Weakerthans Show They're Universal

Despite music writers' obvious affinity to taxonomy, there are some bands that manage — frustratingly — to remain unclassifiable. Winnipeg's now decade-old darlings The Weakerthans are one such conundrum.

The band boast a seismic catalogue of catchy, mostly chorus-less tracks that somehow successfully capture the universal experience via singer/guitarist John K. Samson's poetic musings. Y'know, whether in a rugged prairie city, unfulfilling relationship or confined to four walls of an apartment with a sentimental, sarcastic and strangely supportive feline friend, we're all trapped and left wanting to leave.

It's no real surprise that the crowd bopping to the guitar-heavy melodic interludes and tempo changes of Toronto prep-rock outfit Constantines looked no different than the crowd clapping for a Weakerthans opening act at a show in Winnipeg eight years ago. To be sure, there are far more receding hairlines and potbellies than there were back then, but such comes with both aging and having to trade the socialist leanings of youth for a job in finance.

But when a no longer rakishly thin Samson took the stage, he and drummer Jason Tait, guitarist/pedal steel player Stephen Carroll, bassist Greg Smith and the evening's special guest, The Waking Eyes' Rusty Matyas, were met with grandiose applause before they burst into a set that included songs from each of the band's four albums.

Whether you swilled beer in university to 1997's Fallow or are currently swilling beer in university to 2007's Reunion Tour, the show successfully showcased the band at their best. "Left And Leaving," "Night Windows," "Civil Twilight," "Our Tired Explorer" and "Reconstruction Site" all evoked communal singalongs, as did the beloved "One Great City," the first of the band's three encore numbers.

What makes the night — and every night with The Weakerthans for that matter — aside from the occasional drunkard yelling for his or her favourite song is that Weakerthans shows have an organic feel to them. The band have fun. It's not one member taking himself too seriously or trying too hard, but they let talent speak for itself.

That said, the fans are always treated to little oddities, like explosions of trumpet, a guest guitar soloist or dueling synthesizers during an oldie but goodie like "Anchorless" that makes the show unique. Truthfully, Tuesday night at the Phoenix could have easily been an accidental stumble into the band's practice space. And that's a good thing.