Ah, the old boy-girl vocal combo in a psych rock-esque band, conjuring up images of The Jefferson Airplane and, maybe in a pinch, Fleetwood Mac. When it works, it’s a sight to behold greater than the sum of both parts. But when you’ve got flashes of synchronicity bookended by a sense that the band doesn’t really need both singers, well that’s just plain silly. This is the sin committed by Lurch & Chief, so it’s a credit to them that they still can leave a pretty good taste in your mouth (a backhanded compliment if ever there was one). Ignore how awkward Hayden Somerville and Lil Hall appear onstage when the other one is leading the band and you’re left with some intense Jack White vocal squeals from Somerville and catchy, slinky neo-psych grooves. If the band was recruited to ease you into the night, then The Gold Hearted are here to snap you back into consciousness. Comfortable Summer Lovin’ riffs are swapped out for punchy power pop barre chords and anthemic choruses like a so-so Gaslight Anthem tribute band (backhanded compliment number two!) Unfortunately either the guys at the sound desk or the lads onstage thought the best way to serve this up was with hernia-inducing bass rumbles and up-to-11 amps, and this writer soon took shelter outside before organs started a self-destruct sequence. In little time at all thanks to The Corner’s two stages – just enough time for bodily recovery – headliners Nada Surf are pounding out their gorgeous melodic power trio sound…except they are power trio no more. Scandal!
Frontman/guitarist Matthew Caws, bassist Daniel Lorca – ugh, those dreadlocks – and drummer Ira Elliot are augmented by second guitarist Doug Gillard tonight. An occasional member of Guided By Voices, Dillard’s inclusion cranks up the college rock nostalgia trip into previously unknown levels. If someone brings out a hypercolour t-shirt this room may collapse. Thankfully this doesn’t happen, but a 20 year career greatest hits set does to the joy of the crowd. Caws perfectly executes quip after quip between songs, but Ira is the true star on backup harmonies and general smart-assery. Oh, and Doogie Howser hair. Personal favourites of the two hour and change set where the three minute pop perfection of Whose Authority and a loving cover of The Go-Betweens’ Love Goes On. Three highly disparate bands but one pretty great night.
BY MITCH ALEXANDER
LOVED: Hayden Somerville’s shirt. Name your price.
HATED: The last post-match crowd of the year spilling onto Swan Street.
DRANK: No space left after The Corner’s monster nachos and spleen cramps.
