the Untrained Eyes, the Sweet Nothings, Tight Genes, Tony Two-Fist & the Terribles - January 26, 2008

Great show. There was a rural Manitoba band that opened things up. I wasn't into them much but they did have a fairly authentic-sounding So-Cal influence, and covered "Bloodstains" which was alright. I was expecting a spectacle with TONY TWO-FIST & THE TERRIBLES and was not disappointed. But instead of just drunken lunacy, I was given even more. Picture a happy-go-lucky GG Allin attempting to play covers mostly straying to the tuneful and post-punk side of things. The most retarded and amazing rendition of "12XU" that I've ever heard. Ditto for "Whips & Furs". It took me a while to figure that one out, but when I did I was floored. What the fuck?! Seeing Tony shake his fist to the beat, attempting to remember the lyrics before settling once again into the relief of the familiar chorus, then telling the laughing audience to fuck off was brilliant. TIGHT GENES went on next. I had only heard their early demo recordings and heard that they had been pretty sloppy live. They were tight with the new lineup although I didn't hear live what I had heard in the demos; a bit of a REAL KIDS influence. I'll check 'em out again when they next play out. THE SWEET NOTHINGS went on next and floored me. Winnipeg's scene had been lacking in one particular area ever since the demise of Jill Clapham's previous band, THE DETENTIONS. Now paired with a new and rock solid backing band, she completes the total package of superbly delivered pop rock'n'roll. Wow, the range and power of her voice effortlessly pulled off BUZZCOCKS and DICKIES covers. They're working on releases already and I can't wait to hear them. One of Winnipeg's best kept secrets, THE UNTRAINED EYES, closed the night. There had been delays earlier with a malfunctioning PA amp, which left the band with only enough time to play four songs. Then there was a fight that broke out and spilled outside, which caused me to miss about a song-and-a-half. Bummer. THE UNTRAINED EYES are also working on a recorded document; they were supposed to record the weekend of the show before instead committing to playing out. Overall, a fantastic night presenting a nice array of bands in the more garage-y end of the local underground spectrum.


Tony Two-Fist & the Terribles @ the Label Gallery in Winnipeg, Canada




Tight Genes


the Sweet Nothings




the Untrained Eyes