The Architects CD Release Party The last time I saw Trevor Strange and Blair Hogan they were opening for the Ottawa band Keep Yourself Good Company back in July of 2004. Since then the two have brought together a full band, toured the east coast and entered the studio to record their debut CD, "This Is About You." On the bill with The Architects are fellow Ottawa natives Kingston Fog, and Kitchener boys Shaker. Kingston Fog is a 6-piece outfit with a love for the musical instrument. Started by Rick Devereux (guitar/vocals) and Renee Leduc (violin), the band has ballooned to become a half dozen players whose worship for the eclectic include various winds and strings that include: saxophone, recorder, accordion, electric and acoustic guitar, with the addition of bass guitar, keyboards and drums. >> The Architects Pictures, click here

With the sophistication also comes alienation. Where the sound expands, it also becomes harder to listen to. A band of this sort is especially good on a well produced CD (of which the band will release one in the very near future) where repeated listening can reveal the depth of its creation. Because you can't hit repeat on a live concert, this band suffers from the one shot deal. In order to enjoy the music, you must have tunnel vision and concentrate on one player. I decided that Renee Leduc, and her violin, was my best choice as she was the one to grab my attention first. When she ! pulled out her accordion, I was both stunned and hooked. For the rest of the set I watched the girl work and even though, in the end, the band was out of its element (being the opener at a heavy rock concert), I enjoyed the band for her work especially. www.kingstonfog.com

Where Kingston Fog was all about instrumentation, Skaker was all about power. This four-piece, whose many accolades include opening for Sam Roberts, kicked the venue into high gear with power chords and high energy stage presence. With costumes reminiscent of the '70s (or maybe borrowed from Chris Robinson's closet) Daniel Brooks (lead vocals, lead guitar), Shephane Lebine (rhythm guitar), John David Dolinar (bass) and Robbie Butcher (drums) know how to take hold of a crowd. The velvet blazers and bell-bottom jeans are what strike you first but when Daniel (sock-footed no less) and Stepane (a rare left-handed player) strike their instruments, all you hear is the screams from the crowd and some awesome rhythm based rock and roll. This band has a very large upside. www.iloveshaker.com

When The Architects hit the stage, Barrymore's had sold out. This band's tour schedule and hard work has created a buzz in Ottawa that this CD release is bound to intensify. Over a year in the making, "This Is About You" is an apt title for the band's initial release. Playing songs off the album it is easy to see that the CD is worth a thorough listen (I will be reviewing "This Is About You" in the near future so look for it a later article). When looking on the stage I notice a couple of interesting developments. I mentioned the alt-rock band Keep Yourself Good Company earlier and much to my surprise, who do I see on electric guitar to the right of the stage but KYGC front man Jon Chandler. If you are a KYGC fan it is unfortunate that it isn't just a guest appearance. The makers of one of Ottawa's best 2004 releases ("Kingdom Shiny Sparkly") have disbanded. Speaking with Jon and former band-mate Steve Bragg (who attended Barrymore's that night) it was an amicable sp! lit.

Schedule conflicts and divided loyalties between school, work and band time were too much for the guys it seems. KYGC's loss is the Architect's gain as Chandler adds guitar, mandolin and keyboards to the group's repertoire. The band has been touring incessantly (next up is the Black Sheep Inn on the 16th of Sept.) for over a month now and the polish is showing. Blair Hogan had a thundering performance on lead guitar that made this reviewer forget his acoustic performance from a year before. A highlight of the show was when the band left the stage and allowed Trevor to take the stage alone with his guitar. Bringing back a song off of his solo CD of 2004 ("Appetizers"), Trevor engaged the audience and showed how as either the lead singer of a band or a solo artist, he has a talent rare in the industry today. If it wasn't for a technical difficulty (a faulty amp) which stopped the performance midstream, the concert would have been almost flawless.

Ending the concert! with a fleshed out version of "Give Your Love Away (While You're Slee ping)," of which Jon decided to jump up on the front of Jaime Kronick drum kit, the band showed their feeling for the fans through the chorus of the song. "This Is About You" and "Give Your Love Away" are the statements that show the mantra of the band and their reason for performing. I feel your love guys and thanks for making it all about the fans. Enjoy the deserved success!