One More Pill

Before I start, let me just say that this new emergence of singer/songwriter folk pop music isn’t a fav of mine. Too hippie and with schmaltzy, sappy lyrics like “You’re Beautiful” and grossly self indulgent videos; James, if you want to off yourself, just do it, there’s little need for us to see you disrobe first, really. That said, Stabilo’s brand of folky alternative rock has had me rapt since the first time I saw them. Having just seen them headline at the Mod club in May, I almost passed on seeing them again, figuring I’d probably be witnessing a duplicate performance. After Saturday nights gig, Stabilo has solidified themselves as a band I would see over and over and over again.

I arrived in time to catch the end of Tomi Swick’s set as he sang his hit “Everything is Alright.” Asking around, everyone seemed to agree, Swick provided an energetic start to the night that included “A Night Like This” and Paul Simon’s “Graceland.”

With a nonchalant stroll over to their positions, Stabilo’s Jesse Dryfhout greeted the crowd with a heartfelt “we’re really happy to be here” and you knew he meant it. That was the main difference I felt with this performance, the true sincerity of the band to be there, and their awe that people really do know their stuff and sing along. Sure, the radio friendly “Flawed Design”, “Everybody” and recent single “Kidding Ourselves” had everyone’s hands in the air and screaming out the chorus. But, the guys seemed genuinely amazed to see that there were just as many people crooning over less known tunes like “Habit” and “Don’t Look in Their Eyes.” The set included most of the tracks from their latest CD “Happiness and Disaster” and a few less known from their first album Cupid.

Although, Chris John commented on “losing my voice,” his upper register vocals on “Coffee Spills” and “Ordinary” were as gorgeous as he is. Jesse’s pipes were just as strong on “Rain Awhile” as these guys switch up lead vocals, keys and guitar. Stellar musicianship is at the core of Stabilo. Even Karl Willioume, who usually plays shy, seemed to warm up to us. Notably missing was drummer, Nathan Wylie, who I hear is doing a side project with his brothers, but his stand in is his cousin so it’s all good. The overall vibe of the evening was a band jamming with family and close friends, very relaxed and comfortable. Even as Jesse confessed that “I completely forgot the words to this song,” as it was one from their back catalogue, he was easily forgiven.

By far, the highlight of the evening was the encore acoustic performance of my personal favourite tune “If It Was Up To Me.” Having never seen them play this song live, I was absolutely giddy as I heard the familiar guitar riff start. From the first line of If it was up to me, I’d never look both ways before crossing the street and I’d never wear my seatbelt and I’d probably still speed to call the police, ‘cause I’m about to do something foolish ; this is not a feel good song. But, like so many of Stabilo’s songs, it speaks of a certain truth that we all think about but rarely speak of. Thank goodness we have a few brilliant singer/songwriters to pull it all out of us. Now, if we can only keep that James fucking Blunt off the air.

Photos courtesy Lisa Kerr