In my final post from day 5 of NXNE, I take a look at the late-night artists I checked out after suffering on the concrete ground at NXNE.  Let’s put it this way:  I did some CD shopping this evening, so you know there’s amazing music ahead!

Ingrid Gatin

I sadly was only able to catch the tail-end of Ingrid’s set at Cameron House, but what I caught was thoroughly enjoyable.  Ingrid Gatin’s confessional folk music fits very well within the Cameron House and its frequent local performers.  With a warm voice akin to Sarah Harmer or rising star Emma-Lee, Gatin delivers evocative yet soothing songs that feel at home for a quiet night with a bottle of wine.  Her shy engagement of the crowd earned a definite respect and admiration.  Worth checking out if soulful singer-songwriters are your taste.

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Patrick Joseph

The male singer-songwriter folk-rock genre is a crowded niche these days.  Luckily for Patrick Joseph, he manages to push out of the pack with bluesy jams that pepper the flavour of his compositions.  Joseph’s moody rock compositions are confessional, delivered with the plaintive vocal style of The Fray with a dash of Yoav’s eclectic energy.  He recalls early Howie Day circa his Australia album, minus the off-stage misogyny and constant pedal loops.  Charming and charismatic, Patrick Joseph has the elements in place to kindle a blazing career.  Recommended.

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Future History

Let me tell it straight:  I took home Future History’s CD, having decided to do so after two songs in their stellar set.

How to describe Future History’s sound…  Ah, yes.  Remember when Radiohead released OK Computer?  Remember how bloody brilliant and awesome that era of their sound was, how the electronic elements balanced beautifully with rocking guitars and layered vocals?  Yeah, I miss when Radiohead wowed me.  Toss that genius in a blender with moody, reflective (and sometimes pessimistic) lyrics of Tool or better yet, A Perfect Circle, and one begins to appreciate Future History’s sound.  Loops and a solid hard rock sound are overlayed with folk elements and triple threat vocal harmonies to create a soundscape that captivates and engages the senses.  Songs “Good Little Robot” and “Ornamental State” particularly grabbed me.  Highly recommended!

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Photobucket album from their set

Zulu Winter

Another of my CD treasures acquired was Zulu Winter’sLanguage album.  An indie rock band hailing from London, Zulu Winter deliver a retro flair evoking memories of early Depeche Mode and David Bowie circa “China Girl”.  The result:  music that is enthralling, moving and begs one to lose all sense of self and dance to the rhythm.  Haunting nature sounds slip in and out of the chords, and twinges of Aphex Twin seep into several tracks.  Zulu Winter is not merely a band, but a spiritual experience.  Lyrical poetry and unearthly sounds in perfect harmony.  Highly recommended.

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Be sure to check out all of my NXNE coverage.  Perhaps you will discover a new favourite artist?

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