Review x Photos: Down With Webster at The Wave

What do you get when you mix some of the biggest party animals with one of the biggest schools in Ontario? A hella lot of red cups, W’s thrown up and one insanely amazing night of great music and serious jamming, of course! Toronto-based group Down With Webster hit up The Wave last week in fine form to help kick off our winter semester. Joining them for ride was opening act Ubiquitous Synergy Seekers who had some insanely crazy beats and showed that lab coats are never really out of style. Though the guys did a great job at warming up the crowd, it was Down With Webster who really brought the heat.



DWW is one of those bands that you simply NEED to see live. Their extensive touring over the years has really allowed them to perfect the formula for a good performance. Although it is important to be able to translate recordings into a live setting, sometimes what matters even more is the ability to interact with an audience and build the energy floating around in order to make the sounds and experience that much more explosive. This is what the boys in DWW really excel at, and when you’ve got members all going in at the same time, you know you’re in for a ride. It’s really impressive that there is no fighting for attention while on stage, but there is a shared understanding that everyone will get his moment. There were many times where I saw Cam and Tyler moving back while Bucky Buck almost fell into the audience, or when Pat would really rip into a solo and the rest would be hanging with Marty and Dave; it’s all about balance, and these guys know how to manage a scale. Most of their set consisted of tracks from It’s Time to Win Vol. 2, but there were a few favourites from the album’s predecessor weaved in, including Woah is Me and Your Man. Tracks like Royalty, Go Time, and She’s Dope were met with huge reactions and kept the momentum for the night going. Really speaking, Down With Webster could have performed a rendition of a Kriss Kross track and it still would have been hype.

This was an amazing opportunity to catch one of the biggest up and comers in Canada and we have to give the Social Science Student Council and the USC a big shout out for bringing USS and DWW to our stomping grounds. If you have yet to catch these guys in action, do it before you have to pay a gazillion dollars and they become little specks on a stadium jumbo tron. In fact, Down With Webster will be heading across Canada and the United States on their upcoming Wintour so be sure to check them out, especially when they return to London on March 23rd at the London Music Hall.

Mehek S

Concert Review: The Midway State at London Music Hall

All photos by Mehek S


On Wednesday December 14th 2011, London Music Hall hosted The Midway State after nearly three years since the last time they had been on tour for their debut album Holes. This record made them hugely successful in 2008, winning a pair of MMVAs for ‘Favorite Artist of the Year’, and ‘Best Independent Video’ (for Never Again), so there was obviously a lot of excitement to see how the band was going to present their second studio album Paris or India.

Before we get to the actual show, let’s take a closer look at the actual record. I must say that after a first spin, I was far from impressed with the new material, as the whole album appeared to be rather disorganized and altogether somewhat unclear. But as a music critic it is well known that first impressions are often bias, so with some research and after listening to the record about 30 times all together I now feel myself capable to pass some judgment. Given the hype generated from The Midway State’s first record, their label Universal Records wanted a repeat of all the success that 2008 had brought to both the label and the band. However, this meant constant pressure to produce “radio music”, which lead to many attempts at reproducing tracks to fit a selling image, something that caused a lot of friction between label and band members Nathan Ferraro, Daenen Bramberger, Mike Wise and Mike Kirsh who now began to desire a transition from performers to actual music artists. Being true to themselves and where they wanted to take their music, the band decided to leave the label and face the music industry on their own, something quite unheard of when it comes to a relatively new band with just a debut album on their musical history. With the help of producer Thomas Salter the end result was Paris Or India released July 19 2011, inspired and written in Wise’s basement followed up by several recording sessions in the small spaces of ‘B Town Sound’, a low budget recording studio located in Burlington Ontario. The goal was simple: create an album with as few elements as possible to allow for a mix of sound amplification and musical effects that would ultimately give the album a spacious feel to it. This is quite present in songs like Alive and Atlantic, where harmonies, instrumental pieces, and even nature sounds were amplified and overdubbed in the mixing process of the record. Therefore I must say that this album deserves a great deal of respect for its much appreciated effort to impersonate the pureness of the independent music scene, and has turned yours truly from a harsh critic to an enthusiastic believer.



