During Canadian Music Week, there's generally FAR too many shows to choose from - and most often, you're just going on someone else's recommendations. So I shut my eyes and pointed at the schedule... ha, noooo. I wouldn't do that. Someone recommended The Cinematics: young Scottish boys,touring with hometown boys, The Reason and some Americans I hadn't heard of called Mute Math.

The Reason: shouty stuff, a bit thrashy at times and songs sounded a bit similar, still though, a solid opener.


The Cinematics were great: catchy melodies, solid vocals, some sweet guitar riffs - no complaints on them musically. But... performance-wise, they seemed a wee bit static, like they accidentally put a bit too much starch in their... yeah, nevermind about that. However, I will say that Adam (bassist), did try moving around on stage, a bit, only a bit though. They're young still - just need to gain more confidence and let loose. Especially in stark contrast to the following headliners: Mute Math; hopefully they picked up a thing of two about showmanship from these guys.


Mute Math: a four piece from New Orleans - Paul, mesmerizing frontman, Darren, drummer extraordinaire, Greg, guitar & pedal guru and Roy, el bass grande hombre. It was just an unbelievable show! They assault you with their synthesized, electro-noise/sounds, and each band member performs like a seasoned veteran. Their showmanship is something to behold; they should bottle that energy, and sell it. I can't this stress enough - if you have a chance to see them, DO!





This is Paul doing a handstand on his Rhodes organ. Yes, blurry but it's a true representation because Paul's a ball of energy and all you'll be able to see is blur anyway.