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Lens Haulage, Dec 10/05 @ The Richmond
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When I got to The Richmond I was impressed at the turn out. Usually there are about ten people at a show around 10pm, but I’d say there were at least fifty. Who can resist a Sport Pig event as well as the anticipation of Len’s Haulage’s cd release? The opening act Fiz Diggim, was impressive with their gentle marriage of bass and piano forming a Pearl Jam/Ben Folds/Elton John concoction. The crowd was digging it showing signs of head nodding, gentle body swaying and actually coming close to the stage.
This entire show was different than any other Toronto show I’ve ever been to. Not only was the audience participating/reciprocating, but they were showing enthusiasm for the opening act. How very “un-Toronto-like”. It was refreshing and rewarding to say the least.
The set list: Grace, Saints, Swan Song, Linus and Vincent Price. One can clearly hear that FD plays to their influences, given another year or yet their next album and they will emerge with their own myriad of style that will allow them to feel comfortable enough to separate their identity. Their self titled cd is available contact the band for details.
The second band Dave Mansel took the stage, a four piece who through no fault of their own suffered with bad reverb and sudden hisses and pops from the monitors. Perhaps this is what caused the slight downcast feeling during the performance. The band was playing and yet I couldn’t feel the connection with the audience. Yet again the audience proved to be supportive and whooped appropriately and emitted feelings of enjoyment. Before playing a cover of The Bends by Radiohead DM’s front man, Dave, suggested “This next song will fuck you up.” and dedicated it to his friend celebrating a birthday. It certainly did have an effect on the crowd, not so much fucking them up, but a nice warm and cozy feeling instead. After that two more songs and they made way for Len’s Haulage.
Damon, the producer, introduced the band members and informed the audience the cd project started in August and was completed in just four months. The last time I saw Len’s Haulage was Sept 23 @ the Silver Dollar. This was not the same band I saw then. Lead singer Mike Sbrocchi stepped up to the mike and blasted the audience with a sound that quite unexpected. As they played, guitarist Mike Novalski, looked so happy as if he could jizz all over the audience. Sbrocchi continued to educate their asses on what music should sound like. Evan, the bassist, came out of his focused shell to feel the beat and spanked the bass nicely. Pete, ever present as the time keeper of the drums, provided perfect timing and tightened up the over all sound.
There wasn’t a dull moment during the entire hour set. Sbrocchi had the audience on their best noise making behaviour as he let them taste his soul. His expressions and movements provided that connection and created an immediate draw. Towards the end Novalski introduced another guitar player Jem Ucar on stage. Jem was part of a previous music project and was there to launch the previous cd, so for nostalgia they invited him on to perform with them for this new venture; a sweet gesture the crowd oohh’ed over.
Though Len’s Haulage puts on a great show, they too fall pray to sounding like their influences: Our Lady Peace. Like Fiz Diggim, as soon as Len’s Haulage sharpens their skills more this will dissipate. Len’s Haulage has strong performance, sound and an exciting future ahead, highly recommended is their cd The Hope Museum. LV
- Toronto Indie
Discography
Demo - "Almost Live at Chemical Sound" - 2004
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
FIZ DIGGIM
IN THE BEGINNING
There are those who find it hard to see the forest for the trees, those who are too obsessed with the parts to see the whole. But in the case of Fiz Diggim, the opposite is true; it is hard to see the trees for the forest. The result? A cornucopia of flavours to soothe all tastes of guitar, bass, keyboards and drums that take the listener on a journey that engages all the senses.
Fiz Diggim - the component parts...
Chris Duncan, guitarist and voice of the band, moved to Toronto two years ago to pursue his musical ambitions. Coming from Ottawa where he developed a profound love of music, Chris has won many prizes in music festivals and has played in a number of bands. The desire to pilot his own project and express himself through music came shining through. The need to chase the music dream and to find others with that same fire led Chris to move to Toronto.
Sean Oliver began playing the piano at age six. In his teens, he played in jazz bands and progressed into playing solo shows around Toronto. During a casual jam with Chris in early ’04, it was evident to them both that the music potential and chemistry such as this is a very rare breed. His lush chords, imagery and melody really touch the emotion of each and every song.
Richard McLay was next to join the band. He began playing drums at the age of 14 in Montreal. After years of playing in a variety of bands, Chris (Rich’s cousin) provided an outlet for his drumming expression. Rich's technical skill and inventive drum parts create dynamic ambience. His energy and powerful rhythms give the music life, and drive it right to your core.
Lucas Gadke, began playing bass at age 13. He was introduced to the band while working at the rehearsal space where the boys practiced. They approached him to fill their need for a bassist. It wasn’t long before they figured out that this “diamond in the rough” was their man. Lucas brings it all home by filling out the rhythm section. His tight grooves and melodies compliment the whole for all of the parts.
A band of friends brought together because of a passion for music. Fiz Diggim is based out of Toronto, Canada and have been playing together since February 2004.
Fiz Diggim's sound & feel has been influenced greatly by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews and the Counting Crows. A style best described as a rock, jazz & blues fusion, with many hints of familiar influences.
In May 2004 Fiz Diggim recorded their debut demo "Almost Live at Chemical Sound" and hit the Toronto, ON music scene with their first live gig in early October at Healey's.
Fiz Diggim is currently working on a full length album set to be released in the summer of 2006.
Fiz Diggim is a member of the Canadian Association for Advancement of Music and the Arts (CAAMA).
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