Popular Victoria based pop/ rock band Maurice returned to the Slice on Monday as well.
But first a respectable crowd, though it mostly consisted of band members (There were four on the bill including Leigh Doerksen) saw a whole new side of acoustic folk duo Broken Down Suitcase, Ben Caldwell and Eric Laroque with the addition of bassist Todd Menzies explored their dirtier, more garage rock inspired side and renamed themselves Stellar Radio Choir.
They struck with the intensity of a brain wave frying laser beam from a distant alien race, with a wave of psychedelic distortion, but still held on to the melodies and harmonies of Broken Down Suitcase.
Will Currie and the Country French with a slightly more laid back set of piano based pop music, which included several tight originals and even a cover of Paul McCartney’s “Let Em’ I
n,” which reinforced the Beatles meets Ben Folds feel of their originals.
The guitarist also added some harmonies with the main piano riffs.
Maurice didn’t take the stage until well after midnight, which was a shame on a Monday night, however they carried on with the piano edged pop, though the guitar was more prominent than it usually is in their music on several of the new originals that they played.
They played “Love is Love,” which is a highlight off their last CD, and looked about ready to play all night, but I had to leave after that.
