Indie Unlimited @ The Brigantine Room

The Indie Unlimited weekend series had a very popular Saturday as many bands, performers, artists and plays were going on around the Harbourfront all day. When The Hidden Cameras ended their extended set (which went right 'til 11pm), The Brigantine Room opened up for the late-night set featuring Think About Life, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? and Torngat -- courtesy of Over The Top Fest.

Montreal's Torngat started promptly after the doors had opened the crowd had flowed right in. The three-piece sat across from each other in a triangular formation, playing a unique set of instruments including a French Horn flowing through pedals for sampling and effect. Torngat's arrangements are strictly instrumental with lots of spirit and depth. They played to purple and dark red colours and channeled their energy towards each other. At one point, two of the members played a French Horn and a Trumpet, ran around the stage/audience and played a game of noise tag. The trio have a way of being wonderfully creative. Many people showed up for them and many, especially those who had seen them for the first time, left very impressed.

In the middle of the pack were Vancouver's outright-jovial They Shoot Horses, Don't They? The band led off their set with a collective of horns, guitar, percussion, an array of random clattering material for smashing (a license plate, a toy pail, etc.) and probably the happiest and/or most excited keyboardist in existence. The band's efforts were noticed then they stomped out their tunes and, at times, screamed their words. They have a psychedelic sound with a lot of spunk. Lots of energy for a crowd that could have moved a bit more, but instead they seemed to be focused on the loud singing or the happy keyboardist.

The power, optimism and sweaty love of Montreal took to the stage shortly after 1am. Think About Life assembled with their keys, guitar, sampling machine and fantastic drums, ready to leave a mark on the Harbourfront. The opening song had many move forward and check out the band, but it had me jump around and fist-pump to the ceiling like nobody's business. There were times when the band would find themselves in the crowd trying to get people into it. Every time I've seen Think About Life, they've always made a valiant effort to push out so much vigor that it's more than I can take. Unfortunately, their main keyboard broke down and they had to cut their set short. Regardless, the reception for them was great. I wasn't sweating like I thought I would have been, but there's always next time. You might read another posting from me about them when they play Pop Montreal in early October.

(Photo: Beth Hamill)