Live Review: Rocketface/Donkey Punch/EZ3, The Thirsty Toad Lounge, Ottawa, ON, December 9 2006

This triple bill comprised of two local Ottawa bands and Toronto's Rocketface hit the Thirsty Toad Lounge last night, which is an emerging live venue near Carleton U in Old Ottawa South.

First up were EZ3, who brought in at least 50 of the approximately 100 people in attendance, and what seemed like half of that number were equipped with camera phones or hand-held video equipment which kind of took away from the performance, especially the guy swinging around a tripod right in the middle of the place. Their music had a Chili Peppers-type vibe, and so it was no surprise when they encored with "Suck My Kiss". Not really my cup of tea, so I'll pass on the EZ3 DVD when it comes out.

Next was Donkey Punch, who recently won fifty grand as part of a new music contest sponsored by local radio station Live 88.5. I can't say that these guys left much of an impression except for the guitarist saying that he was "sweating more than Kramer at the Apollo". Good one. Also, seeing the lead singer reminded me to never wear my glasses with one of my two Harley T-shirts. It just doesn't look right. Musically, quite talented, though, but the songs just don't stay with you. These guys will gig around Ottawa but I don't really see them getting anywhere beyond, say, a "special guest" slot at the Hope Beach Volleyball tournament.

Finally, the main event, Rocketface, from Windsor by way of Toronto. I saw these guys in September at Barrymore's with Danko Jones and Iconoclast and they blew me away. Last night was even better. They're a power trio with a singing drummer (pictured above), a bass player that could be the Big Show's brother, and a guitarist with lightning fast fingers. Playing almost all of the tracks from their self-titled debut, they also featured a couple of new tunes that are certainly not just more of the same, which is always good to see, and the encore of "Whole Lotta Love" fit nicely with the "Houses of the Holy" stencilling on the bass drum.

The only sad part was that the crowd had dwindled down to about 30 or 35 people by the time Rocketface came on because I swear, these guys are the best thing to come out of Toronto since Our Lady Peace (who sucked after their first album, I might add).

They're all good guys, too, who are working their asses off to make it. I really hope they do because there's no justice in this business if they don't.

Rocketface are bona-fide stars in the making. Check them out for yourself here.

Ratings:

EZ3: 4/10
Donkey Punch: 5.75/10
Rocketface: 9.75/10

Overall: 7/10