SEE Magazine
Copyright © 1998. All Rights Reserved.
ROCK
BY SHELLI CARDERREVIEW
Bionic, with Tricky Woo
Rev Cabaret
July 1What better way to commemorate Canada Day and purebred Canadian patriotism than to treat yourself to an all-Canadian, all-independent musical extravaganza. And though only about 20 or so others joined me in such sentiments Wednesday night at the Rev, they ended up taking part in some of the best unofficial Canada Day festivities of the year.
Really, how many fireworks can one person ohh and ahh over in a lifetime? But the ohhs and ahhs were well-deserved by two of Montreal's most talented acts, Bionic and Tricky Woo, who charmed the intimate Rev crowd with their music, without the help of an overdone light show.
Bionic, remaining true to its name, wowed with its musical powers - they're nothing if not Canadian music's six million dollar men. Featuring ex-Doughboys member Johnathan Cummins and ex-Nils member Alexander MacSween, their combination of talent and creativity made the night well-worthwhile. Bionic's unique brand of strong, clear, melodic interludes intertwined with crisply ringing hooks and chunky rhythms make them a force to be reckoned with. Although their second guitarist was absent, they still put on an enthusiastic and tight set.
Bionic's music betrays a range of influences, from punk and power pop to hardcore, making them diverse and intriguing. Not only that, their début, self-titled album is definitely worth the cash.
These boys are all about creating music and presenting it in a no-nonsense style, without a lot of stage antics. But have no fear: they like to have fun on stage, too; the encore featured a tribute cover of AC/DC's Let There Be Rock along with Tricky Woo, the other featured Montreal band of the evening.
Tricky Woo are natural performers. And good ones at that. Rockin' on the stage, floor and speakers at the ring of the first chord, they got the lonely crowd of Canadian music devotees loosened up and raring to go. Not only uniting the crowd, they also merged the unlikely styles of punk and '50's swingin' rock 'n' roll. Featuring southern drawl vocals and punk rhythms, they made me wonder if Elvis is thriving somewhere - mohawk and all.
Yet, Tricky Woo is not a gimmick band. They're noticeably serious about creativity, innovation, pleasing the crowd and delivering their own uniquely progressive groove in a fun and frolicking manner.
Edmonton's own Slow Fresh Oil began the evening with mellow, rolling tunes but just couldn't match the compelling intensity of Bionic nor the high-octane energy of Tricky Woo.
Witnessing this impressive sample of Canadian indie talent made me want to belt out Oh Canada! with a hell of a lot more gusto and pride than would a second-rate light show in the cold and rain. Sorry suckers, maybe you'll learn for next year!
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