In The Land of the Lounge Lizards

On a quiet Sunday night, Gentleman Reg had his CD release at the Gladstone Hotel. As he wryly noted, a number of his friends begged out because of headaches or work Monday morning. But 30 or so people were there in the Ballroom for some up-tempo music.

Chinawoman was up first. A Toronto transplant to Berlin, she switched instruments depending on the songs. They all had a cabaret feel, sharing a weary and jaded viewpoint of the world. Party Girl, despite its title,  was any but uplifting or joyful. It was fitting music for the end of the week. In contrast, Army Girls never plays anything slow. So singer-guitarist Carmen Elle and drummer Andy Smith started with the riffy Always and got progressively more manic including on the new song No One Misses You (But I Do). At one point, they had to stop abruptly at the bridge because she had ripped out her guitar cable.

Gentleman Reg came on stage with a new band set-up including Kelly McMichael (Rouge) on synth and vocals and Terra Lightfoot (The Pining) on bass. He played songs from his new album Leisure Life such as Waiting Around For Gold and Make It Better. He also pulled from his catalogue dancey tunes like We're In a Thunderstorm and The Boyfriend Song. His live performance was more visceral (and danceable) than the recordings. There were only a few quiet songs including the sad The Declaration and a slow, sweet duet with Kelly on Sheryl Crow's If It Makes You Happy.