On The Beat
Molina Magic
By Kerry Doole
Originally Published: 2004-10-31
JUANA MOLINA: A good sized crowd ventured out on a recent cold Sunday night to catch this Argentinian artist at The Drake. "It is freezing. I wish I had a hat," were her opening remarks, but she then warmed the crowd with her inventive mix of pop, folk and electronica. Molina performed solo, on guitar, accompanied by pre-recorded electronic sounds. Her gently melodic voice and songs in Spanish make for an atmospheric and wistfully romantic sound, though her impression of a barking dog needs a little work. Also impressing was opening act FEEL GOOD LOST, a duo comprising BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE mainmen BRENDAN CANNING and KEVIN DREW. Their impressionistic and mostly-instrumental soundscapes went nicely with the projected animated films behind them, though Drew's extended tuning and stage banter grew a mite tiresome.
EDGAR BREAU: This Hamiltonian earned cult hero status as the mainman of ahead of their time' '70s rockers SIMPLY SAUCER and has just released a fine solo CD, Canadian Primitive on Songhammer Records. It reflects Breau's switch from electric to acoustic guitar, and the mellower approach suits his poetic lyrics. His influences range from the visionary poets (one tune is set to w.b. yeats' words) to the likes of SYD BARRETT and RAY DAVIES. One highlight is a moving expression of love for '60s icon NICO ("I bought all your records, I saw you at The Edge"). This is raw and compelling stuff. Along with his skilled producer, PAUL RIEMENS, Edgar will play a pwyc gig at Mitzi's Sister in Parkdale on Nov. 4. It is definitely recommended.
UPCOMING: TAL BACHMAN made a splash a few years back via his infectious hit single "She's So High." The son of Canadian rock icon RANDY, he's now back with a new album, Staring Down The Sun (on Sextant). He'll showcase his melodic rock stylings with a Nov. 3 date at The Rivoli, and a free noon gig at First Canadian Place on Nov. 4. Also from B.C. is guitarist/songsmith BOB KEMMIS. He's promoting his new pop meets roots CD Arena Ready disc (out on Tonic and produced by ODDSman CRAIG NORTHEY) with a Nov. 11th Holy Joes gig. He is a charming and funny performer. On the heavier side comes HELLZ KITCHEN. They merge metal, industrial and electronica elements and they'll be raising the roof with a Halloween gig on October 29th at Stanley's (129 Danforth) and a Nov. 19 Reverb show. They've got a debut EP, Vox Populi Vox Dei, out now.
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