Unfortunately, despite the fact that the album itself convinced me, the live performance that Wednesday night did little to fulfill my expectations. I will start of by giving credit to Nathan Ferraro, whose strong vocals and enthusiastic performance were the only excitement injected to the show, and although the sound was very clean the rest of the band failed to deliver a dose of thrill much needed to ignite the small crowd present that night. The set list was very well chosen in my opinion, containing a mix of songs from both albums that blended well in transition. And while songs like Can’t Stop and Change For You from Holes enhance the individual as well as group efforts, other tracks such as Lighting and St. Paul The Wolf from the new record at times failed to incorporate individual pieces in a clear and crisp sound. The band would finally come alive with the introduction of the first single Atlantic, as bassist Mike Kirsh and Mike Wise left their rigid and sculpture like positions at both right and left stage and actually started connecting with the crowd, something that was well noticed and appreciated by the fans, it is too bad that by this time the show was nearly done. Nevertheless, the excitement carried through to the encore which consisted of their hit single Change for You, and an amazing cover of Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve, which was by far the best cover of that song I have ever seen!

The reality is that the talent is there, the energy is there, as well as the passion and love for the music shows, and despite the fact that the live sow did not do them justice, I still look forward to the artistic talent that is slowly unfolding and cannot wait to see how a bit more experience proves that this small four piece from Collingwood Ontario has what it takes to become a strong influence in our national music scene.
Diego Garzon
94.9 CHRW

Concert Review: Stars, Bedouin Soundclash, and The Balconies

All photos by Andres Garzon

The Kings University College Student Council pulled off yet another successful night in the Western music scene. Their annual concert, which featured appearances from two of Canada’s hottest bands, Bedouin Soundclash and STARS attracted more than four hundred Westerners to the doors of Music Hall. Enthusiasm was quickly obtained form a very anxious student crowd as a last minute, but none the less surprisingly talented little group from Ottawa Ontario known as The Balconies took the stage early in the night. The raw yet clean and strong harmonies from the trio created much commotion. With energetic and powerful vocals, young lead singer Jacquie Neville impressed many first time listeners along with the swift and solid bass lines from sibling Stephen Neville, which harmonized beautifully, and off course we could not leave out the intensity of percussionist Liam Jaeger who notably caused much commotion amongst the female spectators, quickly boosting expectations of what would become a memorable night.

An hour later with energies high up, the floor was torn up in excitement as Jay Mailnowski, Eon Sinclair, and new band addition Sekou Lumumba took the stage for the much-anticipated Bedouin Soundclash appearance. And if I had thought I had seen female craze over young Liam, well I was quickly proven to be very wrong. The funky and full-of-life collaborations from the trio had girls floored, and guys, though much more reserved in reaction, were equally thrilled. With songs like Fools Tattoo, Walls Fall Down, and a solid cover of Stand By Me, the trio gave the people what they asked for and claimed their strong presence and music influence in their London fans. The place had finally completely filled up by the time Bedouin Soundclash had left the stage, as STARS were ready to make their night debut.

I was fortunate enough to catch the STARS show that took place last October here in London, in which the band tore up the scene and had their London fan base, including yours truly, in a complete musical high. Being a loyal STARS fan for many years, I was anything but short of high expectations for their entrance. The set-list was perfect, featuring a variety of songs from their very beginning with Nightsongs, through their evolutionary sound displayed in Hearts and Set Yourself On Fire, and a mix of their new musical style displayed in The Five Ghosts. The show surpassed all expectations, with the vocal collaboration of Torquil Campbell and Amy Milian melting the crowd as nothing but raw emotion filled the storyline in which STARS drove the fans through the story of the band, making their songs a carefully chosen and synchronized tool that welcomed us into their mysterious and romantic history. Much attention was paid to the funky drumming style of Pat McGee, as well as the talented and musically versatile styles of keyboardist Chris Seligman and Bassist/Guitarist Evan Cranley. Two hours and about 20 songs later the crowd refused to call it a night, and the band did not step off stage fore than a minute before they were driven back on by the crowds anxiety and united pleads for an encore. The band saluted the crowd and praised it as one of their best stops all year, finishing the set with two more songs; the final one dedicated especially to us the London Fans.

