Concert Review
The Sheepdogs
The Rapids Theater
Niagara Falls, NY
September 16, 2012
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
It is always good to be noted for something unique in the world of music. The Buggles will forever be remembered as having the first video ever played on MTV. The only thing wrong with that, being an answer of a trivia question for a station that no longer focuses on its one time agenda…..music. The Sheepdogs will be known as the first ever unsigned band to appear on the cover of a Rolling Stone. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, natives have recently released their first album on a major label and made a stop to the Rapids Theater Sunday evening. This show also served as the kickoff of their first ever U.S. headlining tour that will see them on the road until late October.
Kicking the festivities off with “How Late, How Long”, a cut from their recent self titled release The Sheepdogs, the band had the crowd’s attention from the start. Many fans came over the border to see the show. Singer and guitarist Ewan Currie showed his flexibility by popping behind the keys for “Ewan’s Blues” as his brother Shamus came to the front of the stage with trombone in hand. The band mixed in songs from their 2010 release Learn And Burn as well.
The Sheepdogs have been tagged a southern style jam band but I can tell you they have a swagger about them that sets them apart from the rest of the pack. Not one member of the band has that flashy personality that makes one member stand out. The Sheepdogs are a collective unit who play excellent and their style brings one back in time as they show flashes of The Band, sound like The Kinks in some places and give a nod to the Black Crowes. It appears their influences are from a wider scope than most bands these days. That’s a good thing given how many cookie cutter, flavor of the month type bands there are these days always cashing in on what is popular now. Some of the highlights included “Who?”, “Is Your Dream Worth Dying For” and the closer “I Don’t Know”.
Opening the show were fellow Canadians Yukon Blonde, who are based out of Vancouver and set the table quite nicely for The Sheepdogs. With songs such as “Iron Fist”, “Confused” and “Stairway”, the band were the perfect appetizer to start the show.
Set List
How Late, How Long
I Need Help
Southern Dreaming
Right On
Is Your Dream Worth Dying For
Laid Back
Sharp Sounds
Who?
Alright Ok
Ewan’s Blues
The Way It Is
Feeling Good
The One You Belong To
I Don’t Get By
Javelina
Learn And Burn
Catfish 2 Boogaloo
I Don’t Know
Encore
Soldier Boy
Let It All Show