Beast Mode

Saturday at the Garrison, I finally made it out to a CMW show for this year. I was happy because there were 4 strong bands without a bad set between them. Folk-poptronica outfit Kashka took to the stage at 9. With catchy tunes like Never Had It and Body Like Lead, it was almost enough to get the reticent Toronto crowd to dance. There were at least a few tapping feet. Singer Kat Burns seems to be growing more comfortable in her role as the lead of a synth-pop outfit.

Kalle Mattson brought an orchestral feel to his set, and not just his extensive use of the trumpet and flugelhorn. But despite the layered arrangements, it was his personal lyrics that stood out. No more so than during an emotional solo with a song called Emily. It was about the death of his mother, but from the perspective of one of her old boyfriends. How would it feel to hear about the passing of someone who had once been important in your life? It was an aching, heartfelt lament.

In contrast, Luke Rathborne brought the party from Maine. With just guitar and drums, some frizzy hair, a wisp of a mustache, and songs with lyrics like "We suck together" and "Wanna be you", it was fun, catchy music. Compliments to his stoner-looking drummer, Mary-Ann, who kept the beat strong and fast. They almost didn't make the show as she was caught with some weed inside an ear-plug case. They kept coming back to this story, winning more laughs from the audience: whether it was her unfortunate strip-search ("Oh please, not the butt") to their amazement that they were let through anyway.

It was obvious that most people tonight was here for Lady Lamb. From her diminutive size (someone exclaimed "she's so tiny") and doe-eyed gaze, perhaps some folky tunes or Lisa Loeb pop were in store. But with her guitar and a furious drummer and bassist, she brought a bit of rock, pop, and even some funk. Often in the same song. To be honest, I don't usually like songs with these many disparate sections. You might as well leave pop behind and write a symphonic score if you're that jonesing for variety. But songs like You Are the Apple, Crane Your Neck, and Hair To the Ferris Wheel demonstrated a rare craft and complexity. There was nothing meek about her playing. I was mightily impressed by Lamb, she was a joy to watch.