HPX 08:: Herohill Hearts Music - Barrett, Boxer, Bees, Aucoin & The RAA

Last night was the second showcase for herohill & IHM, but before our show started, we booker T-ed down to the Church to catch Meligrove Band. None of us were really sure what to expect, but the trio sounded huge, and the grand piano really helped the booming pop songs work. The nice thing about the set is that it was crammed with new songs, meaning a new record is on route.






The herohill/ihm show started with a bang, as Charlottetown's Boxer the Horse grab the interest of the crowd (including the fatty smart mouth's in the front) and used some terrific banter to really get the crowd excited. We've gushed about their EP before (see?), so getting to see the quartet in person was a great start to the night.

Side note - best reply to a smart ass heckler? Well, we might have heard it last night.
"We've only got 1 more."
"WHAT? WE WANT TO HEAR 8 MORE!"
"Well, you better get a time machine." Insert golf clap here.



Up next was the Rural Alberta Advantage. I've said they are the best unsigned band in Canada, and last night helped reinforce my point. Nils, Amy and Paul really bring it - especially if it is playing the breakdown to Funky Cold Medina while Nils changes a string - and the crowd at Coconut Grove swelled as soon as they took the stage. Even delicate songs like Sleep All Day took on a bigger, bolder sound and this was a set I wished lasted about 20 minutes longer.







We've talked at length about Rich Aucoin, but man, he's coming into his own these days. Each performance gets better and more interactive. For those unfamiliar and think he's just another singer/songwriter, you couldn't be more wrong. His new tracks are instant party starters - just ask Ruby Coast - and with confetti showers, singalongs, slinkeys, and tons of new wrinkles (not just on his shirt), this set peaked the energy of the crowd.

Random prediction: Brian Wilson is Alive will be the best party track of the year released by any Haligonian band.



Ghost Bees obviously had a tough act to follow, especially if you consider their swirling folk melodies require a quiet room and thoughtful ear. The twins trade vocals over the gentlest of sounds and as more and more people started drinking and talking, it was harder and harder to hear. One quick look showed the crowd pushing forward, hanging on every word.