Metric: Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, Oct. 30, 2005

This was a night of quirky antics by lead singers. There were three bands (Lovely Feathers (?), Most Serene Republic, and Metric) all of which were highlighted by bizarre flailings by the singers.

The Lovely Feathers were quirky to the point of trying too hard to be. I swear, their tambourine causes seizures to whomever is holding it. I'm not sure if I enjoyed their music, either. Each song seemed to start one way, then jump into a number of other things without warning. Sort of the musical equivalent of ADHD. The strange gyrations performed by them whilst singing and/or tambourining drew ones attention, but in a off-putting kind of way. The jury in my head is still out on this band.

Most Serene Republic were far more musically consistent than the Lovely Feathers and their antics were more entertaining than disturbing. As well, I was expecting their set to be far more mellow than it was. They were clearly full of energy. A good show.

Metric rocked. They played a mix unsurprisingly dominated by new album material, but they threw a good selection from Old World Underground... in as well, including an extended and brilliant rendition of Dead Disco during the encore. I was hoping that they might bring themselves to play a song or two from their first release (maybe The Twist or Grow Up and Blow Away...?) but I guess that was too much to ask for. Regardless, the show was even better than I expected. Emily's occasionally muppet-like thrashings only added to the evening.

Post-show was awful. People need to realize that if they want to get their coats from the coat check, they should stay out of the way of those who don't. Stop milling about and blocking the people who just want to get outside. Same goes for all of you who decided at the last second to buy some swag from the horribly located t-shirt and button vendor guy (and the blame for this at least partially falls on the Commodore itself for putting the swag shop where they do; when will you learn?) Although, outside wasn't exactly a pleasant place to get to, what with the cold, wet squall that had descended on the city while we were being entertained indoors. I was so very happy when the bus finally arrived and even happier once I was dry and warm and in bed.

Guy