Multi band shows a can be a blast when done right.
The April 2 Cd release party at the Slice was an example of this because of the variety of performers sharing the stage.
Two diverse local acts started the show, which began around 9:30 p.m. with the Yeah Dads.
I hadn’t seen them for a while and was happy to catch them. They played a solid set of delay drenched surf/ garage rock music which featured catchy ’60sish guitar riff and haunting vocal harmonies which gave them the sound of more spooky Blue Oyster Cult playing garage rock.
Local punk trio Advertisement were next with a short, loud and fast set of more intense, dissonant punk music. They ended with a slightly slower, more detuned metal influenced songs.
One band really surprised and impressed me — Regina’s These Estates. While I went in expecting a more straight forward pop punk sound, I was pleased to hear a diverse set of influences ranging from rootsy Canadiana along the line of the Northern Pikes mixed with a touch of Neil Young and Crazy Horse all soaked in the broth of ’90s alt country along the lines of Wilco.
They Played most of the songs from their EP as well as their full length album “ The Dignity of Man.”
Some of those highlights were “Virtue+ Valour” and the catchy, punk edged “Pay Me Some Attention,” which lead singer/ guitarist John Cameron observed “ It made a friend of mine, who was playing it in his car, caused his nine year old to ask the meaning of the phrase “jack off in my mind.’”
He played some tasteful guitar solos and appealing rhythms played at excruciating volume levels.
He switched to bass as bassist Mason Pitzel took the guitar for the last song off the set.
The Slates played a solid set of very ’90s influenced rock music form throughout their catalogue but focusing on their latest CD “Taiga.”
They sang appealing meat and potatoes rock and roll melodies and plenty of tasteful guitar solos and big riffs.
The Ruby Plumes finished the show, but I missed their set.