FLASHBACK: Duchess Says at The Talking Head; Baltimore, Maryland November 11, 2006

While I typically use this treasured space to shill for local talent, there come shows from non-local bands that just need to be shared. This set by Duchess Says, a punk band from Montreal, is one of those sets. First, and foremost in my line of work, the recording here is absolutely excellent! Being my only time to see the band, my frame of reference is severely limited, but, I think the band really fed off the energy of the crowd and delivered a kick ass set.

Opening the night of music was a band called Dazzle Storm...with band being a very relative term with these folks in mind. I don't think I saw anyone actually playing instruments, the music was pretty much pre-recorded, though the singing was live. Like a Parliament show, there were no less than a dozen people on stage, most dancing, some singing and one trolling about in a wheelchair. Outlandish costumes matched only by outlandish behavior on and off-stage by members and audience alike. If I'm not mistaken, I believe this may have been the debut performance of Dazzle Storm.

The second band of the night was one of my fave local acts, Odd Bones, the reason why I came out to the show at all. I don't know if "new wave" still applies as a music genre for bands that have come out in the past 20 years, but I'd call Odd Bones a new wave punk band with queer influences (the band identified themselves as being "queer rock"). I liked them because they had an early Talking Heads sound with a funky flair. Unfortunately, Odd Bones split up about six months after this show. Also unfortunate is the fact that the recording of Odd Bones, while decent, doesn't come close to being as excellent as Duchess Says or even Dazzle Storm.

I had planned on taking off after the Odd Bones set...I have a habit of going to shows and taping the first couple of acts and leaving before the headliner makes the stage. Part of it is that I want to make an early evening of it and part of it is that my primary interest is in taping Baltimore bands. I had recently had great taping experiences with other Montreal bands, Sister Suvi and So Called, so I figured I'd give the next band, Duchess Says a shot. Boy, was I glad I stayed!

The audience was pumped, the band was pumped and the Talking Head shook like it was going to be demolished two months ahead of schedule. The lead singer is Annie-Claude Deschenes and I beg anyone to come up with a more frenetic performer. The small stage at The Talking Head couldn't contain her as she spun wildly about the stage as if in the throes of an epileptic seizure. Controlled hysteria? Bottled euphoria? This band was on fire and tore Baltimore a new A-hole last Winter. I've taped a few sets and this one is most definitely among my Top 5 faves. Unfortunately, the band has yet to make a return appearance to Charm City...but I'll definitely be here when they return.

The files for this show have been removed...if you leave me a comment, I can stick the files back up again.