Slam Dunk

Victoria, BC quintet Slam Dunk certainly win the award for the most enthusiastic band at the fest. How often do see a saxophone player jump into the crowd to be caught be exactly two people? Their infectious (and very loud) take on garage rock, replete with gang vocals and some yelping in all the appropriate places, won over a skeptical crowd. The band knocked out tunes from their debut The Shivers with quick speed, rarely letting the energy drop, and did a terrific job of engaging the audience while mocking rock conventions at the same time. "This one's for you," quipped lead singer and guitarist Jordan Minkoff after an enthusiastic fan engaged him in a full-blown conversation about the merits of Victoria versus Edmonton. Decked out in sequined sneakers, she then proceeded to perform some sort of ballet routine to their music. You get the impression Slam Dunk have as much fun onstage as they do in their rehearsal space. Performances like these are just a chance to share their antics with the world.