FUCKPOP and Fortnight presented The Almighty Rhombus, The Folk, and The Medicine Hat at the eBar on Friday, Nov. 13. Pearle Harbour hosted the event, or “the prom night of your nightmares,” as she so eloquently put it.
The first band to hit the stage was The Almighty Rhombus, all the way from Sudbury, Ontario. The Almighty Rhombus consists of Michael Kenny on guitar and lead vocals, Clayton Drake on keys and backup vocals, Keegan McDonald on guitar, Laura Willett on bass and backup vocals, and Carter Drake on drums and backup vocals. Clayton Drake stood behind his keyboard, dancing in a king’s crown and a red velvet cape, as the King of the Keys. The band has embraced a very indie-pop sound, and the lead singer’s voice took on a faux accent that was reminiscent of the vocalist from the Arctic Monkeys.
Next on the stage was Guelph’s The Folk, who have been together since 2009. The Folk consists of Sarafina Bortolon-Vettor on vocals, keys and guitar; Emmalia Bortolon-Vetter on guitar and keys, Mark Ferrari on vocals, keys and guitar, Liam Magahay on bass, Simon Thomson on drums, and newcomer Alex Howard on saxophone. The Folk played all but three of their songs off of their latest CD, Every Colour, Present Wonder. It is so hard to pinpoint just one genre on the band, the closest I can even come to think of is a very raw psychedelic rock n’ pop. The Folk have raunchy and gritty voices mixed with harmonies that either hold you in place or shake your very bones. All of their instruments collide to create a kaleidoscope of sound. The show that they are able to put on is an explosion of energy, bow-ties, and blood-stained dresses. They’re sexy, they’re nerdy, and they’re here to stay. As Tyler Bersche said, “My favourite folks, The Folk.”
Pearle Harbour introduced each of the bands, and embarrassed a few fans. One fan, who was present for her 26th birthday party, was brought up by Pearle and introduced to the rest of the audience. Pearle said to her, and the audience, “Nice guys finish last, but nice girls don’t finish at all.” Everyone laughed. The world-wartime gal had a very awkward sense of humour that resonated with few at first, and then many once they got her jokes. Pearle came up to my table and stole my pad of paper and pen and jotted down,
“Pearle Harbour is brilliant and effervescent and I will love her till the day I die.”
Pearle was brilliant, that much I can admit.
Last up was The Medicine Hat from Hamilton. The Medicine Hat consists of the wedded Nabi Bersche with her very pure, very clean vocals, and Tyler Bersche on guitar and vocals. The married couple is joined by Elliot Gwynne on bass, Aaron Hoffman on keys/organ, and Michael Boyd behind the drums. The independent band knows how to bring the show, and kick up the party. The Medicine Hat mixes sounds of folk, rock and pop that makes your foot start stomping, whether you know it or not. Their energy comes in waves right at the perfect times. Their energies are mirrored of the sounds they make: when the music is big, they are big. When the sound is soft and brittle, they’re reserved. And just when you think the show is about to end, they kick it up a notch to keep the dancers dancing, and the singers singing.