Sailboats Are White Wax Mannequin Martin Verrall The Kettle Black @Vertagogo Friday, December 8 PWYC/ $15 By Gentleman Jeff
It’s nice to see an older club/ bar being used for music. This time, it’s the Gladstone (Gall Stone, Happy Rock, etc.). I hadn’t been there in about twenty years and not much has changed, physically. The dank remains along with the uninspiring marquee, and the two mattresses propped up against the wall add a faded ambience to the establishment.
Otherwise, there have been many changes—new managers and a new talent buyer in the form of Genevieve Angus, who has opened the doors wide for all genres of music. Industrial/ goth/ fetish nights, drag shows, cabaret, and punk matinees, to name a few.
Additionally, the sound system has been upgraded, with a new board and sound man who handled the evening competently, including being the first act. There were a few technical glitches, but nothing that took away from the overall show.
As mentioned, the person responsible for sound was also responsible for opening the show. A one-man affair with all instruments, percussion and synths played by Nick Johannes, “The Drain” being a standout tune. A good mixture of the analogue and digital, with passionate vocals thrown in. Despite relying on technology for backing tracks, Johannes keeps it real and human. Not a stare at your shoes performance, and definitely worth checking out, if not live, then on Bandcamp. https://thekettleblack.bandcamp.com/
Man about town Martin Verrall showcased yet another line up performing his songs, but this was no ordinary band. In my opinion, this is the best ensemble Martin has put together to date, darker, moodier, and with a lot more musical space than the more traditional groups he has played with. From the first tune to the pounding, tribal finale of “Dark Room”, I was transfixed, as were many in the club. The rhythm section of Daniel Winterman on sinewy bass and Rosemary Stehlik on tribal drums propelled Verrall’s hoarse, raspy vocals, pushing the tune into an extended jam that ended at just the right time. Clearly, the standout act of the night, who exceeded all expectations and showed Martin’s tunes in a strange, pulsing new light. Speaking of light, there seemed to be an issue with the lighting rig. At times, the band were shrouded in darkness, which was appropriate, but people like to see a band. Hopefully this was just a glitch, or a misunderstanding of the system.
For over twenty years, Chris Adeney in his role as “wax Mannequin” has plowed away in the indie music scene, first in Hamilton, and then all points beyond. I found it strange that he was on this bill, but in the end, he made for a nice counterpoint. Also, having two bands and two “one man” acts seemed to balance the evening. After some initial technical issues, Waxy played a set of mostly older material, including highlights of “Things to do With Rage” and the hilarious “Sick Boy”. (I knew a fellow in grade school who could vomit on command, but that’s a digression). A casual listening of Adeney’s catalogue shows him cross genres, themes, and instrumentation, played live at times with a backing band. Perhaps the re-addition of bass and drums is in order again, Mr. Mannequin? Regardless, Mr. Adeney played with the power of a four-piece band throughout. Comparisons are hard to come by with this artist, but at times he reminds me of the quirkier side of Victoria’s Nomeanso, especially their “Mr. Right and Mr. Wrong” compilation, and John Wright’s new outfit, Dead Bob. Simply put, Wax Mannequin works well wherever he is placed, and partly because of this he has received worldwide indie credibility.
Sailboats Are White
The last time (if memory serves) I saw SAW was at Jimmy Vapid’s now defunct record shop, Reigning Sound. The small performance space was completely packed and spilled out on to the King Street sidewalk. Noisy, messy, and driven by a frantic drum machine/ jackhammer, they “delivered the goods”, as some writers would opine. As co-host of CFMU’s “Wasted Youth Guidance Counselors”, I was greatly impressed by their first full length, “Turbo”, which managed to capture the intensity of their live shows, along with subsequent releases. SAW was both a favourite for DJs and listeners alike, achieving indie success nationally and internationally. The mix of analogue and digital instrumentation could well draw comparisons to Steve Albini’s Big Black, amongst others. The blend of unthinking automation and human musicians has always been of interest to me, reaching to Big Audio Dynamite and even Dubmatix. On this Friday night, SAW sounded great, even if the audience didn’t participate as per the Reigning Sound gig mentioned previously. Full admission—at one point I realized that I should be writing song titles down, along with my observations, but I was having too good of a time. Thus, I can offer no standout tracks of the band’s set, other than to say it was all good. I’m glad they’re still around and playing, and perhaps recording something new? I don’t mean to spread rumours, but I thought I heard a band member mention a new release or recording at least to another audience member. If a band makes me drop all sense of responsibility, then they must be good, right?
Overall, a fantastic night of disparate bands that somehow fit together. Vertagogo is fast becoming the place to go—to play, watch bands, dance to heavy industrial, or just hang out. The kitchen offers some savoury delights, and the FREE POOL is a definite bonus. Check Steel City Music and the Vertagogo Facebook page for upcoming shows. The club is booked quite solidly into January, with some great talent on tap.
Speaking of tap, perhaps a couple at the bar might be a benefit? As far as can selections are concerned, there’s something for everyone, at relatively decent prices.
Yes, Virginia, it’s worth the trip to Main and Kenilworth.
SCM airs every Wednesday 1pm-3pm on 93.3 CFMU FM https://cfmu.ca/
SCM airs every Friday 4pm-7pm on INDI 1015 FM https://indi1015.ca/
Hey!!! Give us a follow!
Follow Insta @SCMgram
Twitter @Steelcitymusic
Facebook page SCM
Join Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/steelcitymusic.ca/