On the beat

Danko Jones roars

DANKO JONES: Over the past seven years, this Toronto power trio has dazzled local club audiences but have never been given a solid shot by the music industry. That is now changing. They've built a real fan base in Europe via four tours there, and have signed a record deal with Universal. Much-anticipated new album Born A Lion was launched with a gig at The Hard Rock Cafe. The venue was appropriate, for Danko Jones unashamedly borrow from past rock gods, ranging from HENDRIX to the STONES to IGGY to AC/DC. Mainman THE MANGO KID is a very sexy and charismatic frontman, and that helps keep you from realising how derivative much of DJ's music is. It all gets too predictable after a while, but that first rush of adrenaline they deliver is one to be appreciated. Besides, charisma is a rare quality in the midst of so many bland and formulaic Canadian rock bands.

HILLSIDE FESTIVAL: For years now, musicians and fans have been telling me this is the best summer music fest around. Finally had the chance to trek out to Guelph for it recently, and found out they were dead right. Held in a lovely conservation area on a lake, it has been around nearly 20 years, and keeps growing in popularity (it was actually sold out this year). It does have a hippie-ish vibe to it, but at least that means cheap and good food. It has a healthily eclectic booking policy, meaning that great rock bands like BY DIVINE RIGHT, THE CONSTANTINES and WEAKERTHANS played, as well as folkie-styled singer/songwriters. I caught some great music on the Sunday. Area songsmith SCOTT MERRITT is making a welcome comeback, and he drew a capacity crowd at the Tent Stage, thanks to a torrential rainstorm! On the mainstage, Australian folk-rockers THE WAIFS braved possible electrocution, and were as charming as ever. They were followed by Guelph resident STEPHEN FEARING. Long recognised as one of Canada's finest folk artists, he sounded great, thanks partly to an ace backing band (BAZIL DONOVAN, COLIN CRIPPS and JOEL ANDERSON). The day's highlight was a scorching performance from Austin, Texas-based roots rocker ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO. His new band proved to be one of his best, capable of subtlety and aggression, just like Al's emotionally eloquent material. Cello and keyboards added contrast to the loud guitar assault that had a few of the folkies in the crowd covering their ears. Escovedo played many of the best-loved songs from his prolific career, and totally won over the crowd with a blistering take on NEIL YOUNG classic "Powderfinger." The ironic thing is he is now making far better, more relevant music than ol' Neil! The one sour note was that they had their set cut short via some organisational screw-up. Still, yours truly was lucky enough to later hear a backstage jam session featuring Alejandro, Fearing and KURT SWINGHAMMER doing STONES, DYLAN and BURT BACHARACH covers. Magic! Out front, headliner MICHELLE SHOCKED was pleasing the crowd with her set. Yes, Hillside can be heartily recommended. Book early next year.

THE KRAMDENS: Speaking of Guelph, that's the home base for this excellent rock band. They put out their third and best CD, Quiet Collision, a year ago, but it is now given a re-release via a new record-deal with Sextant/EMI. That's much-deserved, given the record's strengths. Their sound is both muscular and melodic, with first track "Sometimes I Feel" recalling the late and lamented JITTERS. Touches like mandolin add depth, as on their version of NEW ORDER classic "Love Vigilantes."

KYP HARNESS: This fine local singer/songwriter recently completed a month-long residency at Cadillac Lounge. On The Beat caught his last gig there, but was saddened to see that almost half the sparse crowd there were music critics! That confirms Kyp as a critical favourite, but one yet to build an audience here. That's a shame as he's a highly literate and intelligent writer, and his Dylan-esque drawl has developed an extra resonance. A talent worthy of support. The always witty and musically offbeat DAVE CLARK opened with an entertaining solo set.

Publication Date: 2002-08-18
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=1678