Friday 05 November 2010



The new guy

QBiM introduces you to Henry and the Nightcrawlers

(photo: Jonathon Taggart)

Henry Alcock-White used to play guitar for Bend Sinister, but these days, he’s been bending some sinister grooves as Henry and the Nightcrawlers, along with a backing band that includes members of Said the Whale and The Zolas.

Alcok-White’s songs are as sinuous as the invertebrate worms of his moniker; super-cool but not overly slick, self-assured without coming across as a cocky bastard.  100 Blow, the band’s debut LP as recently been made available at their live shows and some choice retailers (both online and in-store I believe), and is certainly worth checking out for fans of smart piano-pop/rock.  He’s already been compared to Elvis Costello for his songwriting chops (fair enough) and Lou Reed  for his slurry vocal delivery (yeah, I guess…), but what stands out about Henry and the Nightcrawlers is that they play to serve the music rather than make the music serve their particular needs.  If the song calls for a ska-like rhythm, that’s what it gets.  If it insists on a slightly disco-lite vibe, so be it.  The indie-rock/rhythm-and-blues combination of 100 Blows is the perfect antidote to the upcoming winter doldrums, as you can journey with the protagonist through the tumultuous relationship between he and the girl of the LP’s cover.

Henry and the Nightcrawlers are playing at The Golden Tap, in Golden B.C. tonight, before heading to the Palomino in Calgary tomorrow night, and then The Auditorium in Nanton, AB on Sunday.  More west coast dates are:

Nov. 9 -Tracks, Olds, Alberta
Nov. 10 – Bohemia, Edmonton, Alberta (w/Ghost Cousin, Pre/Post)
Nov. 11 – Amigos, Saskatoon, SK (w/ Imaginary Cities)
Nov. 13 – Park Theatre,Winnipeg, MB (w/The Liptonians, Wool On Wolves)
Nov. 15 – The Slice, Lethbridge, Alberta
Nov 17 -The Central, Fernie, BC
Nov. 18 – TBA, Kelowna, BC
Nov. 27 – The Billy Bishop Legion Hall, Vancouver (Record Release Party)

MP3: Henry and the Nightcrawlers  “100 Blows”
Myspace: Henry and the Nightcrawlers
Facebook: Henry and the Nightcrawlers
Twitter: Henry and the Nightcrawlers





by J. Di Gioia | Comments Off

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