MUSIC PREVIEW: USS growing on us
From humble origins as a two clever dudes from Toronto who were hated for daring to mix alternative rock with electronic dance music, USS is starting to grow on us.
The signs are all there: Cool hits in high rotation on the radio, on Sonic 102.9 at any rate, and a show at the Ranch Roadhouse on Friday night. The concert has been moved from the original booking at the larger Shaw Conference Centre, so this is clearly an uphill battle for USS – which stands for “Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker.” They have stuck by at least two-thirds of their name since 2004.
Their music is not easy to categorize – beyond a being “mix of alternative rock and electronic dance music.” Similar to Twenty One Pilots, maybe. It’s just weird enough.
Stuffed with grooves and hooks and ear candy and wacky poetic lyrics that barely make sense, memorable USS songs include the 2014 breakthrough hit Yin Yang, in which all the protagonist wants to do today is “zag along with you,” among other things.
Work Shoes from the last album New World Alphabet seemed to connect with the workin’ man (or woman) as a song about how nice it is to take off your work shoes after a long day at work. Cred check: DJ Jason Parsons, aka “Human Kebab,” used to work the oil rigs in Alberta. His singing, guitar-playing partner is Ashley Buchholz – and clearly both of them are delighted to be able to make a living churning out joyous nonsense like Medicine: “The breeze it blows and nobody knows, where where where where where the other you goes.” Creepy. Or their new single Big Life: “26 letters, stitch them all together make a big life.” Whatever that means.
This is a concert not to miss. USS was here almost two years ago and delivered a crazily chaotic show said to be like Rock in the Theatre of ADHD – a drug trip without the drugs.
Opening the night at 7 pm will be The Elwins and Hotel Mira. Advance tickets are $46.
READ: 2014 interview with the Human Kebab
Friday 16
Roger Hodgson – Because the argument over who is the “real Supertramp” is not going to cease and desist, we live with two versions of Supertramp: Keyboardist Rick Davies, who owns the name, and whoever he has with him; and his estranged partner Roger Hodgson – the latter playing the River Cree Casino with his own band on this night. Which one is better is a question we don’t even need to ask. They’re both good! Both of these pop geniuses were once part of one of the greatest “art-pop” band in history. Their songs will be remembered long after their creators and our little squabbles are forgotten. In short, we’ll take two Supertramps over no Supertramp any day of the week – in this case it’s the worthy Roger Hodgson version, on Friday at 9 pm. Almost sold out, tickets from $80
The Paper Kites – This Australian folk-rock band is distinguished by its gentle non-confrontational songs, atmospheric grooves and the sweet Cat Stevens-like vocals of singer Sam Bentley. Also shades of Crosby Stills Nash and Young and Paul Simon, to complete our trifecta of comparisons. In short, these guys could’ve written the Flower Child soundtrack. The band has four critically acclaimed albums, including the latest, On the Corner Where You Live. See what we mean about non-confrontational? A rare mellow time expected at the Union Hall. 7 pm, advance from $20
Jessica Mitchell – Last seen here opening for blue-eyed country soulman Johnny Reid, Toronto’s Jessica Mitchell has a new album called Heart of Glass (no relation to Blondie) to play live at the Almanac. There are worse fates than being compared to Sheryl Crow. 7 pm, $20 advance
Coolio and Vanilla Ice – Now there’s a name we haven’t seen for a while. Not Vanilla Ice. That’s guy’s been popping up here and there for years. Coolio, meanwhile, has been keeping it … er, cool since Gangsta’s Paradise was so popular in 1995 – so huge even Weird Al did a parody (Amish Paradise, and Coolio apparently didn’t like it). What’s he been up to? Coolio became a chef! Really. And when he’s not cooking in the kitchen he promises to cook on stage: At Anthem, 10736 Jasper Avenue. 8 pm, tickets from $35
Saturday 17
Behemoth – In stark contrast to the previous night’s mellowosity at the Union Hall comes the legendary Polish black metal band in the same building – and you had us at black metal. Well known in the dark circles, Behamoth has been rocking since 1991, give or take a break and a member change, with the indefatigable vocalist Nergal at the front the entire time. They tour now upon their latest record, I Loved You at Your Darkest – a touching sentiment when you think about it. With At the Gates and Wolves in the Throne Room. 6:30 pm, tickets $36.50
Headstones – The list of classic Canadian rock bands that are always welcome in Edmonton no matter how many times they play here is surprisingly short – but Headstones is near the top. Following the tribulations of lead singer Hugh Dillon and more than three decades of rock ‘n’ roll badassery has always been a guilty pleasure around these parts. We can identify. The band is touring to mark the 25th anniversary of their breakthrough album Picture of Health. The Matchstick Skeletons will open. Concert repeats Monday night. 8 pm, $39.50 advance
