It was a couple of weeks ago that my buddy A-Bomb and I went to see Elliott BROOD and the Great Lake Swimmers show at Festival Place in Sherwood Park. We were hesitant about going to this show as it is a seated venue, which doesn't really work for a band like Elliott BROOD, but we went anyways.
The show started with a surprise to us, it was Elliott BROOD opening the show, didn't expect that. Must have been a co-headlining tour. This would be my 8th time seeing Elliott BROOD in concert. Elliott BROOD is a three piece band from Toronto that play a folk, alt country style of music. Their shows are always a lot of fun with lots of energy with dancing, clapping along to songs and singalongs. And that was the biggest problem with this how at this venue. It was a very subdued audience with everyone seated. The band was great, sounded good, vocals were great, just couldn't get the crowd into it. They played a good selection of songs covering their vast catalog of music, having been around for 20 plus years. But as always with a band that's been around that long there are always songs you wish they had played but didn't. And how do you not play the song "Oh, Alberta" when playing in Alberta. They played a 70 minute set and it was in the last ten minutes that it felt like they were really starting to find their groove, but then the show was over. this band needs to play venues where you can dance and drink. Kind of a disappointing show.
Headlining the show was another three piece Toronto band, that being the Great Lake Swimmers. They too have been around for 20 plus years, but a band that I have never really paid any attention to. I have heard a few songs before but nothing I got into. Folky style music that I found to sound all the same. Tony Dekker the lead singer sings a very hush style of vocals, and he had tune his guitar after every song which was frustrating but it did give the drummer time to fill the void, he was actually quite a funny guy. Probably the best part of their set. I just couldn't get into their music at all, and I don't think I was the only one. The lady in front of us was all cuddled up in her jacket looking really relaxed and i believe had fell asleep. I lasted five songs and I was done. I went for a smoke and never came back. I told my buddy that I had seen and heard enough, but if he wanted to stick it out, go for it, I'll be outside. Well he lasted two more songs and had seen enough as well. While outside, i saw six other people leave as well saying the same thing I was thinking. Incredibly boring. They'd been better opening, at least then people would have to stick it out to see Elliott BROOD. Overall this show was kind of a disappointment.
T-shirt.
