Daylight Savings Time

With the time being moved up an hour last week-end, and another snowstorm blasting through the region, it was a good night to stay in. But local power-pop band Hands & Teeth was having their EP release party at The Dakota Tavern. I've been waiting awhile to get a copy of their songs, so I headed out Wednesday night through the snow and slush.

Amos The Transparent opened the night. Amazingly, they had driven up from Ottawa that day, and was heading back there after their gig. The Dakota was a better sound-system fit for them than the last time I saw them at Sneaky Dee's. Their elaborate arrangements disguised the fact that, as the singer pointed, "here's another sad song." The male and female vocals often traded lyrics and harmony, with the other instruments including the cello providing a lush foundation.

It turns out Hands & Teeth EP Before The Light (7" vinyl) wasn't ready yet, though you could get a download card. They also had pleasing 3-part vocal harmonies, but their music had greater variety between sunny pop and noisy rock. Perhaps each member still bring their own sensibilities or write individual songs, but unlike before most of the lead vocals are now done by singer Natasha Pasternak. Not a bad choice. With her tousled blonde hair, crop top, and slinky skirt, not to mention a pretty mean hand on guitar and synth, Pasternak had a great stage presence.