Hamilton, Ontario’s B.A. Johnston sings songs about getting drunk and playing Atari, being dumped for a 23-year-old “emo fuck” and how he still lives off of packets of Mr. Noodles in his mom’s basement. In other words, he doesn’t take himself particularly seriously — if he did, he’d probably be a whole lot more depressing, and not the acoustic guitar-bashing, Casio preset-using dork rocker we know and love. Catch him at Broken City on Thursday, October 9 alongside Calgary’s Ghostkeeper and Calgary blues-rocker Miesha Louie (formerly of BOGART! and Hogpuncher).
For those in a more worldly mood, there’s always Eliana Cuevas at Beat Niq, also on Thursday. Fusing salsa, Latin jazz and pop elements, Cuevas has earned worldwide attention for her unique songwriting. Check out www.ffwdweekly.com for our interview with Cuevas.
The world music influence continues at Broken City on Friday, October 10 when Ottawa’s The Acorn takes the stage, along with Ohbijou and Calgary’s Beija Flor. The Acorn’s poignant mix of world rhythms and indie-pop sensibilities has earned them acclaim across the country, including a spot on the Polaris Prize long list. Tour-mates Ohbijou have evolved from Casey Mecija’s solo outlet into a full-blown pop project, anchored by Mecija’s swoon-worthy vocals but elevated by engaging arrangements. Beija Flor are a bit rougher around the edges, but their rusted kitchen sink approach is a big part of their charm.
Pine Tarts are another Calgary act worth keeping an ear out for. Their blend of ’90s alt-rock (more Rentals and Pixies than angst-laden grungers) and ’70s power-pop is positively infectious. They’ve invited a few friends to their Palomino CD release on Saturday, October 11 — The Sub-linguals, Calgary’s reigning manifestation of rock ’n’ roll anarchy, will be there, as will The Savants and Nightrocket.
Things mellow out on Sunday, October 12, when Kinnie Starr heads to The Marquee Room. The sultry singer’s blend of hip hop grooves, soulful melodies and rock attitude will provide a perfect soundtrack for turkey-stuffed post-Thanksgiving drinking — punk rock and tryptophan would be an awkward mix, after all. Let yourself get lazy and hazy, and bob your head till the holiday morning.
