Summertime Past

Summer might be in the rearview mirror, but the bands playing Thursday night at the Horseshoe had music that evoked that feel-good vibe. First up was Only Yours at their first show. But since a few members belonged to recently defunct roots band Great Bloomers, the floor was full for their early set. The Phil Collins t-shirt and Tears For Fear deco on the guitar amp were a clear giveaway. They played synth-heavy love songs (Endless Night, Your Word Is Gold) that were reminiscent of 80s slow jams. Even the guitars were fed through effects to give them that digital sound. Time to snuggle up with your special friend (or accomodating stranger).

Next up was Stella Ella Olla. I thought I had seen them before, but I was wrong. I've certainly heard them mentioned on the local scene. Well, I should have gone to see them sooner because they played great music: jangly upbeat pop, odd lyrics, and danceable. They played through their entire 1st album from Summerette to Peter Sellers, as most songs only clocked in between 2-3 minutes. The lyrics to Proud Mother Stomp ("Once I'm sure you made your mother proud") were modified to reflect the recent election. When the critics described Alvvays music as summertime fun, this (Stella's music) is more what I had in mind.

The Meligrove Band has been around for more than a decade. They reunited and had just finished a new album after a few years on hiatus. The fans were excited to see them back for the release show. Both new and old songs had common elements: propulsive drums, harmonizing guitars, high-fretted bass melodies, and Jason Nunes' slightly plaintive singing. The crowd came to hear the love songs (Our Love Will Make The World Go Round) but also a few new tunes. The band's penchant for numerous musical changes meant that they often created their own "medley" by stringing together several tunes. Appropriately enough, they ended the night with new song Don't Wanna Say Goodbye.