Concert Review - Witch

This is the first concert review of 2009 and by the looks of it, the first of plenty to come. This calendar year is looking quite attractive when it comes to live shows. Makes up for a lull in the latter part of '08.

So, Friday I had the pleasure of seeing Stoner Rock band "Witch" with "Earthless" and "Quest For Fire" at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern with my Gentle Giant friend - Murphy. 'Witch' came together in 2005 from the joining of J Mascis (of Dinosaur Jr. fame) and long time friend Dave Sweetapple. The other two bands in question are San Diego Psych rock band 'Earthless' and local Toronto "downtempo psych jam" band 'Quest For Fire'. First to take the stage was 'Quest For Fire' and what looked like a promising opening act quickly turned dull and seemingly repetitive. Their set was quick and almost painless.

The stage was then quickly occupied by Earthless. Prior to the show Murphy made his predictions that they could possibly steal the show from what he had heard of them. They were terrific and mind numbingly loud. So loud in fact, I had a ringing in my right ear until early Sunday morning. The trio unleashed a wall of sound that I was certain could have caused irreversible damage to my ear drum. Man was that good.

On to 'Witch.' I have to start by saying J Mascis looks fairly weathered. Picture a middle aged girthy 'Garth' from 'Waynes World.' Although Mascis was the guitarist in Dinosaur Jr, in 'Witch you found him tucked away at the back playing Drums. They played a decent set but showed some signs of lack of experience in a live setting as a band. Their sound was akin to a poor mans Black Sabbath and although being the headliner didn't command the attention they should have. I guess Murphy was dead on with his predictions.

All and all, it was a good first show for 2009 and the only 'hard' rock show I have lined up for the next little while.

My prediction: Won't make my top 10 list this year.
Keep reading until 2010 to see if I am right. If I am wrong, I owe you dinner and if drunk, may put out.