The Details Concert
Where: Teddy's, Edmonton, AB
When: Thursday May 29, 8:00 pm

Reviewed By: Xanthe Couture (Edmonton Correspondent - Canada)

Having never heard of The Details prior to their concert at the Teddy's in Edmonton, left me feeling both curious and somewhat apprehensive given the odd ambience of this seventies venue with its marquee announcing gambling and cheap steak.

Apparently, the original scheduling at the ARTery, a funky gallery for up and coming artists, was unavailable at the last minute. In the end, it turned out to be the perfect mix of grime and former glory to make for a romantic setting for The Details to show the crowd what they had to offer. 

A four person young and chipper group from Winnipeg, their clarity and cohesiveness was impressive.

My background to the band, as with so many indie bands these days, was based on perusing their My Space page with an odd choice of bright background graphics that gave me the impression I was going to see a swing band. On stage however, they created a familiar Canadiana rock sound bringing to mind influences of other indie bands like Pilate that have developed a loyal following. 

The majority of their song choices were selected across a new studio album Draw a Distance. Draw a Border, an EP Marching Sound, some new tunes thrown in at the end, and a brief transition into My Umbrella. The songs were a blend of strong vocals, great guitar which would shift from a fast and heavy rock to slow meandering solos and energetic, interesting drumming to back it all up.

The bassist, Keli Martin, had great stage presence, partly since she was a small framed girl with a massive bass guitar and because of her energetic movement around the stage. 

The music was fluid and relaxed like they were just jamming in their retro apartment. The casual feel of the show may have been in part because the band is nearing the end of the three month tour. A surprisingly solid concert from a relatively unknown band set in a vintage venue that fit their range of gritty to mellow melodies.