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Day 1:

My goal this weekend was to make it to as much Gobblefest as I possibly could. It didn't work out too well tonight. I chalk it up to me not being as young as I once was. One of the bands I was most stoked to see was Do You Love Us? Buuuuut last night I thought it was a good idea to get drunk in New Waterford and stay out til the wee hours of the night. So instead of going to the all-ager, I whined, hung-over and helped a friend with a photo shoot. I later heard that Do You Love Us were amazing. No doubt!

We headed into Maxwell's at 10ish so we could catch Thought Machine. Thought Machine are weird. I don't like prog very much. I can't listen to Tool, Yes or King Crimson. I know Thought Machine are in the same area as these bands, but I really dig their music. They didn't disappoint. All the guys played the shit out of their instruments, like I thought they would. They harmonized well and had lots of fun stops and starts. Like every time I've seen them, I couldn't take my eyes off Adam. It's rare to see a musician enjoy himself that much on stage. He's an impressive drummer and plays with more passion and energy than most. It takes a lot of stand out in this band, as everyone can play like crazy, but he manages too. Fantastic set. At some point during the set, the first of our New Waterford crew was kicked out. He tried to fight the bouncer and was dragged away. Great guy, had a little too much to drink.

My plan after this was to run to Bunkers to make sure that I caught The Outsiders. It has been so long since I've seen Andrew sing, that I had to go. Besides this, I figured that Versus and The Bloodletting were both going to be super heavy. Being a bit of a pussy, I didn't think that this was for me. Then out of nowhere came Harry, who told me that Versus are sort of like Halifax style post hardcore. This is right up my alley. I stuck around and wasn't disappointed. From the moment I saw 2 drummers, I was sold. The vocals weren't loud enough for my liking and were mostly inaudible for the whole set. The music won me over and I would have been happy to see them play all night. Sadly, the guitarist broke a string during their second last song. He asked if he could borrow a guitar for the last song, but nobody bit, so they decided to pack it in for the night. It was anticlimactic and all sorts of shitty.

At this point, we ran (casually walked) down to Bunkers just in time to see the last song by The Outsiders. Andrew has always been one of my favorite vocalists in Cape Breton. The last song was "Where Is My Mind?" by The Pixies. By this time, Andrew had blown out his voice a bit, but I thought it worked for the song. The Backing vocals were rock solid and Dylan was typically Dylan. He can play. We know this.

I debated what to do next. Painting Purple were taking the stage and The Bloodletting were on at Maxwell's. I stood outside with Dylan trying to figure out what to do and heard the first few Painting Purple tunes. Style-wise, they aren't what I'm into. They are fucking good at what they do though. I attribute most of the packed house at Bunkers to Painting Purple. The place was packed with people I have never seen before and they all seemed super into seeing this set.

The decision was then made to go for a coffee. I was getting a little tired at this point and figured the caffeine could wake me up a bit. We got back to Maxwell's and hung out with the Myles Deck guys for a bit. I was scared to go inside, because I figured the Bloodletting would blow my ears off. I did get to see some of the set and realized that these guys can play. They play in a genre that I couldn't possibly care less about, but my god they can play. Some lovely shredding. The boys are tight as shit.

After this it was time for Myles Deck and the Fuzz. This was what I was waiting for. Old-school garage punk played by the nicest guys in the world. I had only seen them once, over a year ago at Rocking4$ in Halifax. They were awesome then and I could only imagine they'd be better now. The did not disappoint. By the end of their set, they had won everyone over. Everyone in the bar was on their feet and dancing along, due to the band being fucking amazing. The cool thing was how all the people who were there to see a particular band were all into Myles and the crew. I can pretty much say without a doubt that this band were the best band I've ever seen visit this island. Charismatic and tight, the won the night. If anyone missed them, they should be ashamed of themselves. Once I get some cash, I'm getting a record and a tshirt. You guys should do the same.

Overall, a pretty awesome Day 1.

I invite everyone to fill in the gaps on what I missed or to argue with my opinions.

It should be noted that the only thing cooler than Myles Deck was Rob Rushton triple fisting Olands.

Do i even need to ASK who that was?

(side note, invincible was impossible to put down)

Jessie Macinnis, the singer from one mercy granted.


it wasnt jay macsween. I didnt even see him there last night.

edit: humbly removing name...

Really?

Naming names?

I dunno. I left the name out for a reason. I'm never comfortable posting about someone who doesn't post on here.
Luckily, that isn't his name.

thanks for the nice review you gave anthems! but it was actually a band called versus that you saw. anthems played at the all ages show.

Thanks to all for coming out and to everyone that helped out. We had an awkward and unfortunate end to our set, but hopefully Versus will be back someday. Both Anthems and Versus had a sick time. Gobblefest rules.

Anthems kicked ass at the AA show, too bad only like 15 people or so were there to see yous play, but Versus tore it up at Maxwells. It was one of the most Unique setups and sets for that matter I have ever witnessed live.

That second last song you played at the AA show was intense as hell, I wanted to punch babies.

The bar show at maxwells was the Friday Gobblefest show you wanted to see, IMO.

Versus, The Bloodletting & Myles Deck and The Fuzz! Im not sure if anyone else played but these 3 bands tore the place up. Everyone played so well and everyone who wasnt playing was so drunk it was awesome.(except for myself, designated driver with his beginners whuddup)

I didnt even notice that Myles Deck and the fuzz left the stage for Dead Kennedys to come on and play Holiday in Cambodia...No wait a second that was still Myles and the boys, HOLY SHIT they played that song better then the recording.

Anyone and Everyone who was there knows exactly what im talking about and Im sure tonight the Fun is going to keep on comin



See everyone at the Gaelic Society tonight!!

Do You Love Us?/Art Damage Split tape... may be in the works soon.

Day 2:

I had a bunch of shit to do today so I missed the all ages show yet again. I was really stoked to see A/V. He has been rocking shit for years. If anyone got to see his set, I would love a review.

We hit Maxwell's in time to catch The Dirt Merchants. It was my first time seeing them and I was pretty excited, as Christian has been one of my favorite performers for years. Before they strummed a note, they had to borrow a bass for some reason that I haven't been able to figure out. The next half hour was pure fucking rock and roll. They were exactly what I expected, energy and passion. Dirty, sloppy and talented with awesome screaming/singing. I can't see me missing a show from here on out. The also had a new E.P. for sale that I would have bought, were I not super broke.

After a quick dash outside for a beer out of my car, we hit up Bunkers. Art Damage was already well into his set, but I still got to see 3 songs or so. As I came in, he was sitting at the drum kit, sort of playing along with the organized chaos that was blaring in the background. I haven't seen him play in about 10 years, but he may have mastered his craft since then. The songs ranged from harsh and fast to slow and atmospheric, but it all worked. I wish more people were actually paying attention to the music, but those that were appreciated it.

I figured I had a bit of time before Carmen's set, so I left everyone at Bunkers and ran back to Maxwell's. Glory Glory Man United were already playing when I got there. I had never heard them, but I've heard their name creeping around Halifax for the past year or so. I knew nothing about them, but then recognized the singer and drummer as the dudes from Grade Seven Push Fight. They were a band from Antigonish that played a few times In Cape Breton with I Was A Spy and One Day Late. I always dug G7PF a lot, and still listen to one of their songs regularly. They sounded like that band stayed together and just got way better at writing songs. I wouldn't say that sounded like ODL and IWAS, but they were in the same area for sure. Layered 3 way vocals and 3 man shout alongs ensued and I couldn't have been happier.

Back to Bunkers. I had gotten a text message that said Carmen had started. We got there in time to see most of her set. A pretty good chunk at least. I don't know how to review one of their shows. Carmen had the attention of everyone in the room and made their ears perk up while she stole their hearts. It's always interesting to look around the room during a Carmen Townsend set. The people that have seen her before all have calm smiles, knowing that they are getting exactly what they needed and exactly what they expected. Those popping their cherry have these nervous smiles, looking around the room to make sure everyone else is hearing what they are hearing. The best quote I heard was "I don't want her to stop playing, but if the music stopped and she screamed 'marry me', I would". The band works so well with one another. Thomas' energy balances with the Shane's coolness, leaving Carmen to do her thing. They are on a totally different playing field than almost any other band, and really, should be huge.

Then we ran into a problem. All night, the sets have been staggered, so I could see at least part of all the bands. We had just gotten word that the Vibatronica were setting up as Tomcat Combat were setting up. I know guys in both bands, but have never actually seen either band live. The best idea we could come up with was to stay at Bunkers and see what Tomcat Combat were all about, then go to Maxwell's if it wasn't our thing. Then Tomcat Combat ran into a problem. They had left 2 left handed guitars behind, somewhere in their Gobblefest journey. This left them with a empty handed guitarist. The call was for him to play a right handed guitar upside down. To his credit, not only did he stay calm and power through, but he did it effectively. Experimental instrumental music hit us like a punch in the face. The first song was epic and thunderous, with the crowd getting more and more involved with every stop/start. After the first song ended, I looked back and said "Stay here?" and got saw two slack-jawed faces staring at me saying "Oh yeah." Then I turned around and saw the other member of our gang looking at me saying "well, we have to stay here." The rest of the set maintained the pace they had set early and by the end, every person in the room was a fan. I'm sure Vibatronica kicked ass, but hopefully I'll get to see them next time.

We'll see what happens tomorrow.

scratch this!


Wrong wrong wrong!


harry doyle needs a stand up comedy act night

it should be known that vibratronica and hospital grade (the only 2 bands i caught @ maxwells due to alcohol consumption elsewhere. sorry tdm) both rocked the shit out of maxwell's. vibratronica actually ripped out some enter sandman. it was awesome haha.

so stoked for today/tonight!

vibratronica kicked my ass.

The reason we needed a bass was....well....we spaced and forgot to bring dale's bass.

Harry "is" an act every night of the week!