After the show we were invited to join the band backstage, in which I was able to discuss their writing styles and a detailed explanation of the track Personal from their forth studio album In Our Bedroom After the War which had proved to bring a lot of controversy by the different meanings provided by fans. I was also able to discuss their development over the years, which attributed their great success while maintaining the purity of the Indie persona. I must admit, at the end of the night the whole experience was pretty surreal, for you never what to expect when meeting some of your musical heroes. With STARS it was clear that their national and international success did not prevent them from maintaining a strong personal connection with their fans. Once again, the new musical scene that has emerged from what the world recognizes as “anointed Montreal”, proves to be taking shape with STARS, who are real people, making real music.

By: Diego Garzon

KUCSC Presents: Stars & Bedouin Soundclash TONIGHT!

Tonight will mark one of the biggest events of the year for us Westerners, yet most of us are unaware of what is really going on. So here at CHRW we are officially calling out to all you musical souls to put the books down, and join us at 8:00 pm sharp at the doors of Music Hall to celebrate the KUCSC (King’s University College Student Council) annual concert. Past years have proven to be a huge success for the KUCSC with appearances from IllScarlett, The Flatliners, and MSTRKRFT among others bringing us shows that have no doubt “shaken the Western Campus”, and this year they have toped themselves in my books. “Soft Revolution”, a track from the breakthrough album “Set Yourself on Fire” from the Montréal based Canadian band STARS is a perfect way of describing the influence of this amazing group. With six studio albums and five EP’s, STARS have revolutionized the Canadian music scene and stolen the hearts of music lovers around the globe with a melodic romanticism while keeping the integrity and purity of the Indie persona. Also featuring on this memorable night is the Canadian master trio BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH based in Toronto Canada. With almost ten years of experience on their belt from the release of their debut album “Root Fire”, the once novice group of Queens students have evolved both musically and in character to bring us the distinct and beguiling sound of their latest record “Light the Horizon”. A mixture of reggae and rock mastered by very few bands distinguishes Bedouin Soundclash as one of the hottest talents of our generation.

TONIGHT! Ladies and Gents, hope to see as many of you as possible at 8:00 pm at the doors of Music Hall, don’t miss the chance to get your tickets at Info Source in the UCC, your respective affiliates, or check it out online by clicking here.

Come out and support our Canadian Music Scene as well as our fellow KUCSC on this amazing event, don’t miss your chance to see real people who are making real music.

Diego Garzon

Miesha and the Spanks - "Gods of Love" (Transistor 66 Records)

There’s something satisfying about hearing a woman belt out vocals over a distorted guitar riff with the attitude that Miesha Louie, of Miesha and the Spanks, possesses.  Gods of Love, the band’s second full length release, leaves you thinking “yes, this is rock and roll”. The Canadian band describes themselves as an arrangement of “grit soul vocals, ringing sixties guitar, jangly shuffling drums, and wheezing Hammond organ”.  The album opens up with “Across the Country”, which gives a taste of each of those elements.  The entire album captures the emotions of “passionate, unsteady, and unsuspecting love in all its stages” through the wavering balance of dynamics as the album progresses.   “Make Love” has a sweet nostalgic quality, using elements from earlier decades of music with the crooning vocals, and Chris Nevile’s organ being a focal part in the track.  In my opinion, “Leather Jacket” is the track to look out for on this album. It’s aggressive yet upbeat, and really does define the album. The vocals are anything but clean cut, which works with the recording quality that comes off as not over produced. It allows the music to come off as organic and raw; straight up rock and roll, without the sugar coating to spoil it. Gods of Love is an album reminiscent of “good old rock and roll”, but with some pleasant twists of its own.

Written by Nicole Zouki

94.9 CHRW Music and Promotions Department

NOTE: You can check out Miesha and the Spanks at the Black Shire Pub June 10th as part of Radio What Wave's Evening of Women Led Bands. Do not miss this show!

Mike Tompkins Scores MTV OMA Nomination

Say what!?

If you're not sure who Mike Tompkins is, please take a few minutes and check out his extremely unique and wicked cool cover of Rihanna's "Only Girl in the World" with London, ON's Shad on the track:



Can you dig it? Tompkins is a London, ON native who has made a name for himself through his vocal and beatboxing talent, covering everyone from Bruno Mars to Katy Perry to Taio Cruz accapella. Yes, every snare, kick, and synth-y sound all came from this boy's mouth, gaining him over 30 million views on YouTube and appearances on The Today Show and The Ellen Degeneres, and even caught the eye of producer Timbaland, who worked with Tompkins out in Miami. I think a POW! is necessary here....POW!

