EASTWARD + ONWARDAudio/RocketryIndie7.5-out-of-10A few lucky people in Yorkton who were at 5th Avenue Cup & Saucer June 27, know first hand just how good Audio/Rocketry is. The band headlined a three-act show that night, and showed a stage energy which was infectious in the intimate coffeehouse atmosphere.
What those who were not out for the Sunday night show missed was a band which had a sort of 'Prairie-fied' Great Big Sea sound.
In talking to the band after the show one other reviewer had drawn the comparison, and had suggested that was a detriment.
To me it is not.
The band, which hails from Alberta, has a sort of East Coast sensibility to their sound, and the energy of Great Big Sea, and that means they're fun.
The Prairie aspect comes at times from elements which remind a bit of the Corb Lund Band.Now if you think about the two aforementioned bands, a common element is energy, and Audio/Rocketry brings that by the bushel. I'm sure there was a scuff mark or two on the floor from the foot stomping of lead singer Joe Vickers.
Vickers has a nice folk/indie/punk voice, and really carries the music with its generally upbeat approach.
The CD has 14-songs, so if you missed the show you can get a great feel for this energy band by grabbing the disk.
Favourite cuts include Gypsy Gal, Hallelujah Halifax (for its pure energy), Ramblin' Shoes and Two Chords.
Check it out at www.myspace.com/audiorocketrymusic - CALVIN DANIELS
WILD ROSE SORROWFire Next TimeIndie8.5-out-of-10Fire Next Time were also at 5th Avenue Cup & Saucer June 27, and while they played first, usually suggesting the later band was the night's highlight, these guys stole the show for me.Normally a five-piece band, in the confined quarters of the coffeehouse Fire Next Time pared down to a three-piece acoustic unit for the night, and I tell you it worked.
The CD has a fuller sound, as they rock it up with bass and drums which had the night off in Yorkton, but the lyrics really came to the forefront with the limited band.
James Renton, who is the band's lead vocalist, also is the band's main writer, and he can write folk-inspired, dark imaged lyrics with the best of them.
River City Blues, a song they said is about Edmonton is a gritty piece with the essence of Bob Dylan in his hey day. To me it is the highlight of the 10-song CD.
Of course if you are Irish, you might tip your hat to Black and Tan instead. It's a dark ballad that is a fine effort.
Mexican Train is another outstanding song on the album, as is Chorus of Crows.
These guys may not be the most radio-friendly band, but darn they play outstanding music, and this is a CD to find and own.
Check them out at www.myspace.com/firenexttimemusic - CALVIN DANIELS
Past reviews are archived online at http://calmardan.blogspot.com/
