There’s nothing more fascinating than watching a punk legend do something mundane. For example when constantly retiring Vancouver punk act D.O.A. performed a Sloth in-store a few years ago I happened to catch frontman Joey “Shithead” Keithley across the street ordering a turkey sandwich at Subway. It was such a humanizing moment.
Shithead’s fellow Vancouver punk scene luminary Art Bergmann and I shared an even more humbling moment last year around the time of his performance at The Palomino. The beloved solo artist (and former Young Canadians member) was interviewed for Fast Forward Weekly but like all true punks didn’t have any hi-res photos kicking around online.
As such with our press deadline nearing Mr. Bergmann called me up at work and attempted to have me walk him through the step-by-step process of how to attach a photograph to an email. He wasn’t sure what kind of computer he had but kept referring to a “Start” button so I assume he was running Windows 95 or up. Either way he kept telling me that when he clicked the photo it would “disappear.” “Where did it go?” he’d ask. Twenty minutes later and I was unsuccessful in teaching Mr. Bergmann how to attach a photograph to an email.
Computer skills be damned Art Bergmann should stick with what he already knows. As a songwriter and performer he’s as vital as ever with the recently released Songs for the Underclass EP. He’ll bring those tracks to life onstage at Commonwealth on Thursday October 2 where he’ll be joined by local crooner Astral Swans.
For fear of the Cancon Illuminati stripping me of my Canadian citizenship I’m forced to remind you that an Arts & Crafts band is returning to Calgary. That said the synth-pop of Trust is among the best music on the label’s current roster. The act will hit The Gateway on Friday October 3.
That night also marks the release show for locals Port Juvee who love The Strokes so much that they hired Strokes producer Justin Gerrish to record their Revenge EP. Though they don’t quite exude the cool drug-addicted detachment of early 2000s Strokes they have cobbled together a sleek release which they’ll debut at The Ship & Anchor on Friday.
Speaking of local releases baby-faced power-pop combo The Mandates will follow last year’s fantastic self-titled LP with the release of a brand new 7-inch via their own Teenage Rampage imprint. To celebrate they’ve put together a diverse bill at The Palomino on Saturday October 4. Ottawa heroes The Steve Adamyk Band will headline (and since you probably missed them at Sled Island 2012 let me tell you that they’re a must-see act) alongside rising Vancouver alt-punks Dead Soft and local greats Lab Coast. Simply put these are four of Canada’s best current bands so don’t miss out on this show.
