The Meligrove Band have evolved from fast-times Mississauga rock band into the mature four-piece seen today (well, drummer Darcy might disagree about the maturing point. Always love his stage banter). The band tried out some new songs to the crowd, which seemed to go over alright. Although the lot of them were eagerly awaiting Moneen, and having to fight the constant rain which Toronto had encountered all weekend, they had seemed moderate in spirits.

Overall, I love the Meligroves when they rock out fast. They may have slowed down a bit, but they’re definitely not out (of it — yes, a lame, lame rhyme).

All good things have to come to an end.

Wavelength was a good, good thing.

Sunday night marked the final weekly Wavelength performance, and what a way to go out.

Unfortunaly I had missed the first two bands (I wanted to see BOARS). My night began with Mean Red Spiders who played a mix of Shoegaze and Distortion Rock, which I couldn’t get into. Three songs had me going for a walk. Right after them were the heavily-desired The Barcelona Pavillion (yes, DESIRED). The return of Steve Kado sent many hearts-a-throbing. His screams and angry-looking, but entertaining looks, were reminiscent of the time when he was known as The Blankket, performing Bruce Springsteen covers to homemade beats. Nostalgic? Very much so. The BP got a mosh-pit going successfully. They were victorious.

Kids On TV took over, sporting costumes, uniforms and anything having to do with Valentine’s Day. At first, it took a while for the crowd to get into dancing. By the time ‘Breakdance Hunx’ kicked in, the whole crowd was into it. “YOU THINK SO?” “I KNOW SO!” Any time I see Kids on TV, I look forward to this track, and the ensuing mayhem.

THOMAS was one of the extended performers of the evening. Thom Gill (aka. THOMAS) is, as Kevin Parnell put it “one of most inventive guitarists in the city.” His composition is very unique and is not of something I can really compare it to. There are some “White Soul” elements about it. All I can say is that his debut record, entitled ‘Self Help’, is densely layered and requires patient listens. The result? Something new and innovative. It’s good, good stuff, people.

Owen Pallett played a small, but stunning set for the late-staying crowd. I’ve seen Pallett play many times, but this was clearly his best performance from all the times that I’ve seen him. His new record is a masterpiece and it sounds like floating on air when performed live, despite only having two people on stage to emulate the beauty that is ‘Heartland.’

The Hidden Cameras came out at 3am and played a one-song set with the majority of the original band from the early 2000’s. Joel Gibb lead the Cameras in ‘I Believe in the Good Life’. Assisting on stage was Kevin Drew. Was he a Hidden Camera? Eh.

Overall, it was a wonderful night and a great surprise to see so many of the people who helped make Wavelength what it was over the years. Wavelength wasn’t just any music series. It was responsible for the growth of many artists and bands who are now far out of our reach, but, as demonstrated by The Constantines, Owen Pallett and The Hidden Cameras, they have not forgotten about their roots. This gave me the best feeling.

Thank you to Jonny Dovercourt, Duncan “Doc” Pickles, Kevin Parnell, Ryan McLaren, Steve “Shoe” Heyerdahl, and everyone else who made Sunday nights bearable.

Another Halloween, another stomach full of candy and beer!

YO Jamz threw their annual Halloween bash at The Garrison this year with great success. Seeing how last year’s party was a success and capacity was an issue for a while, YO Jamz had decided to move the party to a larger venue, with sexy results.

For those who don’t get the joke, the party, entitled ‘Werewolf Bar Mitzvah’, was derived from a ‘30 Rock’ joke where Tracy Morgan’s character had released a Gold record by the same name. To celebrate this occasion, YO Jamz brought out a large party sub (kosher and non-kosher), followed by a plethora of party treats! Yes, enough candy to spike your blood into a serious drawl. Mmmm.

I saw some GREAT costumes last night. Particular mentions go out to the Vince Offer dude (ShamWow! and SlapChop), Daria as a Rocket, the LEGO Dude, Kimbo Slice, and many more.