Winnipeg Buzz: Bands Without Underwear, Mcenroe, Lovedaddys And More

News abounds this week out of the windy city, where gusts of about a million km/h winds are blowing trash cans all over streets, making getting home on the bus a nearly nauseating derby ride. First up, a resurgence of local talent emerges this weekend as Kick Me Kate return to the spotlight after a long absence (they were probably lost under the stage), playing one show at the Orbit Room on May 4. Guitarist-vocalist Ace Burpee, bassist Buzz Hamilton and drummer Wazoo will be joined by Jimmy The Cat (?), making a special appearance doing something that you'll undoubtedly have to be there to understand.

Notorious for their live shows, yet bullied for not playing more often, Wazoo answers the question of their sparse live showings with a defiant "because." "We aren't talented by we're funny as fuck. Come to the show and find out. Dun dun dun!" At least he's not modest when it comes to self-promotion.

Much has also been made of the bands' themed performances; including their choice of stage attire.

"Gitchless," Wazoo states without hesitation. Following a confused look by one Kari D., he shoots back some clarification: "Oh, I thought you meant right now."

A quick rolling of eyes later, Wazoo is onto explaining the chosen theme for this weekend's comeback gig.

"The five year anniversary of the flood," he says, relating back to the flood that hit Winnipeg in 1997, drowning out both farmland in rural Manitoba and residences built along riverbanks.

"We're gonna have sandbags and we're gonna wear rubber boots and we're gonna toast the families of the victims."

Moving on, some updates have flown out of local hip-hop label Peanuts & Corn's camp in the last while, including: Merch can now be ordered off of the P&C website using the online PayPal system. Label headmaster McEnroe has a new release out called The Convenience EP. Two of the nine songs will be included on an upcoming full-length album. Pip Skid has a new 7" out called Money Matters, real audio is available on mcenroe.net. McEnroe's first mix-tape style compilation is out now. Called McEnroebreaks Vol. 1, it's over an hour of funk, jazz, blues and R'n'B

Two local bands are looking forward to releasing albums next weekend. First comes Lowball, a new band featuring Robbie Shuturma, ex of My Tragic Sister on bass. Their album, Which Way To Fly, will be unleashed on May 10 at The Zoo. Sonic Sue are releasing their long awaited disc, On Your Knees, the following night, again at The Zoo. The band is currently enjoying local airplay (and radio appearances!) and the favourable press is starting to seep in. Their brand of fist-pumping rock has long been a favourite in hardcore scenes around town and this album is sure to launch them into a higher realm of popularity with throwers of the horns everywhere.

Remember how I used to brag on and on about The Lovedaddys? And remember how they lapsed into relative obscurity after bassist Wes Gerbrandt moved to T.O.? Yeah, that sucked. But next weekend, the band is back. Sans Wes, but still. Mike Marshall, J.S. Turner and Jay Churko will be joined by regular Lovedaddy fill-in Marcia Fifer on bass, who is just as talented as Wes and has better hair. Anyway, May 10 and 11 at The Orbit Room will be packed with fans, friends, and, well, I hope you can come too. I'm also hoping this means the band is back. Fingers crossed.

Lastly, balls to the wall rockers Girls are looking for a new guitarist. Darryl Shave is off to pursue some new adventures, so if you think you're ready for some serious rock, email the band at girlstheband@hotmail.com.

Bingo Bango,

Kari D.

Kari D is our hipster-scribe in Winnipeg. Her column appears bi-weekly.