MUSIC PREVIEW: Yukon Blonde got the Knack
Contrary to popular belief, there are just two kinds of rock ‘n’ roll.
One is the kind to which you bang your head up and down, as when attending a metal show. The other one causes you to bob your head from side to side with a smile on your face, like the Peanuts Gang. And that’s it. Think about it!
Yukon Blonde clearly falls into the latter category, and there’s nothing wrong with that. There’d been a dearth of peppy synthy Knack-like Clash-esque major key bands, and this Kelowna quintet has stuck to its poppy guns for a long time – almost 10 years now. And while they have yet to hit their “My Sharona” moment, they’re coming close with songs like Stairway, and Saturday Night, and the latest single Love the Way You Are from their latest album, Critical Hit.
Telling title, no? As Frank Sinatra once told his son, “Overnight success is the result of years of dedication and hard work.” So while Yukon Blonde remains a popular Canadian club band for now, it won’t be long until they’re too big for a bar. And look at this: Maybe they are: Their show Friday night at the Station on Jasper, with The Zolas, is SOLD OUT.
Friday 30
Martin Kerr – A commanding yet gentle voice distinguishes this gifted Edmonton-by-way-of-England songsmith, along with songs as elegant as they are direct – and again, he’s got a hell of a voice. Kerr enjoys success with his latest album, Better Than Brand-New. Fun fact: He was a top-16 semi-finalist on Canadian Idol in 2008, but we can’t hold that against him. New Moon Folk Club (St. Basil’s Centre), 8 pm, another SOLD OUT show. Guys, can we book some bigger buildings here?
The Creepshow – Female-fronted rock-a-metal band from Ontario writes songs about horror movies, hence their name, and would probably be a good choice to cast in an actual horror movie, should one of them ever need a band. It’s hard to go wrong with a winning combination like this. Also on a large bill at the Temple (in the Starlite Room) will be the Mad Bomber Society, The Devils Sons, Chips Ov Oi, and Josh and the Winos. 8 pm, advance tickets $15
The Marked Men – Texas punk heroes at 9910, also SOLD OUT
Braden Gates – With his fourth album Pictures of Us out now on Borealis Records, a prominent Canadian folk label, this bluesy local singer-songwriter will be playing a free show at the Brick & Whiskey, at 8 pm
The Valley City – Fledgling Edmonton hip hop group is showcasing new music, along with tracks from their pointed 2017 album Alternative Facts. Anthem, 7 pm, $14 advance
Saturday 1
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy – A “Celtic Family Christmas” would be a pretty big party if the entire “Celtic family” attended – didn’t the Celts bring about the Fall of the Roman Empire? – far too many for the Jubilee Auditorium, but enough for area fans of these two Canadian ringers. Can we call them legends yet? Two Canadian legends. 8 pm, advance tickets from $40
Sunday 2
La Armada – Latino countries have hardcore, too? You better believe it. These guys are from the Dominican Republic (and are now based in Chicago) and shred as hard if not harder than their Anglo brethren. They’re touring upon their third album, Anti-Colonial Vol. 1 – because we can surely expect angry sequels with this particular subject matter. With Run with the Hunted, and Bleach. Buckingham, 8 pm, advance $15
Monday 3
Fozzy – Besides being named for a Muppets character, this olden-school metal band stars pro-wrestler Chris Jericho in the lead role of the growly singer with the larger-than-life rock star persona. Currently still in the wrestling spotlight in Japan, he has reportedly called Fozzy the “love child of Metallica and Journey,” if that helps. Their most recent album is called Judas, with a new single therein, Drinkin’ With Jesus. Who would win in a cage match between Jesus and Jericho? Jesus, of course. Starlite Room, 6:30 pm, advance $25
Johnny Reid – Country stars are attracted to Christmas like bees to honey. Or wait, bees make honey. So they’re attracted to pollen. Whatever. This Scottish-Canadian crooner is almost accidentally a country artist; he’s really more of a blue-eyed balladeer with a little brogue that people mistake for twang – and expected to be the epitome of smooth with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in “Home for the Holidays,” for two nights at the Winspear Centre, Monday and Tuesday at 7:30 pm. Take your mom. Advance tickets from $60
