Keep Full Ambitious, Maybe We Could Be Holy

Here's a show I almost didn't go to. Luckily I did go and get to take in not only The Crackling for the second time (playing a full set), The Provincial Archives but also Cygnets (again! I know. Right!).

This show was at the Pawn Shop on Whyte, and was a mere $10. I couldn't believe it, but am not one to argue with a good thing. Ok, so I am, but thats besides the point...
The doors opened at 9, and well the Cygnets were definitely playing to a semi-empty house. I feel like that might be the reason why they seemed to be playing at half-best. I know the energy they can put into a performace and this one seemed half-assed. The crowd was scarce, yet the boys started just after doors opened (I'm sure that it was scheduled, but it definitely took away from their set). Lead singer, Logan Turner, still gave a great performance, but it obviously did not compare to when they "headlined" their own showcase for Sonic's Band of the Month in April. It was great to see them opening for other local artists that are getting to be indie-household names.

Just before the Provincial Archive took to the stage, The Crackling performed basically a full set. I first saw the Crackling open for Dan Mangan in November; that performance was short and didn't seem as solid and put-together as this one. The acoustics in The Pawn Shop were surprisingly perfect for Kenton Loewen's growl-ey, yet fine-tuned vocals. The accordion and upright bass used in their songs add a great side to the band, that brings their sound back to what I can only describe as "natural folk". The entire band played well together, but their interaction with the audience was heavily lacking. Unfortunately it seemed like they were just there to play for the sake of playing. Since this was how the show seemed, I didn't get the impression that the band would talk to the crowd after the set as most bands do at The Pawn Shop. However I definitely stood corrected when Kenton Loewen was sitting at the bands merch table for what seemed like the better part of the night. He's a guy that really knows music, and not just one type...it seems like he likes to experience different sounds. After buying the CD and talking to Loewen for only a few seconds/a minute I was really impressed that he actually remembered the three of our names when we were leaving at the very end of the night! See the NB at the bottom of the post to find out why I was so excited about that.

I had heard of the Provincial Archive before the show, but hadn't actually had the chance to listen to them. This show would be the first and most important impression of them. And of course they hit, smashed and hammered the nail on the head. They were so smooth, mellow and "catchy" at the same time (I don't like to use the word catchy, since it's not a "Top 40" song...but I can't think of another word with the same meaning - one of those songs you feel like you've known forever, even after only having heard it for the first time...).
The band had a range of instruments including the almost obvious drums, guitar, bass...but also the upright bass, talk box, banjo, keyboards...and one smaller set of high-toned keys that I don't even know the name of! (I'm not sure if I have said this before but it can never be said enough, the world needs more banjo!) No, there weren't 9+ members in the band; band members of course changed instruments during the set seamlessly. The band kept a constant communication with the sound technician - they knew what they wanted everyone to hear. It's important to me when bands do this because it means that they're not there just to get some money in their pocket, and they're actually determined and devoted to their art. The singer's voice was crystal clear and I was so impressed that not only were they multi-talented but also so personable, manning their own merch table and actually taking time to chat with us after the show. The Pawn Shop was a great venue for both main acts of this concert; it was able to maintain the intimacy of each bands set, deliver the acoustics just right, while still allowing a good-sized crowd!

The not-surprising-but-surprising show made me even more dissapointed that I missed them when they performed with Rural Alberta Advantage (another GREAT homegrown band) in April. Oh well, I know they'll have to come home sometime ;)

 In case you're wondering where the name of this post came from look no further than the debut album by The Crackling - Keep Full Ambitious, and the sophomore release (meaning second...not to be patronizing, but I know what it's like to NOT know what that means...) from The Provincial Archive - Maybe We Could Be Holy. Take a listen, and tune in for the next time all the lovely lads return to Edmonton!


NB: Kenton Loewen, lead vocalist of the Crackling, is a former member of Mother Mother (contributed to the first album), and is the drummer for Dan Mangan - I just love indie-band trivia.




P.S. There are a few things that I think you'd find entertaining but really don't have anything to do with the music...so...you can skip this if you're in a rush:
- Older drunk women at concerts are hilarious. Especially when they clear a section at the front of the floor because people are afraid that their flailing, sorry, "dancing" will injure them, when they yell to the crowd, "Why aren't you guys dancing!? It's just like Weezer!!", and most importantly when they start heavy-metal-like whipping their hair around and a cigarette flies out. What an experience indeed. (To be fair, I suppose the lead singer of the PA did have Rivers Cuomo-ish glasses...I guess...)
- Local artists can be a bit confused when selling merch. But they make up for it in apologies and good intentions and shirt trading. I bought a shirt at the show, but when I unrolled the tape the next morning it turned out to be the wrong one! Heartbroken I emailed the band, and got the quickest response on the same day saying that they would set one aside for me and I would get it in about a month! Now that's service (with a smile, I hope). Just...great!  :)