A Show

"There are nights in this city when, deep in the core of winter, people need to escape the indoors. Despite the minus-thirty wind chill, despite the flaking of dry skin and a belly full of wine, winter's frustration becomes enough and these soldiers of spring layer on their hats, socks, and coats and leave their apartments. They desert dinner parties; they leave wooden tables covered with candle wax and cheese plates, abandoning rosy-cheeked friends in mid-air guitar solos. They leave these rooms filled with stunned laughter to see a show." - Ibi Kaslik, The Angel Riots

Ditto for ditching air-conditioned spaces or the enveloping warmth of a not too humid summer evening for the sweaty confines of a grungy bar, where dull city sounds are replaced with ear-splitting bass lines. Sometimes you just have to go. Despite my wavering stamina, J and I checked out Woodhands at Metropolis (a very good venue, actually) in Montreal on Sunday night. The two-man band set up their stage like a duel. Keytar and keys facing drum kit and off to electronic battle we go. I can't remember the last time I've seen such an energetic, fly-by-the-seat-of-your pants show, and from an opening act, no less! Awesome. Highlights included: Under Attack (this version recorded live at Sneaky Dee's) and In the Woods. Woodhands plays for free this Saturday at Harbourfront as part of Beats, Breaks & Culture.