Canadian bands go head-to-head
Live Music Prize Series and DSTRCT presented a battle of the bands on Saturday, March 26, 2016. Two bands had dropped from the bill; Jimmy Pearson, and Three Quarter Stone. The new lineup included The Woolwich Project and The Plugs, and The Dead Projectionists became the headlining act. The winner of the night would move on to the next leg of the contest that is to take place in July. The semi-finals are going to be hosted in Hamilton where the grand prize of $20,000 and recording time with Iguana Studios awaits.
The first band to get on the stage was The Woolwich Project from Kitchener, Ont. The Woolwich Project had an alternative rock sound that needs to be polished. The levels of the band made it difficult to listen, although, there could have been potential if there wasn’t a battle for volume between the band members. The Woolwich Project showed their keenness for Neil Young with heavily inspired guitar solos.
The next band to take the stage was The Plugs, with Erc on vocals and guitar, Tommy on keys, guitar and vocals, Gutch “Matt” on bass and vocals, and J on drums. The Plugs are a pop-punk/alternative band from Brampton, Ont.
“This one is very danceable,” said Eric.
After the count by J, the band powered into their next song and the audience began clapping and dancing to the beat.
“This next one’s called ‘Frightening Things,’ if you know it sing along,” said Eric.
The band drove right into the song and Gutch “Matt” screamed into his microphone like he was trying to intimidate it. The audience called for a weak encore, but the host had already found his way to the front and center.
“Come on ladies and gentlemen, one more time for The Plugs!”
The last band to play was The Dead Projectionists, who have some members from Nova Scotia, and some from Toronto. The Dead Projectionists consist of Alex Goyetche on vocals and rhythm guitar, Al Purcell on lead guitar, Kirby Schiemann on the synths, Stefhan Iwaskow on bass and backing vocals, and Scott Walsh on drums and backing vocals. Their set was filled with a mixture of psychedelic and acid rock, with high pitched synth sounds that vibrate to your very core.
“This one’s called ‘Diamond Legs.’ It’s about breaking the rules and smoking around kids,” said Goyetche.
Introducing their next song, Goyetche said, “It’s called ‘Tramps’… Well I know what they want from me!”
“Tramps” is a mellower song that’s pop-y, psychedelic and slowly driven. The harmonies make it hard not to sing the chorus back to the band.
When The Dead Projectionists finished their set, the host took the stage once again.
“Big thanks to all the bands and everyone who came out. We are back here April ninth! It was very, very close for tonight.”
He closed the night by speaking about how one band was tighter, made fewer mistakes, and had more showmanship, calling the battle of the bands to a close.“The Plugs are going to Hamilton!”