I will always praise them: Think About Life, Montreal's No.1 Disco-Thrash Pop quartet (formerly trio) bring back the everlasting noise to Rancho Relaxo tomorrow night.

Think About Life are, by a ridiculous stretch, one of the most uplifting bands that have ever been conceived. Whether it's a hard-crunching tune to shake the bones, or a soft-heart tune to love everyone around times 1000, Think About Life simply rise above it with what they do. Their self-title record has nearly been out for a year and is already grabbing the attentive ones by the scruff of the neck, but in a welcoming way of course. The band are due to release a 6-track EP next month and a full-length by years' end. Oh, and they're going to Japan in a couple of weeks. You know you're the shit when you tour in Japan!

NO SHAME was a huge success a couple of weeks ago when the showcase premiered at The Tiger Bar with excellent results and satisfied show goers. This time around, it's going to be less sweaty and more melodic.

The next NO SHAME will take place this Wednesday, April 11th at The Boat and will feature Story Lane Road (folk indie with an "olde tyme" sound - think Wilco and Joel Plaskett), the wonderful sounds of Isla Craig (fantastic neo-jazz style with piano pop combined), An Eastern Wind (Paul Weadick from Entire Cities and Forrest City Lovers) & Tune Yards (for fans of Sister Suvi & fans of looping beats with ukulele overlapping).

You can have all of this for just 5 dollars. JUST 5 dollars.

To recap:

Who: Story Lane Road, Isla Craig, An Eastern Wind & Tune Yards
Where: The Boat
When: Wednesday, April 11th @ 9pm
How Much: $5

click below to view poster

Saturday night was the first ever NO SHAME show, headed up by Montreal-born (but Toronto-living and probably law-abiding) Lauren Schreiber, which took place at The Tiger Bar. Headlining the evening was Woodhands (aka. Dan Werb and Paul Banwatt), followed by Waterloo's amazing electronic rock quartet Bocce, The Miles (who I did not get to see, but heard good things about) and the return of The Republic of Safety. An evening of electronic proportions hopefully to be matched with dancing beyond anyone wildest imaginations.

Photos:
Me
Jason Trill

I have always been favourable to any band that can produce an electronic beat and make it enjoyable over a long period of time. Yes, we’ve heard the typical electronic act with the same boring beat and probably even lyrics that will make you nod off at the drop of a hat. The way I look at it, hats won’t drop if you’re making something wild and new – possibly innovative.

The bloody brilliance of Dan Werb, aka. WOODHANDS, makes an appearance with his keytar and cool backing band at The Tiger Bar this Saturday as part of NO SHAME. Other acts of the evening include the new electronic sensation out of Waterloo (yes, folks – WATERLOO), Bocce, and local youth dance troupe trio, The Miles. Guaranteed, these guys will force you to own the dance floor! A little word of advice: make sure you're around for Bocce.

To recap:

Who: Woodhands, Bocce, The Miles
Where: The Tiger Bar
When: Saturday, March 24th @ 9pm
How Much: $6

Toronto Kickball is on the rise; this is something that can't be denied. Last season, more and more people met up at Alexandra Park each week to get together, sport high socks and kick some balls! Having been someone who felt a little out of place participating in Kickball at first, it was a blast after the first at-kick. The community has grown and it will continue to grow as the 2007 season quickly approaches. However, because of Toronto Kickball's quick growth, there's fundraising to be had. What better way to go about it but a BATTLE OF THE BANDS competition!

Left to Right: Hot Springs, The Acorn, You Say Party! We Say Die!

Saturday night was the final night for CMW 2007. Regardless of the success or failure of the turnouts, it was a festival with some decent showcases. However, when big industry festivals such as CMW or NxNE go down, someone around the city will try to organize a show that will possibly match up to the festival - the show to talk about before and after its occurrence. At the Whippersnapper Gallery, Paper Bag Records threw their own "showcase" (not part of CMW) with some of their newest acquisitions, including You Say Party! We Say Die!, The Acorn & Hot Springs.

Photos
here