May 21 was a night to catch local bands I hadn’t seen for a while.
So I was pleased to catch most of the set from local indie rock/ alt country band the Utilities at the Slice, May 21 for a good sized Thursday night crowd.
The spirit of ’90s alt country rockers Wilco was strong in the band, who also were reminiscent of early Northern Pikes.
So there were plenty of jangling Stratocasters and melodic vocals.
In places they were reminiscent of the Tragically Hip while at other times they had a pop punk/ power pop feel.
They wound down their set with a new song and a cover of Wilco’s “Out of Sight Out Of Mind,” which they noted they hadn’t played live since first forming in Grade 10.
Lovecoast was up next and they were all about soulful pop, tasteful guitar and plenty of groove heavy bass.
Their musicianship was top notch. Lead singer Danielle Sweeney danced with herself on stage as she sang gorgeous soul and pop music reminiscent of neo soul /pop bands like the Alabama Shakes and Adelle.
The guitar solos were just perfect and you couldn’t stop that groove that you couldn’t help but to tap your feet too. I was surprised there weren’t many dancers as was Sweeney, who convinced a couple more to get on the floor.
“I’ll be Waiting For You” was one of many highlights as was “ Our Days.” They wound down their set with an exotic number.
Unfortunately I missed closing act Windigo.
