This was a secret show that was only announced a few hours before the gig. The band was working out the kinks (not that there was many) before they hit the road for a string of maritime gigs.
After Matt and the boys set up their gear and plowed through a tray of shots the band took the stage around 1:00am. For an un-promoted show there was a sizable Wednesday night crowd. Damien Moynihan (of The Garret Mason Band) was manning the trap kit, Serge Samson (a former Guthries member) on the bass, Adam Baldwin on the keys and Jay Smith on guitar. The band made numerous references to "Dale" and not knowing where "Dale" was. I am assuming this Dale they speak of is the one and only Dale Murray who has played pedal steel guitar for Matt many times in the past.
Mays played two new songs, I didn't catch a title to either but both had a classic Matt Mays feel with a simple G-C-E chord progression. The second of the two new songs was a really great roots rock song with a nice repeating lick. I was somewhat surprised that they didn't play more new material but then again the new album is a solo project so I guess playing full band renditions of unreleased songs might not be the best way to do things. I am going to the November 11th show in Truro which is a solo show with side kick Adam Baldwin, so this time next week hopefully I can report on more new material.
If you have ever been to the Seahorse you know the dark, rock'en vibe that the joint is known for. The boys beefed up the distortion, cranked the amps and fed of the feedback throughout the show. The highlights for me where Time of Your Life and September. Time of your life was basically made for the Seahorse Tavern. The bar was lined with familiar faces from local bands and and former tours mates like Gloryhound.
As I walked home from the gig around 2:30-3:00am on a brisk Wednesday night, realizing I have to get up for work in about four hours I thought to myself "this is what Halifax is all about".
Keep the beat,
Jesse
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ReplyDeletetake a taxi next time J
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