El Marino

Thursday night at the El Mocambo was a small affairs showcasing a couple of bands playing new material. Dean Marino, a local producer/guitarist, was the connection. He produced the EP for Vistavision and plays for headliner Tin Star Orphans.

He also opened the night with a solo set. Being the frontman for Papermaps, he drew mostly on their material but tried out a few new songs. The music was often plaintive and concerned itself with small disappointments and regrets. Quite a change from his days in the Green Day-esque Knacker.

Vistavision played on stage with a big sound for a trio. Comprising of 2 guitars and drums, they maintained a propulsive rhythm thanks to tight drumming and chunky chords. However, some of their songs suffered from numerous structural changes, a song edit problem that plagues numerous Toronto bands. I wonder if ADHD is to blame?

I would have stayed for the alt-country styling of Tin Star Orphans, but the long workday and beer had stupefied my brain. Realizing I had trouble keeping my eyes opened, I stumbled out into biting blasts of wind to head home.