Rooms Without Windows

Kansas City's Rooms without Windows began its set right on schedule, bringing a bit of that promised sunshine with them. This new five piece rock outfit was fronted by the ebullient Elsa Rae who belted out the band's lyrics with a clean strong voice, judiciously sprinkling in solid, punk-approved screams. Between each song she smiled and laughed freely, attempting to dedicate each song to a different woman in the audience in honour of International Women's Day. Before its short 25-minute set was over, the band members' mothers in attendance got a shout out, as did "the sexy bartender," and even ex-girlfriends, "because they're women too."

While Rae's bubbly personality sat front and centre, other band members each carried a contributing load. The guitar of Corey Vitt (formerly the bassist of Hidden Pictures) set the tone for each song, playing churning and grating post-punk chords in one song, and chiming notes in the next. He also provided a needed energetic boost, moving about his small section of the crowded stage. The keyboards of Hanna Smith were the base in most of the band's songs, allowing bassist Chris Turner the opportunity to punctuate compositions rather than carry them. The drumming of Chris Brower kept a strict beat – a focus that showed in the stern, concentrated frown he wore while playing. This was my first time seeing the band, so in keeping with lessons painfully learned, I'll save any real commentary until I've some insight to share. I do, however, look forward to that second helping. - Too Much Rock