The English Beat
SAIT’S GATEWAY – MARCH 28, 2013
Under the crest of the chinook arch, SAIT’s Gateway became a sanctuary for its patrons, offering a night of drink and infectious body-moving music. Upon my arrival, it was quite evident that tonight’s acts would defy the gaps that linger between generations — even with the overheard adult commentary from a nearby mom suggesting that everyone here either had to wash or shave.
The chilly commute was quickly shook off as Calgary local’s Bloom started the party. This six-piece play a decadent array of instruments, which produce a catchy, amicable sound that no reggae enthusiast could ignore. The instant crowd camaraderie that ska/reggae shows produce through their feel-good vibes is somewhat baffling and always positively energetic. Each musician added their own contribution to the collective groove, even including some more obscure instrumental additions, such as the influence of an intimidating synthetic section and one lone flute.
The Aggrolites
LA’s answer to both ska and reggae was none other than The Aggrolites. Originally constructed as a backing band for many an act in 2002, these boys proved themselves as anything but. In any other circumstance, The Aggrolites possess the talent and raw power of a headlining act. In my opinion, they actually stole the show. The younger crowd were drawn like magnets towards the stage as bodies began to participate in an inevitable skank. Singer Jesse Wagner treated the bar as a crowd karaoke, shoving the mike into the faces of fans screaming out every word. The poor mike stands were pulled from their place as the singer grabbed one with each hand and dipped them overtop the choir supporting the room’s vocal contribution to the song “Don’t Let Me Down.”
Finally, 2 Tone ska revival band, The English Beat, added to the room’s energetically enthusiastic aura. These grandfathers of the early ska movement professed their influence on an eager room of sweaty intoxication. The English Beat delivered a set of historical tunes that hinted at themes of love, unity and important sociopolitical issues. Front man Dave Wakeling acknowledged the generational melting pot, stating that he could see “the young and the younger,” offering that these guys were, in face, dinosaurs. If you have never felt the infectious soul of The English Beat, you should make sure to add it to your bucket list: these guys know how to get a crowd into a skank-tastic frenzy.
Review and photos by Lori Meyers
