The Robot Ate Me at Montreal's Green Room

Four weird and wonderful west coast bands came to Montreal the other night

It was strictly west-coast the other night in Montreal's Green Room when The Robot Ate Me, Elfin Saddle, and Run Chico Run graced the stage joined by a band whose name I never did catch featuring two members of the Winks.

Elfin Saddle from Victoria (now living in Montreal) was on first with a particularly pretty blend of gentle Sebadoh-style indie folk and weirdo psyche-folk. A duo, they nevertheless managed to find a big sound by doubling up - playing accordion, ukeleles, toy guitar and drums.

The Winks-related project (the Winks also just moved here from Vancouver) was on next with an indie rock sound vaguely reminiscent of the Built To Spill sound, with guitar and drums filled out by cello and mandolin.

The Robot Ate Me from Portland, Oregon came on next wearing a rabbit - or was it dog - head mask, working mysterious sonic magic somewhere between pop and experimental sound. Midway through the too-short set, he found a number of drumsticks and percussion instruments made from what appeared to be flattened cans, which he distributed to the audience to play.

Run Chico Run from Vancuver was the last and loudest band of the night. They too, like Elfin Saddle, created a bigger sound than one might expect from a duo, by adding keyboards to the drum kit.

All bands well worth checking out. The Robot Ate Me has records available on 5rc, while Run Chico Run is available from Vancouver label Boompa.

Photos - top: Elfin Saddle, bottom: The Robot Ate Me sans costume

http://www.therobotateme.com/

Gordon B. Isnor