UIC, Gene Champagne and the Un-Teens, The Squids @The Corktown Tavern (Upstairs)Saturday, July 8, 2023 by Gentleman Jeff Andersen
Firstly, the return of live music to the second floor of The Corktown (“Chuggies”, to some of you) is welcomed. In a city with a diminishing number of live music venues, the revamped second floor supplies live opportunities for local and touring bands alike. I’ve seen all sorts of acts there, from Danbert Nobacon (Chumbawamba) solo acoustic to Hamilton’s own B Sharps, and I haven’t been disappointed. Great sight lines, good sound and clean washrooms warm this old hack’s heart. (The addition of some beers on tap would warm me further—just a thought).
The Squids came on first to a small crowd, but a troop of Ti-Cats fans, fresh from their first win of the season, easily doubled the headcount. In essence, it was a victory party, and Sammy (along with drummer in residence, Peter Lambert) created a party like atmosphere, particularly with the catchy “Stugats” sing a long. Along similar lines, “Gabagool” was another exercise in audience participation. To use a food analogy, The Squids were an aperitif for what was to come. They set the tone and started the evening off skillfully.
Continuing in this vein, the soup or salad of the evening came from Mr. Gene Champagne and the Un-Teens. Given his recent brush with mortality and long recovery, Mr. Champagne’s joy was evident, and infectious. This was Their first live gig since the pandemic, with Gene exchanging his drum duties for Teenage Head for guitar/ singing duties. Straight ahead pop-punk was delivered, the standout being “Rock N Roll Boy” from the band’s 2019 debut EP. The band also ran through some crowd-pleasing covers, like “Teenage Head” by The Flamin’ Groovies. The band had great energy, and barely stopped during their 45-minute set. I’m sure a few more tunes wouldn’t have hurt, but it was time for the main course.
Between the veal parm and chicken cacciatore, I chose Exeter, Ontario’s UIC
I remember seeing them years ago in Toronto, but not much more than that. I missed their reunion gig at the now sadly defunct This Ain’t Hollywood in 2018. Their debut LP, “Our Garage” was a constant on turntables during parties in the mid to late 80s, like many Fringe Records products of the day. I always liked the title cut, and the song “Crop Dustin’”, both of which they played. I had no idea they had a recent release from 2020, “FM Hill” and the follow up to “Our Garage”, recorded in 1988 but only rediscovered and released in 2016. I had a good listen to them all beforehand, including the 1989 Live Album, “Live Like Ninety”, and the debut still stands out as a classic. Perhaps simply because I’ve heard it so many times…
Biography aside, UIC put on a tight, focused show. The lead singer, who barely stopped moving even managed a spirited foray into the appreciative crowd. Loads of energy for a band whose members are, I’m ashamed to say, a good decade older than myself (the most I can manage is a spirited foray into the toilets). Also, it was good to see people moving forward to the stage (albeit with cameras in hand). This makes a big difference during a performance and seemed to feed the enthusiasm of the band. Despite a few issues with the sound at this point (somewhat muddy), a jolly good time was had by all. UIC looked and sounded very comfortable in front of a “foreign “crowd.
Of course, there were local Hamilton music legends milling about, looking very satisfied and chatting with friends they hadn’t seen in 20 or 30 years. One thing I’ve noticed about Hamilton is that musicians go to see other musicians, as peers rather than competition. That’s what gives the spirit of comradeship to a sometimes grumpy and indifferent town.
And with that, I had one for the road, and left, clutching the last “Stugats” Mission Services charity T-Shirt.
Gentleman Jeff
Ps—I don’t like “everything”. Wait and see…
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