Sean Hamilton

CALGARY — It was horribly apparent that Stampede was in full swing. Guys and gals were clad with beer branded cowboy hats and no one was frowning upon double fisting, even triple fisting drinks. The basement of the Palomino was abuzz for a sold-out Saturday show. Lindi Ortega and guests had a frisky crowd on their hands.

A young and vibrant Sykamore was kindling to the night’s fire. The Calgary doll stood alone, simply her acoustic and eager voice. The folky singer had a mellow vibe, which was harshened slightly with an intriguing cover of Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games.”

Tanner James and Sean Hamilton were second in the saddle. The Cowtownians, who had met during Calgary Folk Fest songwriting finals, are now a duo with a record that dropped in May. The boys brought knee-slapping good times, with exuberantly handsome enthusiasm. James and Hamilton would later join the mass in swooning over Ortega, her presence felt much before she would shimmy to the stage in her classic little red boots.

When Lindi Ortega hit the stage at midnight, she declared it was the witching hour – time to get freaky! I was appalled, at first, to see the stage without a bassist. Rockabilly/country without bass? It didn’t matter: Lindi and her two bandmates were spellbinding. The basement was hypnotized, only snapping out of trance state to hoot and holler between songs. Her Dolly Parton-esque voice and pure presence wrapped in ruby lipstick made newcomers fall in love, the vagabond strengthening the faith held by existing fans. My flesh was garnished with goose bumps when she expressed her Mexican heritage, rolling out a few Spanish phrases. Muy caliente.

Ortega rang out an array of her own songs, heartbreaking ballads, swinging stompers and a few covers, including a crowd pleasing version of “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).”

Near the end of her show, the witchy woman requested a shot of whiskey and a cigarette. Damn straight, the lovely Lindi deserved a Texas mickey of rye and an entire case of Marlies after such a heartfelt performance. The Nashville dweller continues to shine infinitely brighter than her tin star days. - Beatroute

When the hockey game FINALLY ends, Sean Hamilton starts to play, and it’s worth the wait. If Neil Young had been a pop musician in spirit, with bits of his folk-country-rock being voiced in a clearer, thematically changing style while still playing acoustic guitar, this is what he would’ve sounded like. Or not. Melodically and rhythmically dynamic post-folk? - Examiner