Von Bondies - Dominion Tavern, Ottawa, 21/2/2004
by Andrew Carver
published: 13 / 3 / 2004
intro
In what will probably be one of their last shows in a small club , Andrew Carver at the Ottawa Dominion Tavern finds the much touted Detroit garage rockers the Von Bondies an engaging presence
It doesn’t seem so long ago that the Von Bondies graced the stage of the Dominion Tavern as an opening act for garage rockers-gone-glam the Makers; even then interest in the band was beginning to bubble. Since then, Detroit has turned into the new Seattle, with major labels eagerly searching the city’s garage rock scene for the next White Stripes. Sire obviously think they’ve found it in the Von Bondies, and with good reason judging by their performance on a chilly Saturday night at Ottawa’s premier rock dive. First up were the Hi Lo Trons, a local band which features members of local instro-lounge outfit the Empiricals on keyboards and guitar. While that band’s surf style is still present, courtesy of Gretsch-loving guitarist Paul Hogan (A Hi Lo Tron, for those who don’t know, is a type of Gretsch guitar pickup), it’s buried deep under vocalist-keyboardist Mike Dubue’s abiding love for early XTC. Their set was brisk and entertaining. Then it was the Von Bondies turn. The audience was eager to see what the group had to offer. The Dominion was at capacity — tickets had sold out several days in advance of the show — for what was probably one of the last shows the band will play in a small club. Opening up with the title track from their debut, 'Lack of Communication', the band quickly demonstrated that their rhythmic chops have become tightly honed, and Jason Stollsteimer has become a more engaging frontman, bobbing around on stage when he doesn’t have to be at his microphone. Drummer Don Blum was a similarly energetic presence behind his kit. Audience response was enthusiastic but perhaps a little short of total engagement, perhaps because most of the material was unfamiliar (their album didn’t see Canadian release until March), but that was no reflection on the band. Their single 'C’mon C’mon' and songs from their debut were the most warmly welcomed tunes. A good show, and in the years to come people who were there will undoubtedly be heard to say “Y’know, I saw them back when ...” The photographs that accompany this article were taken by Andrew Carver
Picture Gallery:-
interviews |
Interview with Jason Stollsteimer (2002) |
Despite touring with the White Stripes and their own ability to sell out medium-sized venues, the Von Bondies are without a deal. Vocalist Jason Stollsteimer chats to Lisa Mundy about their debut album "Lack of Communication' and being broke |
most viewed articles
current edition
Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies - Sala Apolo, Barcelona, 29/11/2023 and La Paqui, Madrid, 30/11/2023Anthony Phillips - Interview
Difford and Tilbrook - Difford and Tilbrook
Rain Parade - Interview
Oldfield Youth Club - Interview
Autumn 1904 - Interview
Shaw's Trailer Park - Interview
Cafe No. 9, Sheffield and Grass Roots Venues - Comment
Pete Berwick - ‘Too Wild to Tame’: The story of the Boyzz:
Chris Hludzik - Vinyl Stories
previous editions
Microdisney - The Clock Comes Down the StairsWorld Party - Interview
Michael Lindsay Hogg - Interview
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EP
Ain't That Always The Way - Alan Horne After The Sound of Young Scotland 2
World Party - Interview with Karl Wallinger
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Prisoners - Interview
Steve Harley - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Marika Hackman - Big SighSerious Sam Barrett - A Drop of the Morning Dew
Rod Stewart and Jools Holland - Swing Fever
Loves - True Love: The Most of The Loves
Ian M Bailey - We Live in Strange Times
Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run
Autumn 1904 - Tales of Innocence
Roberta Flack - Lost Takes
Banter - Heroes
Posey Hill - No Clear Place to Fall
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart