Sloan

I heard a rumour that Stone Temple Pilots were playing in Belleville with Sloan. Not sure if this was true or not, I went online and was delighted to see that it was in-fact a scheduled event. I promptly bought two VIP sectionickets (which got me standing front row centre), booked a hotel room and the wonderfully bizarre Hotel Quinte and drove from Ottawa for the double bill.
Sloan, once again, did not disapoint. Their rich catalogue material featuring cruncing lead guitar riff's, intricate rhythm guitar chords, soaring harmonies, melodic bass-lines and Keith Moonish drumming once again made me smile. Preparing set-lists is not a difficult task for a talent-rich band such as Sloan as they could easily pull off a four hour show without skipping a beat. The highlight of the show was Unkind; a song that is pure Sloan and proof that this band is at the top of their song writing game.
Stone Temple Pilots was also amazing but in a more glitzy, polished way. It was more of an orchestrated show and a tremendous one at that as they are masters of showmanship with no shortage of monster guitar riffs and, of course, the genius of Scott Weiland). Sloan was far more relaxed and layed back... Very different yet highly unique and successful ways of playing truly genius rock and roll.
One more thing... Chris Murphy's omni-present grin reminded the audience that this music is fun! He makes you love listening to the music as much as he enjoys playing it.
Thanks for the great night guys and GET BACK TO OTTAWA!! Would you accept an invitation to play in my garage for the wonderful folks on Beechfern Drive? Free beer, steaks and Ottawa valley hospitality!!! :)