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Day 4: Saturday
The Grand Finale?  Awaking early Saturday afternoon, I was keen to pick up where I’d left off the night before. I hadn’t done much hanging out at the Royal York (CMW’s home-base) and thought it would be fun to see what the big-wigs were up to. Turns out, hanging out in a hotel lobby is not nearly as much fun as it sounds. Saturday’s line-up was packed solid and I was determined to go out with a bang! First stop, the final Chart Magazine showcase at The ‘Shoe. I was there early to see the Diableros, but was surprised to learn that everyone’s favourite ego-maniac, Danko Jones, was putting on a “special” performance. I think the best way I can describe this set for you is to say that The ‘Shoe was shoulder-to-shoulder during the party, but Danko took the stage, there was considerably more room to move. Yes, all the over-powered, self- aggrandizing aggression you’ve come to expect, but with an extra twist. Somewhere in his set, Sir Danko announced that despite the fact that there were many other bands playing later, the night officially ended after his performance. In his words, “Your night ends when I get off the stage!” Breathtaking, but let’s move on. I was quite eager to see the Diableros, who had a fair bit of buzz surrounding the release of their debut album. I was a little disappointed. They say people hear what they see, and what I saw was a rather unenthusiastic, six-piece lacking any real style or charisma. The songs were interesting and I’ve enjoyed the recordings I’ve heard, but the performance just didn’t hold up. Following them was one of Canada’s next big things: Elliott Brood. I’d seen them earlier in the week at the Indies, but this performance showed what they were truly capable of. They’ve got great tunes, great vibes, a great look and their drummer’s kick drum is an old, red, plastic suitcase! What was missing from some of the other bands I’ve seen, Elliott Brood has. They’re able to grab your attention and hold it. Their unique brand of folky-alt-country – Blackgrass or Death Country – is refreshing, fun and more than ready for a much larger audience. Off to the Reverb, for a performance by local Rock’n’Rockers, Dear Jane, I. Dear Jane, I managed to capture my attention with one of their songs. It’s called “Wish Black Wishes” and if this emo thing can hold out long enough, these guys and girl should have a pretty big hit on their hands. Wintersleep was set to take the stage at The Horseshoe at midnight and I was curious to see them again. I’d seen them the first time last fall and was quite impressed. I liked their style of rock, which was quite different than most things I’ve heard. This show didn’t disappoint. The Halifax four-piece delivered the same up-and-down energy I was expecting. When I say up-and-down, I mean that their songs have great dynamics. They are just as capable of tucking you in a nice wintery sleep as they are or rocking you awake before you know what’s happened. As Wintersleep left the stage, I realized I had run out of gas. I really wanted to take advantage of the extended hours to see more bands, but I really couldn’t stay on my feet much longer. What a week. As fun as it was productive and as exhausting as it was fun! If you didn’t go this year, take my many words for it and check it out next year. Skip work the week before, catch up on some sleep and get your self nice and hydrated. Buy a festival wristband and a TTC pass, leave the house Wednesday afternoon and don’t plan on being back home till Sunday morning Trevor's other CMW nights: - Thursday - Friday Other CMW coverage - Trevor Thomas ©2006, All Rights Reserved |
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