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It's No Moonshine - this band's going places
The Speakeasies and the future of new rock
John Kloke
On Thursday evening, MuchMusic's Leah Miller told The Killers that Bono of U2 believed them to be the "future of new Rock and Roll." Although the band took the compliment in modest stride, it's obvious Bono doesn't have a clue what he's talking about. Here's a guy who probably hasn't spent enough time in bars across small towns filled with music lovers chomping at the bit for new groovy tunes.
At the rist of sounding hyperbolic, it was that sort of night at the Ebar last Thursday. Local indie jammers The Speakeasies headlined a night chock full of bands who were thankful for every fan they had.
The Speakeasies have been throwing it down together for a little over a year now, but you wouldn't know it. Minutes before the band graced the stage it was easy to overhear stories being exchanged by friends and fans about past gigs. That's the type of occurence you'd expect to hear at a Phish show, or something similar. And that's no coincidence either; when discussing musical influences, the members of The Speakeasies told me, in a bit of proud honesty, that Phish is the one band that they all agree on, the band that may have brought them together.
It's easy to see why.
Onstage, amidst Kinds of Leon-like grooves and ripping Neil Young-esque solos, the band jams. And how sweet it is. They plough their tunes with a fervor and passion that The Killers seemed to be lacking that same night.
Compelling riffs coupled with confident bass lines make for the type of music that'll have you and your friends tapping your feet in unison and not even know it. Hearing "Hold Out Your Hand" , their standout track, I dare you not to smile and send telepathic thoughts of love. It's just that groovy.
Forget about what Bono thinks about the future of rock, what about the future for The Speakeasies? It's hard to top the healthy first year they've experienced, from playing with legends Sonic Youth to rocking the pants off Oshawa.
These dudes have maintained energy and passion young bands need. Being part of Guelph's nurturing music community doesn't hurt either; keep an eye out for these guys. They won't sport awkward moustaches but their groove alone will make you remember why you fell in love with music in the first place.
- The Ontarion (U of Guelph Student paper)
Discography
Demo 1 - 2005, recorded at Gas Station Studios with Dale Morningstar
Demo 2 - 2006, recorded in our living room
songs are listed on New Music Canada, and our Myspace page
The Speakeasies are frequently played on College Radio Stations in Guelph, London, Peterborough, Toronto and Kingston, the most commonly played are Shakin Yer Bodee Right, Come On, and The Good Times Parade
Photos
Bio
The Speakeasies have been playing together for almost two years now. Having performed twice at Hillside, Ontario's hottest festival and subsequently being featured on the back page of the National Posts Art section as a result. The Speakeasies have also performed at many of the premier live music venues in Toronto (The Horseshoe numerous times, The Bovine Sex Club, The El Mocambo, Lee's Palace in the Exclaim Cup Hootenany, The Rivoli, and many more.) Consistently playing around southern Ontario, The Speakeasies have been known to frequent the hot clubs of Windsor, London, Hamilton, Waterloo, Kitchener, Oshawa and all over Guelph. Having shared the stage with the likes of Arcade Fire, Bedouin Soundclash, The Golden Dogs, James McKenty & the Spades, C'Mon, The Novaks, and countless other amazing Canadian artists. The Speakeasies high energy show is coming to a town near you soon, stay tuned.
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