Soft ... then Loud

After returning from an out-of-town trip on Saturday, I thought to check out some bands at the Silver Dollar after a quick pizza dinner. Unfortunately, with sets running late I only saw the first two bands. Marine Dreams started the night with a quiet set. Armed with just a guitar and an earnest demeanour, Ian Kehoe led us through songs full of unusual chords and idiosyncratic lyrics. With wandering melodic lines and oddly phrased verses, his music is perhaps best enjoyed at home in quiet surroundings.

In contrast, Stella Ella Ola played upbeat, catchy pop songs full of summery vibes. Appropriately enough, one of their tunes is entitled Summerette. But this set wasn't as good as their last outing at The Piston. The sound guy had itchy fingers. The levels jumped all over the place and the volume was much too loud for the venue size.