MUSIC PREVIEW: Walk Off the Earth on a Fast Run to the Top
Generally referred to as an “indie band,” Burlington, Ontario’s Walk Off the Earth finds influences and inspirations from all manners of music, with virtually no limits on what they might pull out of the musicsphere to craft their material – from more traditional guitars, bass, and drums, to banjos, glockenspiels, ukuleles, and even a theremin.
Their music is tinged with dance, ska, reggae, and other world music influences, but all the while remains catchy and melodic. Playing Sunday at the Jubilee Auditorium on Sunday, they are currently touring to support their upcoming album Here We Go!, due out this very same weekend; every ticket purchased comes with a free CD copy of the album. It is the long-awaited follow-up to their 2015 album Sing It All Away, which garnered continued critical acclaim, and another two Juno nominations (they had five previously), and their first Juno win, in the Group Of the Year category.
The Darenots will opening the show. 8 pm, advance tickets $58.75 and up, BUY
Thursday 24
Jordan Klassen – This Vancouver singer-songwriter is about a decade into his illustrious career, and is currently putting the finishing touches on his newest and yet-to-be-named record, which should be out early in 2020. His songs feature a multitude of instruments as well, from piano to violins to guitars. No Theremins, though, apparently. Station On Jasper, $12, 7 pm. BUY
Friday 25
Matt Mays – This Ontario native’s last two albums featured dueling renditions of the same tracks, exploring acoustic and electric takes in Once Upon A Hell Of A Time and Twice Upon A Hell Of A Time. He’s taking those songs and the rest of his catalogue out on tour, in what promises to “start off woody and mellow, and finish electric and stormy.” Skye Wallace opens, Myer Horowitz Theatre, 7 pm, tickets from $32.50.
Raygun Cowboys – This local psychobilly-punk act will treat listeners to their newest material as part of a formal record release party. Well, in as much this band could ever be considered formal. Gutter Demons open. Starlite Room, $20, 8 pm. BUY
Black Mastiff/Chron Goblin – Not to be outdone, this pair of heavy Alberta bands (the former from Edmonton, the latter from Calgary) host their own joint record release party in the back of the same venue. The former’s release name is Loser Delusions; the latter is releasing Here Before. Temple at Starlite Room, $15, 8 pm. BUY
READ: LISTEN HERE with Black Mastiff
Saturday 26
Teenage Bottlerocket – Formed in Wyoming in 2000, the band’s newest album Stay Rad features 14 of their legendary style snappy punk songs, a nice departure from their 2017 Stealing the Covers, which featured, what else, a delightful but heavy cadre of cover songs. With The Isotopes and Suicide Helpline. Rec Room South Edmonton, 8:30 pm, $20 advance
Sunday 27
Judah & The Lion – This alt-Americana trio out of Tennessee finds its three members playing guitar, mandolin, and banjo, among other instruments. They’re currently touring to support their third full-length, Pep Talks, which was released in May and features an impressive 18 tracks (17 when originally put out). That infamous 18th track, Let Go, is also ESPN’s College Football anthem for the current season. The album managed to climb to No. 18 on the US charts, and No. 3 on the US Alternative chart. The band’s been pretty consistently starting their current shows with the title track to Pep Talks, a quirky, yet also haunting and inspirational introduction song that lays the groundwork for both the album, and the concert. Union Hall, $50.75, 7 pm. BUY
