Sunday, March 25, 2012
David Hustler & The Trustworthy
I unintentionally missed The Ship, so I started off the last night of CMW with David Hustler, whose name really is “Hustler,” and his backing band The Trustworthy. Hustler’s Facebook describes their music as “barn burning indie folk/rock,” which is quite apt. There’s an alt country vibe to the songs, but Hustler takes full advantage of The Trustworthy‘s Ian Theriault (keys, sax, djembe) in creating a unique sound. It was an energetic start to the night and, with a full-length in the works, I’m looking forward to exploring this band a little more in the future.
Mikey Chuck Rivers was a hilarious addition to the night. He took the stage with just his acoustic guitar and even though he was alone, his set was never boring. It helps that his self-deprecating stage banter had those gathered at the stage unable to contain their laughter. The singer-songwriter released his Last Night’s Beer EP in October of last year, and his songs consistently speak to nights of drunkenness. While it’s easy to call it a gimmick, it seems as though he genuinely writes simple, thoughtful songs about what he knows best. He commented that he wasn’t sure how he was on the lineup, but the truth is that Mikey Chuck Rivers is a lot of fun to hear, worthy of playing alongside the acts that followed.
The Elwins released And I Thank You in February, but there’s been a buzz around the Keswick band for quite some time now. The Elwins probably play more shows in the city than any other band, but it is their energy-filled bouncy set that allows them to consistently play shows to great crowds. This night was no exception, as the venue was packed by the time they took the stage.
Songs like “Stuck in the Middle” and “Forgetful Assistance” are so infectious live, but the absolute highlight of the set has to be during “Fox Tale” when frontman Matthew Sweeney managed to get the crowd to do a choreographed dance to the lines “What’s a fox? What’s a fox without a tail? Spread your wings, spread your wings and learn to sail.” I commend the band for being able to lead the band, but even more so everyone in the crowd that managed to execute the moves in sync.
I ended off the night – and my CMW – with Topanga. It quickly was apparent to me that Topanga earned the title of loudest band of the festival for me. It seemed as though frontman Stefan Babcock was screaming louder than ever, with such intensity from guitarist Steve Sladkowski and bassist Nestor Chumak too. And I swear I thought Zack Mykula was going to break the festival drum kit. Babcock and Mykula also had some hilarious exchanges between songs, drenched with disparagement and sarcasm, but in that “know each other too well” sort of way.
While there is certainly a pop feel to their songs, live they are heavier, which had the crowd moshing at certain times. By the time the 4-piece started playing their covers of Weezer’s “Surf Wax America” and Gob’s “I Hear You Calling”, Babcock’s voice was starting to go and the crowd took over instead. As a treat, Topanga pulled out new song “Cul de Sac” that Babcock claimed they didn’t know how to play. Well, they certainly fooled the crowd then. After this set riotous set, I was spent. While there were a couple other bands that followed, I’m certainly glad I ended my CMW with Topanga, a fine way to celebrate a festival full of great music. | CL
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