Fathead

The good news is that Fathead is back and this live workout from Toronto’s Silver Dollar provides 16 good reasons why their return is essential to party-friendly Canadian blues. A sometimes odd amalgam of forces come together in this band to consistently produce standout recordings: the oft-decorated, always engaging vocalist John Mays is steeped in R&B to Al Lerman’s authoritative, Chicago-weaned harp and horn contributions; Teddy Leonard grafts rock to blues guitar, all driven forward by one of the tightest rhythm sections around. The album takes a few songs to ignite until Bobby Charles’ "Why Are People Like That?” drop-kicks the groove into serious overdrive. Mays’ showpiece "Hard Times” blossoms into a guitar and harp-driven jam that resonates well beyond the room. A favourite track is the uppity "Am I Wrong?” — a song that nails the band’s unique blend of blues to funk-based R& B — an infectious combination that distances them from the nearest competition. The triple threat of Lerman’s harp, May’s voice and Leonard’s lethal guitar help make Livelier Than Ever Fathead’s Full House — an all-important fifth disc that underlines the band’s hard-earned reputation as a crack live powerhouse with more than their fair share of soulfulness.