The Hidden Camera collective gradually emerged on stage, building up their opening number slowly and methodically before the horn section came crashing in. Frontman Joel Gibb really makes the most of his voice as an instrument, playing with it throughout the set along with emotive facial expressions. But there were many others on hand to lend both vocal and instrumental support for the show too. In fact the band numbered at least a dozen at points, including some guest vocals from beloved former Guelphite, Gentleman Reg. 
For Smells like Happiness the band was apparently joined by Basia Bulat though I couldn't tell as all members performed the entire song under the cover of red blindfolds (to correspond to the lyric "Happy we are when we choose to wear the blindfold").
Old and new songs alike were mixed into the set, with Origin: Orphans tracks, In the NA and a dark version of Walk On complementing classics such as Awoo with its perky xylophone component. Nearing the end of the hour everyone loosened up and band members could be seen dancing and smiling with each other while go-go flag wavers came out to dance at stage-edge. In crowd-pleasing fashion The Hidden Cameras spectacle closed down with band and crowd alike shimmying to the Death of a Tune.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Hidden Cameras Revealed (Hillside '10)
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Hillside Friday 2010
Another Hillside is upon us!
Beardyman set the tone with an opening mainstage set that had a horde of volunteers grooving in what turned out to be evening sunshine (after highly suspect weather all day). The Hidden Cameras packed a dozen or so people onto that very same stage at dusk and included some special guests among them. Surprise party of the night went to Yukon Blonde who were already absolutely rockin' the little Island tent when we arrived - complete with streamers and dancing. While a highly anticipated set from Brasstronaut did not disappoint in any way.
Complete reviews to come but in the meantime there's only a few short hours to rest until it starts up again tomorrow with the likes of Royal Wood, Bent By Elephants, The Acorn, Basia Bulat, Grand Analog and Japandroids. See ya there!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Big Shows in Little Guelph (THT Updates x2)
A glance at the sidebar schedule might make you think you were living in a big city, but in reality lil old Guelph is being blessed by concerts from some big, formerly big and gonna be big names in the upcoming months. Not to knock the others on that list but here are some highlights.
Metric is playing the University of Guelph's frosh week. Introduction probably unnecessary, but in order to see Emily Haines and co. you'll need to be a student or at least know a student. You may also need to know a loan shark as tickets are $36 - ouch! Peter Clark Hall is an awful venue, but that's usually because it is mostly empty, which may not be a problem for this show.
Japandroids who've been getting some hype (including being the X3 artist of the month for May 2009) were forced to cancel their last tour at the last minute due to a medical emergency. This BC power duo are known to bring a heckuva sound are returning to make up for that missed show. Support Mt. Saint Helen's Vietnam Band, Little Girls.
The Bouncing Souls are punk rock veterans, having played countless Warped Tours not to mention touring constantly on their own over the past twenty, yes twenty years! I caught them a few years ago at the Vancouver Warped and my desciption isn't particularly complimentary but you've gotta hand it to these vets for still bringing it after all this time. If they got me in the pit it musta been doing something right. Along for the ride are Saint Alvia Cartel. Early Show!
Two Hours Traffic bring their pop-done-right sound from the Island of Prince Edward in October. Lucky for us THT haven't forgotten about Guelph just yet when making their jaunts across the country. I remember their free gig at Jimmy Jazz just a couple years ago, and the two eBar shows that followed those - with the crowds growing for each one. I didn't blog any but I did write after the second eBar gig "Another solid fun-filled set, with 4 new songs including a good one called Noise Maker." I see that Noise Maker did indeed make the new album Territory; the opening track no less. Can't find the opening support just yet, but regardless The Danks who include a couple THT boys in their lineup are playing too - so I'd DEFINITELY advise getting tickets ahead of time for this one!
Whoa, further update as this big show gets bigger and Spiral Beach join the bill.
Not just The Acorn but Ohbijou too! This gig was supposed to go down last year if I recall but was cancelled well ahead of time for reasons that escape me now. It is back on and at the Dublin St. Church. Never seen the Acorn but Glory Hope Mountain was a killer album, and Ohbijou are lovely (and current X3 artists of the month). This'll be something to see!
The Hidden Cameras finally return to Guelph. Their live shows are known to be spectacles. Unfortunately I missed the last time they played the Dublin St. Church, and it has been over 2 years since that time so catch them while they're here!
Library Voices are doing a free gig. They may not be as well-known as some of the bands above but damn are they as great! It is a noon-hour concert (exactly what it sounds like, a show at high-noon in the UoG UC courtyard) and it's 100% free. I gave them some love for their recent Hillside show.
Almost worth canceling my travel plans to catch all these great acts...
