If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? Similarly, if a band plays a showcase at a music festival and pretty much no one shows up, did they still make a sound? Most definitely … on both counts. Why would you think a tree falling wouldn’t make a sound? Seems like basic science to me. Unless you’re in space. In space, no one can hear you scream. Or fall, if you’re a tree.
But what about the band in question? Saint Catharines based Bronx Cheerleader were faced with the conundrum most bands will have to face at some point (unless you’re one of those bands who’s insanely hyped up before you’ve ever played a show, in which case you really should have faced this – it builds character or something), which is what to do when you’re playing to an empty house. In Bronx Cheerleader’s case, they did the only thing you really can do: play on regardless. The band for their part made the most of it, playing a solid set and having a bit of a sense of humour about the whole thing. “That was awesome by the way. That was the best version of that song ever. You guys are lucky,” said the bass player jokingly at the end of one song. But he was kind of right. I’d never seen nor heard of these guys before tonight and while it may not have been the optimal conditions, they sounded pretty good. Alternating between slightly shoegazey, psychey, trippier numbers and more straight ahead rockers, the band did make a good impression on me, especially when they featured the steel guitar.
It’s a shame when a band plays to an empty house, but better luck next time I guess. At least the band managed to escape the wrath of the endlessly entertaining Slagging Off, garnering a generally favourable review from the guy who hated just about everyone playing the festival. So they’ve got that going for them, which is nice.