In The Zone

Volcano Playground

Saturday night at the Silver Dollar, a couple of bands played to a small crowd. First up was Volcano Playground from Whitby. Though self-described as a shoe-gaze band, they didn't spend too much time fiddling with pedals and effects. In fact, with a dynamic drummer and catchy bass, they had some almost danceable tunes. But their vocals stayed in the droning, sparsely melodic range that brought some of the navel-gazing feel of shoe-gaze to the performance.

Next up was Sports The Band. I have heard of them because of their ex-member Robin Hatch (lately of Sheezer, Dwayne Gretzky, Our Lady Peace.) They were unexpectedly harmony-heavy. From the interaction between the two guitarists, and occasionally the bassist, to the vocals on the refrains, Sports had surprisingly pop-friendly hooks and melodies.