The Evaporators / The Mach III's

Attending CiTR FM's 21-year reunion felt a bit like crashing a party, but that and a $25 ticket were the price one had to pay to catch a rare performance by the Evaporators. Any worries that front-man Nardwaur the Human Serviette wouldn't get up to his usual shenanigans at this University of British Columbia station's party were quickly put to rest. Nothing, not even the fact that at least half the audience members were sitting or leaning, could deter Nardwaur from doing what he loves: crowd surfing while playing his keyboards — he just had to gather supporters to hold him and his Yamaha aloft. The Evaporators played their usual gems, featuring classic like "I Gotta Rash," and Nardwaur, in his high voice, conducted an impromptu interview in the midst of their set. With his infectious exuberance, Nardwaur was successful in garnering participation from almost everyone in the room. The surfy sounds of the Mach III's complemented the room's kitschy hula mural and stage-framing palms. With their rhythm guitarist from Toronto not having had a chance to practice with the entire band for three years, lead guitarist Ryan Ogg said he thought their sound was "refreshingly sloppy," as opposed to their late ‘90s heyday, when they were so tight their practices had become boring. What became plainly evident over the course of the evening is the talent that has passed through the doors of CiTR. Theirs was an inspiring party to crash.