WEEKEND MUSIC: DOA Hardcore to the end
DOA is thought of as one of the founders of hardcore punk along with Black Flag, The Germs and Negative Trend. While singer-guitarist Joey Keithley is the only founding member remaining from those early days, the 1970s, the band’s ethos and bone-crunching sound remains as hard as it ever was.
That being said, their recordings have ebbed and flowed over the years. Their sound got progressively faster and more powerful over the first few albums, especially after adding a second guitarist, culminating in what is often known as their penultimate album, Hardcore ’81, whose title is often credited with being the namesake for the hardcore punk movement. They even put out what many considered a thrash-metal album in the early 1990’s, before breaking up and getting back together. It’s a bit of a misnomer in many ways, though, since the breakup lasted less than two years, a period no longer than the space between many albums.
The iconic band performs Friday at the Pawn Shop as part of their farewell tour. Edmonton’s the third-last date, in fact, with the only other shows remaining in Calgary and Banff. Keithley has decided he’ll be seeking a nomination as an NDP candidate in the next B.C. provincial election. No real surprise there, as the band has always been very political, supporting many causes over the years such as anti-racism, anti-globalization, and freedom of speech. Doors at 8 pm. The show is sold out.
Read interview with Joey Keithley here.
Friday
Noble Thiefs – This Winnipeg quartet (right) combines silky, soulful music with rock to create an electrifying show. Neighbourhood Archers also perform. The Artery, 8 pm, $10. Advance tickets at YEG Live.
Boombox Saints – This Vancouver hip-hop group is hosting a CD release party at the Haven Social Club. Consisting of Freeky P, Adlib, Huggy Fresh and DJ Relik, the quartet is also deeply influenced by R&B and pop, resulting in an intriguing blend of sounds. King Dylan and Jaide open. 8 pm, $15. Buy here.
Saturday
NQ Arbuckle – This Toronto artist parcels together emotionally-charged lyrics and an exceptional gift for writing songs with folk and folk-rock overtures. And country. And a myriad of other tidbits. You’ll be picking them out of your teeth for days. The Artery, 8 pm, $10. Buy here.
Soulfly – Metal fans will be converging on the Starlite Room Saturday night for this Phoenix act with eight full-length albums to its name, including last year’s “Enslaved.” Their early albums focused on spirituality and religion, but has been encompassing more themes over the years, including war, violence, and hatred. Always powerful, the act, led by the only remaining founder Max Cavalera (who many will remember from his Sepultura days), also incorporates world music and Brazilian tribal music into their sound. Incite and Lody Kong open. 8 pm, $27.50.
Monday
Justin Rutledge – This Toronto singer-songwriter has moved back and forth between acoustic and electric guitars over the last few albums, allowing him more flexibility and infusing more power and drive into the music of what was already one of Canada’s most respected musicians. Where 2010’s “Early Widows” was produced by the renowned Hawksley Workman, and included a song co-written with legendary poet Michael Ondaatje, this year’s “Valleyheart” is raw, emotional and gritty. The deluxe edition includes a jarring, haunting rendition of the Tragically Hip’s “Nautical Disaster.” With any luck, he’ll perform the song as he headlines The Artery on Monday night. Local favorites The Provincial Archive also performs. 8 pm, $20. Advance tickets here.
