The lovely and talented Ottawa born, Toronto based singer/ songwriter Sarah Burton made a long 
awaited return to the Slice in a late announced show, July 4. She began by praising opening act Redrum Triumph, saying “that set was triumphant.”
She had a tight and talented full electric band accompanying her which she affectionately called Deerslayer referring to a recent car accident in which they hit a deer and stranded them in Minot, North Dakota.
She played a bright blue Stratocaster. She’s definitely moved into a more alt-country direction. He smooth voice recalls a combination of Kathleen Edwards and Sheryl Crow with a touch of Dar Williams. They played an enjoyable set of mid-tempo country with just a touch of twang and a few slower moments.
There were several tracks from her latest CD Fire Breathers, then added an interesting cover of a song by Brit pop band Travis, for which Burton in a British accent, asked the audience of about 15 if there were any Brit pop fans present.
She traded guitar leads with her lead guitarist while the bassist Luke Stackhouse, only playing electric bass this time instead of his usual stand up bass, added apt vocal harmonies.
She also played a couple brand new songs as well as some older songs, including a highlight written eight years ago when she was at music school and had to listen to amorous upstairs neighbours.
She ended her set with a hot version of the bluesy “My Man” from Fire Breathers which sounded like an Alannah Myles song.
To open the show, Redrum Triumph including Steve Foord on an assortment of instruments and Kelsey Jesperson on violin and vocals sang their usual strong set of songs about zombies and one of my favourites “Love in a Digital Age.”
Foord worked up a sweat , stomping on a suitcase wrapped in a chain and adorned with a tambourine for rhythm.
They had more of a stripped down Shred Kelly feel since the last time I saw them. A lot of that is due to Jesperson's haunting voice.
