The Blow

Main Stage, Sackville NB August 4

BY Sandi RankaduwaPublished Aug 10, 2012

The Blow was perhaps one of the most divisive acts of SappyFest 7. There was a clear split between those in the main-stage tent who enjoying the electro-dance pop act and those who couldn't get into it.

Artist Khaela Maricich performed alone onstage (her collaborator Melissa Dyne worked the music offstage) and kept things minimal, with the exception of an aptly incorporated fan, blowing through her long brown tresses for dramatic flair. Maricich, comfortable with the fact that she appears uncomfortable, shimmied awkwardly as she sang a mixture of songs from her catalogue. A request for "Hey Boy" was shouted and Maricich obliged hesitantly, but only after establishing that she would sing it under two personas, one earnest and the other ironic.

The Blow also previewed some promising upcoming material with Maricich's preface that recording a new album is like having a baby: it develops for months and then it's finally out there, but you're not totally sure if you like it or not. She finished the song and realized she did like it -- so much so that she performed it again immediately.

There's an underdog quality to the Blow's live show that's fun and, if anything, endearing.

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