra couple of days of rest allowed Joel to come out very strong for the main stage weekend ending set. Not only was his definitive voice there and strong but he was his engaging self, putting on a show like the showman he is, including a moonwalk-like slide to cover the stage. Opening with classic Down at the Khyber he mixed old with new, slow (particularly Heartless, Heartless, Heartless) while putting some emphasis on the surprisingly strong recent release, Scrappy Happiness, considering the self-imposed song per week time constraints put on the writing and recording. Lightning Bolt seemed particularly appropriate not only because of the threatening thunderstorm but also the lyric "I was sick but now I'm cured". Following a set that met and exceeded Joel Plaskett set requirements he settled in and had some fun with us. There was the singsong of "Rain, rain go away", a little April Wine, and then some doo-a-ditty into Work Out Fine. This last one saw him dancing himself to the ground only to catch a glimpse and be mesmerized by the moon for a minute or so (from his back, on the stage). A consummate professional he knew how to close a set with the the Joel Plaskett song in many people's minds - Nowhere with You - and finally his eccentric live rendition of Exraordinary. Encore! Encore! And so he did, persisting with Harbour Boys with just our clapping as he dealt with a broken string only to come back strong and rock out the ending. Putting a nice cap on the evening, the weekend and another fabulous Hillside was Come on Teacher, complete with a Hillside referencing freestyle. Oh Joel.

Wintersleep, Half Moon Run (Lee's June 12/12)

An English band from Montreal the only criticism I have was how haphazardly they were dressed considering they were supposed to be entertaining a crowd that likely wasn't familiar with them. Rolled up cargo sweat pants? Wife beater? Unkempt, shaggy hair? Besides their appearance I was altogether impressed with Half Moon Run's live show as it translated much better live for some reason than any of the recorded tracks I've heard. A three-piece with electric guitar, keys and electric, plus a drummer who also sometimes played keys simultaneously with this drums. Both singers had dual mics, one for reverb effects. They powered along and pulled out their mini hit Full Circle mid-way through the set, including a wicked introduction on the acoustic guitar. Clean yourselves up and I'll see ya at Hillside!

I've got some pretty good ideas of why Wintersleep's club gigs are as amazing as they are but the full effect escapes me. For starters how did such talented musicians all come together in the small city of Halifax? I have to figure that they began as mediocre musicians and in their decade-plus together have pushed each other to the levels that they are now at. Every member is a stellar musician and when they rock out in the middle of a song it can be transcendental. Having been together so long they are making some of the best music of their career as Hello Hum is one of their strongest releases in band's history and easily one of the best Canadian albums of this year. Not only is the album amazing but it translates live too - opener Hum also opened the set, followed in order by single In Came the Flood and no one in the just about sold out Lee's Palace was complaining about new material. That being said people sure did appreciate the inclusion of Archaeologist and Weighty Ghost (so good!) too. Really it is difficult to pick out highlights as the catalog their are culling from is great and the wizardy with which they bring it to life makes the entire thing a sight to be seen. I greedily count myself lucky that they have not blown up beyond club proportions yet as their club shows are such treats that I find myself beaming at multiple point throughout. The build and pay-off of Welcome to the Night Sky and main set closer Miasmal Smoke & the Yellow Bellied Freaks gives most any live song out there a run for its money. And when a band can come back from a stellar set and encore with the likes of Orca, a singalong to Dead Letter & the Infinite Yes and then close it all down with Jaws of Life, you know you've witnessed something special.

Other songs:
Resuscitate
Murderer
Smoke
Nothing is Anything (Without You)
Oblivion
Permanent Sigh
Laser Beams