Mico / The Paperbacks / Giant Sons / This Time I'm God

This Time I'm God delivered some intricate hardcore rumblings, while Giant Sons supplied a propulsive set of tightly wound instrumentals from their accomplished debut, Consonance, along with a variety of captivating tunes from their forthcoming EP. The Paperbacks' set featured exceptionally polished pop songs and intensely harmonious narratives, including tunes from their first seven-inch and their upcoming superb debut CD, An Episode of Sparrows. Calgary's Mico, the only out of towners performed a charged set, spotlighting songs from the band's refined second record Outside the Unbearable Grows. Mico displays a solid ability to merge melodic sophistication and social consciousness, and their live performance added a heightened incisiveness to the disc's tunes. The band's three guitar players established elaborate, layered melodies that resounded prominently, secured by a concrete rhythm section and John Stewart's impassioned vocals. From the first notes to the concluding feedback, Mico proficiently offered a show that conveyed astute tunefulness and sturdy musicianship.