Opening weekend night one with Mess Folk, White Lung and the Bitters proved too popular for myself to gain entry, which was unfortunate since I think the Bitters are one of the more interesting local bands going right now. Guess I should have gone in with more foresight considering all the press the space had been receiving.
I was well prepared for opening weekend night two, with a ticket in hand to avoid disappointment deja vu, but it wasn't necessary. When I arrived, the basement was sparsely populated. The Shop is mainly all concrete (and what isn't concrete is painted the shade of concrete gray), low ceilings and long, red Corian topped bar on one side. The other sports bleachers, with freshly sawn spruce seats that scented the space lending all the more to the "new car smell" uneasiness. Once things get worn in, I can see the basement becoming almost cozy.
Night two's line-up begins with adorably awkward power poppers, Ottawa's Zebrassiers. The bands play on the floor, DIY style and if I were in a band, I'd feel incredibly on the spot by having the audience THIS CLOSE to my face. Luckily I'm not in a band.
Next up are Toronto (by way of Memphis) brats, Useless Eaters. Singer/guitarist Seth Sutton, a protege of Jay Reatard's Punk School for Boys, plays loud and fast snotty punk. The three-piece are not breaking any new ground with their version of early 80s hardcore, but they do it well and I liked it.
Might-as-well-be-headliners, Ottawa's punk rock sweethearts the White Wires got the now swelled crowd dancing and singing along with favourites like "Pogo Til I Puke Tonight" and "Ha Ha Holiday". This style of music could easily be written off as disposable without genuinely good songwriting and musicianship, both of which the White Wires have in spades. Plus any band who can get the too-cool Toronto crowd to dance is doing something right! The White Wires are probably my favourite (and the cutest) band in Canada.
After taking a breather outside on the smoking zone/artificial grass landing strip, it was about time to see Brooklyn headliners, Golden Triangle. I didn't know too much about the band other than they were very fashionable (one strike), from Brooklyn (two strikes) and were either psych/cold wave/shit gaze/whatever the fuck (three strikes). Anyway, I went in with an open mind and I was glad I did, because this band was heavy in the right way. I guess having six members, including garage punk's Southern it-girl Alix Brown, doesn't hurt in that regard. Two vocalists also added interest to their layers of sound. Pre-conceived prejudices aside, I'm really glad I stuck around for Golden Triangle.
All in all, I'm excited for many of the upcoming shows taking place here, including one of my dear favourites, the country punk outfit, the Goodnight Loving. It should be a great summer! Also my cab ride home was a mere $8. How's that for fiscal responsibility?
