Date: April 4, 2008
Venue: Rancho Relaxo

Getting off my butt to see a Megan Hamilton show had been a long time coming. I mean, I was introduced to her music last year and she even became the first (and thus far only) artist to be featured in a WHK spotlight (more on the way…I promise). Seeing the Toronto songstress live was the next logical step and this past Friday night at Rancho Relaxo provided the perfect opportunity.

Kicking off a number of spring dates dubbed the Steel Lion Burning Train Tour, Hamilton was joined by her Familiar Music label-mate, Deromantic (Steve Puchalski and friends), who warmed up the stage prior to her set. Admittedly, I hadn’t really paid much attention to Deromantic’s self-titled debut album when it came out last year, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. All told the band delivered impassioned roots-rock that had more than a few listeners tapping their boots. Personally, I drooled over the guitars being played (Les Paul and Telecaster…two signature axes that my wallet will never have room for!) and decided that I really ought to give Deromantic another listen.

Deromantic - Drunk & 35

As for Megan Hamilton herself, I was not disappointed. Backed by a stellar band—called the Volunteer Canola and featuring Puchalski himself on keys—her particular brand of haunting but occasionally explosive folk was bolstered by ethereal backup vocals and impressive guitar solos (not to mention the use of an Ebow).

This inaugural show bodes well for the rest of tour, so if you like your rock rootsy and your folk ghostly then peruse the rest of the dates here and get on board the Steel Lion Burning Train.

Megan Hamilton - Detroit

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Check out their respective Myspace pages to hear more: Megan Hamilton, Deromantic. Otherwise you can grab digital copies of both Megan Hamilton’s releases and Deromantic’s debut from Zunior.