The PepTides at Irene's Pub

The onset of winter's bitter evenings heralded The PepTides' last show of 2012 at Irene's Pub on Saturday, 26th November. Interestingly, M and I arrived about 9pm to be told that the pub was at maximum capacity; by 9.45 or so there were about 10 people in this line. 4 or 5 of us were let in about this time, and to my eyes, the pub was about 60% full. To me, a full pub is one reminiscent of London's Circle line at rush hour; on Saturday there was definitely standing room for another 50 people. I imagine that capacity regulations are somehow linked to the alcohol licence but for the lineup still waiting outside at 10.30pm, well, organisation could have been better.

We heard some of The Pelts' support set from the bar - seemed to be listenable, danceable fun music but not so memorable. Not so the main set. From their introductions, this was the last live show in the current format - with an EP based on Stuart McLean's The Vinyl Cafe just out and a new album, Love Question Mark, next spring, the next PepTides show will be very very different. Nonetheless, a fantastic set and a definite party atmosphere made for a great Saturday evening! New Vinyl Cafe and Love Question Mark tracks are on the group's YouTube, Soundcloud and CD Baby sites.

Something different tonight - I am off to see the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra perform Mahler's 9th Symphony at the National Arts Centre.

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