The Automatik

The Horseshoe Tavern
March 1, 2003

Seeing shows in other cities (or other countries, for that matter) is always exciting and yet, a bit predictable. The thrill of seeing a well-loved band that I’d never have the opportunity to witness live in the Dirty South is always welcome, but I could do without the tiresome parade of hipsters that I swear I recognize from clubs in New Orleans.

No matter. I was there to enjoy The Meligrove Band’s set and I did. Without the horns, keyboards, bells, and whistles of their studio release, Let it Grow, there was more room for rocking the house, and that they did. Watching Darcy go apeshit on the drum kit made me exhausted! Yet he’s not the only one who put on a show. Jay and Mike, on vocals/guitar and bass, respectively, impress and inspire with their talent and energy. (And though I hate to rely on too many comparative references, I must say that Mike’s got a serious Dee Dee Ramone thing going, but without the creepy, dope-hustling vibe.)

I was dressed in many warm layers as an attempt to prevent frostbite from the Canadian winter outside, so I tried to limit my dancing to a minimum so as not to faint from heatstroke. Let me tell you, it was no easy task. I hope to one day see a longer set when I can really rock out to The Meligrove Band in the way they deserve to be rocked out to. They’re a damn fine band and one which I look forward to enjoying for a long time.

Shaun and I stayed a bit longer to chat with the guys (who, by the way, are completely cool and really nice). Although we weren’t interested in hearing the other bands, we couldn’t help it in such close quarters. This isn’t a full show review since I only really saw The Meligrove Band, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t comment on the following act, The Organ.

Sure, I could make some sort of crude pun about how much The Organ sucked or blew, but what I’d like to do is give them a bit of advice. Pastiche is a complex, fascinating, and aesthetically fruitful genre, which incorporates the styles of other artists to make a statement through comparison and contrast. Rote rehashing of someone else’s work (in this case, vintage Cure or Siouxsie), without giving credit or improving upon the original is a pathetic rip-off that disgusts me. You should be ashamed of yourselves. At least cover bands have the decency not to front.