Sonic Metal

The SoundClash competition has several less well-known bands under various genre compete for a couple thousands in prize money and perhaps a little more exposure. On Saturday, all the finalists were scheduled to showcase a half-hour set at the Harbourfront. Kashka had the unenviable task of opening at 1:30 pm.

So early in the afternoon on a blazing day meant that most people, the majority being tourists, were more interested in enjoying the lake than watching indie bands play. Nevertheless, a few did gather round the Redpath rotunda as Kashka began setting up. Although it didn't have quite the audience impact as their opening slot for Young Galaxy a few weeks, this was probably their best show to-date.

First, the mix was excellent. With an array of speakers encircling the stage, every sound came through clear and pristine. Second, Kat Burns had enlisted some musicians to help her perform tracks from her current album and 1 new tune. Being a dance music solo effort, she usually has only a lead guitarist, her keyboards, and backing tracks. The addition of Kelly McMichael (Rouge, Gentleman Reg) on vocals/synth, Mike Smith on bass, and Morgan Doctor on drums made the songs dynamic and vibrant. I'm not being ironic when I say that the syncopated cow-bell on closing number "Prestige" made it pop and got people's feet to shuffle and tap (though it was too hot to do much else.)