Cons Avoid The Sophomore Slump

10/10/03 10:53am

by Shawn Despres (CHARTattack)

The Constantines have been awfully busy of late. They released their second full-length album, the critically acclaimed Shine A Light, in mid-August, and have been on the road ever since. Working their way throughout the Canadian and American West Coast, the guys have been battering audiences with their five-pronged rock onslaught. Dripping with fury, recklessness and intensity, few would argue that the band are quickly becoming one of the country's best live acts.

Looking back, singer/guitarist Bry Webb says that the first round of tour dates went very well. Having finished the first leg, he and the rest of his bandmates are indulging in some of the small comforts of being at home. After living out of a van for over a month, little things like eating at whatever time you want and sleeping every day take on a whole new meaning.

"The tour was very fun and nothing really went wrong over the entire10,000 kilometres or whatever it was, so we're feeling pretty lucky. At the moment I'm just enjoying being at home and making lunch whenever I feel like it. The best things about touring are meeting good people and getting to lead a pretty simple, regimented life for a little while. I ate better on the road than I do at home for the most part. The worst part of touring is not getting much sleep at all, which wears on everything."

Having rested for a week and a half, the quintet are preparing for a second leg of live dates. To kick things off, the group are playing a pair of CD release parties this weekend in Toronto. According to Webb, those in attendance can expect a few surprises and should come prepared to shake their rock 'n' roll-loving asses.

"Yes, there will be some special things planned for this weekend's shows. I don't want to give anything away, though. It is going to be a fine party, I can tell you that much. We've hired a committee. There will be dancing. I don't want to see any of that boys on one side, girls on the other nonsense. The punch will be spiked. Think Animal House!"

Aside from playing shows, throwing rambunctious parties and spiking punch, Webb offers up several other "ideas" and wishes as to what the future will hold for The Constantines in terms of music and touring in 2004. Let's just say that it should be an interesting year, regardless of how many of his predictions come true.

"The next album will be all children's songs. Maybe Jonathan Richman could produce it. I'd like to see the band use more hammer-ons, and a lot more mandolins in the future, and it would be great to record with the Ray Charles Orchestra. In 2004 we would like to go to Europe and play gigantic festivals with British rock groups like Pulp or The Wigan Pier Shoeshine Lads. I'd like to go someplace warm in February."

Who wouldn't?

The Constantines Tour Dates:
October 10 Toronto, ON @ The Horseshoe Tavern
October 11 Toronto, ON @ The Horseshoe Tavern
October 14 Peterborough, ON @ Trasheteria
October 15 Kingston, ON @ Scherzo
October 16 Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rosa
October 17 Brockville, ON @ Baptist Church
October 18 Ottawa, ON @ Kosmic/ Carleton University
October 23 Boston, MA @ Middle East
October 24 Philadelphia, PA @ Khyber
October 25 New York, NY @ Piano's (afternoon show)
October 25 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom (Sub Pop CMJ Showcase)
October 26 Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
October 28 Chapel Hill, NC @ Room 4
October 29 Atlanta, GA @ Echo
October 30 Athens, GA @ Tasty World
October 31 Charlottesville, VA @ Tokyo Rose
November 1 Pittsburgh, PA @ CMU
November 2 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
November 3 Kalamazoo, MI @ Kraft Bar
November 4 Bloomington, IN @ 2nd Story
November 5 Detroit, MI @ Lager House
November 8 Hamilton, ON @ Underground
November 13 Guelph, ON @ Trasheteria
November 14 Toronto, ON @ The Opera House (opening for Guided By Voices)
November 15 Waterloo, ON @ Starlight Social Club
November 16 Mississauga, ON @ Mississauga Masonic Lodge
November 20 Barrie, ON @ Foundation Niteclub —