The Stables - Live at Rancho Relaxo

August 11th, 2008 RT Posted in Live Shows | No Comments »

After searching for the appropriate bar last Friday night, a few friends and I stumbled towards Rancho Relaxo without knowing what was in store.

As it turns out, an Oshawa-born bluegrass/punk band called The Stables were playing. And play they did…

Often exchanging instruments and vocal duties, the band is a three-piece made up of guitar/banjo, "bass" (a hockey stick with a string), and drums (a snare, bongos, and a suitcase kick drum).

With cowboy hats and hick dancing in tow, The Stables began their set and quickly impressed me with their consistent playing, amazing attitude, and undeniable skill. Without ever listening to them before I was able to get right into this band and have a good time.

The guitar/banjo playing from each member was definitely a highlight of the show. The drums were always steady - nothing spectacular, but still good. The vocals were appropriate and skillfully performed, and the makeshift bass offered up the expected "do, dum, do, dum…etc."

The $5 cover was well worth it to see this band. According to their myspace page, they just recently finished a Canadian tour of both the west and east coasts, and now appear to be playing around Ontario. Check out myspace.com/herecomethestables to hear some songs and get more info.

Their next Toronto show is on August 22nd at the Horseshoe. If you're looking for some good music that's unique and easy to square-dance to, I'd suggest you head down there. You won't be disappointed.

A sticker on part of the "bass" pretty much encapsulated the evening with the intriguing phrase: "Rock the Farm!"

Good advice from a good band.

http://blackandwhiteaudio.com/