September 24th, 2007
Live in Toronto: C’mon
Date: Sept. 21, 2007
Venue: The Horseshoe Tavern
Loud. Unyielding. Rock. And. Roll.
That is all that really needs to be said about the C’mon show at the Horseshoe on Friday night. Celebrating the release of Bottled Lightning of an All Time High on 12” through Alberta wax-aficionados, Saved By Vinyl, the band rocked the house from the moment the first chord was struck on the album’s opener, “All Time High,” and didn’t let up until everyone in the crowd was a born-again rock ‘n’ roll revivalist.
The venerable Sir Ian Blurton, arguably garnering Samson-like strength from his unkempt beard and scraggly hair, shredded through one fist-pumper after another as Katie Lynn Campbell vaulted about the stage with her bass like a woman possessed; all the while the sweat flew from drummer Dean Dallas Bentley’s locks as he viciously clobbered the skins into submission.
The only real pause came two thirds into the set when cocky audience members were chosen (during one of Blurton and Campbell’s many instrument-clad forays through the crowd) to keep listeners entertained while the band grabbed a drink. Of course, the ruse didn’t last long, with a surly Blurton—shot in hand—taking his axe back and muttering a disinterested “These guys suck” into the microphone before renewing the sonic assault. If anything, the bemusement of watching wannabes struggle to hit a cohesive note served to solidify the overall majesty of the band we all paid to see—a band who have no trouble slinging thunderous rock and roll boulders while obviously 3 sheets to the wind.
Needless to say, they rocked my socks off (I really have to stop wearing those damn things) and left me staring in awe at my brand-new purple-marble vinyl as I sat dumbfounded with ringing ears on the streetcar home.
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Check out some photos I took at the show. Click the thumbnails to view a larger image and an arrow will appear guide you through the whole series:
Also, read the WHK review of Bottled Lightning of an All Time High here and check out C’mon’s Myspace Page for tour dates outside of Toronto.
September 28th, 2007 at 9:05 am
Great review. I’ll be seeing C’mon tonight in Ottawa and can’t wait. Hope the show is as solid here as it was at the Horseshoe!
dan
February 21st, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Hi~
I was wondering if you had any advice in regard to concert photography? I have the Nikon D80 and taking it with me to a kd lang concert in a couple of weeks. I’m in a bit of a panic, as I’m assuming flash will be not allowed and I’m back about 25 rows, or so. Anything you may offer, I’d greatly appreciate. If not, thanks anyway.
Angel
February 21st, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Hi Angel,
To be honest I’m still a novice when it comes to concert photography, but I might have a couple of suggestions. First off, ever since this C’mon show I have avoided using the flash at all costs—no matter the venue—as not only is it annoying for the bands, but it also tends to wash out the shots.
I’m not sure what lens you’re using at the moment, but I find being able to open up the aperture to f/1.8 (that’s the best I can currently afford) is great for shows with decent lighting. Also you’ll likely need to amp up your ISO settings as much as possible without making the shots too grainy (800-1000 should be good).
Unfortunately, I’m not sure how much any of this will help given where you’ll be seated (I’m usually in the first few rows when taking shots—indie bands lend themselves to smaller venues).
In any case, all the best and enjoy the show!
Paul