All of this attention and yet no official recognition? Not quite. MTV's first ever Online Music Awards, an award program dedicated to people making their mark on the digital scene, is taking place this month and Tompkins has scored a nomination for Best Fan Video for his take on Rihanna's smash hit. The awards will take place online on April 28th and viewers and fans can vote by clicking here for Tompkins.

USC Presents: The Purple Finale

Oh gosh: April has once again fallen upon us, and with that comes a huge pile of stress, all nighters, a spike in highlighter, lined paper, and calculator sales at The Book Store, The Spoke food diet and of course, the never-ending battle for a cubicle at Weldon. In short, it's exam time, and UWO is about to enter study mode.

BUT WAIT! There's still some time to celebrate the end of the year, and that's why our lovely friends at the USC are bringing us The Purple Finale, a music festival to end off the year with a bang. The best part is that it's completely free! And it's going down TOMORROW in the UCC Atrium. The USC is bringing the talents of Skratch Bastid, Alexz Johnson, Grand Analog, Alyssa Reid, and Basia Bulat, and we've got a peek into each of these artists portfolio to get you up to speed for tomorrow's festivities.


artist: Skratch Bastid - set start time: 12:30 - QuickLink: MySpace



artist: Alexz Johnson - set start time: 1:40 - QuickLink: Twitter



artist: Grand Analog - set start time: 2:40 - QuickLink: MySpace



artist: Alyssa Reid - set start time: 3:50 - QuickLink: Twitter



artist: Basia Bulat - set start time: 4:30 - QuickLink: Official Website

Concert Review: Five Alarm Funk

venue: Call the Office - date: March 8/2011 - rating: four.five/five

Vancouver's Five Alarm Funk took the stage at Call The Office in London, ON Tuesday night, playing two attitude-infused, high energy sets for an enthusiastic audience. The band managed to sardine themselves onto CTO's tiny stage to deliver a performance influenced by James Brown, Tower of Power and Sly and the Family Stone. Funk, Latin, rock, reggae, and even a dash of metal (on the aptly-titled “The Iron Pegasus”) combined for a feel-good summer sound, and band members played up the summer theme with shades, shorts and tees. The band played songs from their 2010 release Anything Is Possible as well as a few new joints. Drummer/vocalist Tayo Branston led the band with his tight beats and Wolfman-meets-Hulk-Hogan voice. An animated Justin Kennedy (percussion) performed with vigor and abandon, running on the spot during “Doctor Child” and incorporating a frenzied cowbell solo into the set early on. One audience member remarked, “That guy's gotta be on some kind of drug.” By the time “Monolith” had begun, bongo player Tom Towers was already shirtless and the band had moved from funk into a classic rock sound. The song featured a guitar solo by the blonde-mulleted Gabe Boothroyd, whose face seemed stretched into a permanent grin.



The band's choreography was admirable. Whether it was synchronized marching during the mariachi-esque “Cave of the Gypsy Troll” or swaying side to side soulfully during the laid-back “Brother Egypt,” the band's heavy roots in old school funk are evident even down to their dance moves. During “Soft Six,” an eastern European-influenced waltz, Towers and Kennedy alternated bobbing up and down at the front of the stage while one couple in the crowd took the opportunity to show off their ballroom dancing skills.

“Face Riot” closed the second set. Branston encouraged audience participation, leading a refrain of “Put your hands in the air! Put your hands on the floor!” The song ended with a blast of confetti and the band shouting “Anything is possible” in unison. An encore was inevitable. Kennedy returned to the stage after a suspenseful few moments, stating, “I like three things. Apple cores, hardcore, and fucking encores!” The band went into“Voodoo Hairdoo,” an 80s style jam which featured solos from Boothroyd and Towers. The band's request for someone - “anyone!” - to bring them a pitcher of beer was met by one audience member, who brought the jug first to Kennedy and then to Branston, whose hands were occupied and had to have the beer poured into his open mouth.

Tuesday's performance marked the band's first bar show in London, having played the city's annual outdoor Sunfest the year prior. (Sunfest founder Alfredo Caxaj was directly in front of me and spent the night shakin' his groove thang, Latino style.) If you're looking to purge your ears of hipster hype in favour of some hot, pretense-free grooves, make sure you give these guys a listen!

Bianca Marcus