Music Notes: It's a Half Moon rising in Saskatoon
Listen to some music and try to stay cool, everybody — things are starting to heat up.
Matt Olson
I like it when it's not -40 C outside just as much as the next person, but I am also not a fan of days so hot that I sweat wherever I go and whatever I do. That goes for concerts, too — it's much more comfortable sitting and listening to good music without sweating buckets. The concerts this summer are spreading out — especially now that a couple venues, like The Bassment — are done until the fall. It's an interesting time for music in the city, though, as people tour through, heading to or from various festivals and events. Then there are, of course, the ever-magnificent local bands. So let's listen to some music, and stay cool.
When: Friday, July 12
Where: Amigos Cantina
What: Hattie is a great example of that fun, local Saskatoon talent. Hattie — first name Jason — plays a darker style of the old-fashioned pop-rock of the late 20th century, accentuated by his low, gritty vocals and a pulsing rhythm. It's some really good stuff, and Hattie will share the stage on Friday with Zelda Belladonna and the Deadly Nightshades and The Radiant. It's a heck of a variety, but Hattie's music fills a cool niche here in Saskatoon. It's not depressingly dark, and it's an exciting and driving sound, but Hattie's deep tones really strike a fascinating chord.
W3APONS
Where: Black Cat Tavern
What: It's been nearly a year exactly since W3APONS got a mention in this space, and what a year it's been for the three-person squad out of Saskatoon. The group of guys are starting to gain traction in the province and across the country, as they recently hit the national radio charts for their song Off the Top of My Heart. Honestly, these guys deserve it — it's really refreshing to see hard work and dedication for a Saskatoon band pay off in spades, and W3APONS is a magnificent modern rock band with a sound that sets them apart from the crowd.
Half Moon Run
When: Wednesday, July 17
Where: Coors Event Centre
What: Montreal-based band Half Moon Run is the brilliant love child of modern pop and the honest vocal stylings of Canadian folk. It's a relaxed and surprisingly deep musical style that really captures the attention — it's not party songs, but it's an example of truly excellent alt-folk-style tunes. The four-person band has been going strong for years (the band started almost a decade ago) and has seen some different iterations in terms of style, but they are an absolute blast to listen to. They are most definitely worth seeing live.
maolson@postmedia.com
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