Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet

Island Stage, Guelph ON, July 28

Photo: Atsuko Kobasigawa

BY Matt BobkinPublished Jul 29, 2013

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Legendary Canadian instrumental rock outfit Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet were early pioneers of the Canadian indie music scene, and they proved they still knew how to rock nearly 30 years after their inception. Despite the band rejecting the label of surf rock, the tunes are undeniably evocative of the genre. Guitarist Brian Connelly's riffs were as tight and catchy as ever, and drummer Don Pyle never missed a beat, even when the band would quickly segue into the next tune without even pausing to catch a breath.

Former Shadowy Men bassist Reid Diamond, who passed away in 2001, was not forgotten; his replacement, former Phono-Comb bandmate Dallas Good paid respect to his friend with a few words during the set, and by playing Diamond's signature four-string with grace and finesse, his fingers jumping around the fretboard with ease. Highlights included "Shadowy Countdown," and "Having an Average Weekend," also known as the theme song from Kids in the Hall, which elicited a peal of applause from the crowd. The band rocked as smoothly as ever, and fans of all ages united to welcome back the trio with open arms.

Check out our gallery of photos from Hillside 2013 here.

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