Moncton road warriors the Motorleague never get the respect or attention or turnout they deserve in Lethbridge. Usually they are competing with a dozen other big gigs but a dismal turnout, like at their Oct. 27 show
at Average Joes, was especially disappointing as they were only competing against the punk show at the Moose Hall this time.
The show started late, waiting for a crowd that never came. But once Calgary drums/ bass duo High Kicks finally took the stage at 9:15 for approximately 30 people who eventually trickled in, it was a show well worth waiting for.
The Motorleague began with their big riffed single “ The Boards” off their latest CD “ Holding Patterns.” and played a lot of their hits which would sound at home on modern rock radio. And do.
“A Little Too Obvious,” their current single as was the slightly slower more modern rock and less punk inspired single “Wounded Animal,” from Holding Patterns.
What’s not like about the Motorleague? They provided plenty of high octane guitar riffs some subtle guitar harmonies, gang vocals, boundless energy and a whole lot of fun, so I was glad I caught their set this time. They had plenty of shout along oh oh oh choruses, like on “ You Won’t Believe what Happens Next,” one of many songs from the new CD they played.
They played with a tightness that only comes from being constantly on the road.
They wound down their set by getting the crowd, whose numbers belied their enthusiasm, to sing along with an older song about Cape Breton and brought the High Kicks Danny Vacon on stage to song with them.
High Kicks put on their usual exciting show, with frontman Danny Vacon, jumping all over the stage, hammering at his heavily distorted bass, which sounded more guitar than bass.
Drummer Matt Doherty thrashed away at his drum kit, balancing two shot glasses on his cymbals and sending them flying with a couple of mighty crashes. Vacon’s’ raspy voice had a whole lot of soul and gritty blues to it. Doherty added massive drum fills a big drum solos throughout their set.
As always High Kicks provided a lot of ’80s moments, with Vacon talking about “Beep” and “boom boxes” before playing their always twisted cover of Jennifer Rush’s ’80s hit “ The Power of Love.”
