Go see Laura Stevenson and the Cans

laura-and-the-cansOh, you know how we saw Laura Stevenson and the Cans this weekend? Fantastic. It was nice to actually meet drummer Dave Garwacke (of If You Make It) in person after interviewing him last year, as the last time the group came through, he was sick as a dog in the back of the van. So, while Saturday night was the second time we’ve seen the band, it was our first time catching the full band, proper, since the Jackpot show last year had necessitated a rearrangement of band members. They’re a glorious quintet of pop.

Laura’s voice has all the range you’d expect from the band’s albums, and then some. It seems as if she’s filling the room every time she opens her mouth. The way the accordion’s earthy wheeze provides a counterpoint to her vocal sweetness is really quite astounding, as well. When “Halloween” ended, I was blown away, and I knew that the freak-out at the end was coming. The fact that the room wasn’t dead silent afterward just goes to show that some people don’t know talent when it’s right in front of them – or that they might want to pay attention to the band, rather than their style.

Laura Stevenson and the Cans are out of tour right the fuck now, and will soon be joining up with Roar and Andrew Jackson Jihad. Hopefully, they’ll be invading your town soon. If you see them, tell ’em I said hi. Oh, and ask them to do their cover of Archers of Loaf’s “Web In Front.” You won’t regret it.