Cool dad

Lifeguards instead of bouncers. Crowd surfing and stage dives? Highly encouraged. If you're going for an evening swim at Centennial Pool this Friday, leave your earplugs at home. Cool dad, a progressive four-piece ensemble, will be rocking out in Halifax's premier modernist rhomboid. The show will be a first for the pool, a gorgeous angular space filled with cedar beams and natural lighting. "They did shoot a music video here once," notes keyboard player Alex Melnyk, as he stands Speedo-clad near the pool's edge. "But the manager said they've never had anyone actually ask to put on a concert." The gig is part of a larger project for Cool dad, a recently formed band that draws influence from groups like Do Make Say Think and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. "We've been trying to play unconcentional venues," says guitarist Tom MacDonald. "We might have a gig at Mr. Chang's coming up," adds drummer Greg Woolner. The band plans to set up in the gallery, though a suggestion to use the high dive as their stage did set some wheels turning. "I wonder if they'd allow us up there," says Woolner, meditatively stroking his moustache. "Either way," Melnyk says, gazing upwards into the enormous volume, "we're going to have to turn our amps up to eleven." Who said that water and electricity don't mix?
- The Coast (Halifax Weekly)