7 - The Niagaras

The Niagaras
Stout
26 April 2008

I don't know how to describe The Niagaras. Actually, in between sets, I got a chance to sit down with the drummer Dylan Wissing who has been with the band for about four years, and even he had no idea how to describe the band. He likened the lead singer, Robert Whaley, to a cross between James Brown and Iggy Pop, but as far as their musical stylings, he had a hard time putting them into words. The press is a little confused as well. Their descriptions of the band include: pop, rock, ska, Oingo Boingo-esque, and Zappa-esque. As other more eloquent people have tried and failed, I won't try to describe them, and frankly, I don't think a description would really help capture their sound anyway. I would definitely recommend giving a close listen to some of their lyrics though.

To add to the show, the band has the lead singer. Robert Whaley is not just a vocalist, he makes his own little party on stage. He shimmies, he shakes, he croons, and by the end of the set, he strips. He starts off in something similar to a zoot suit and ends up in socks, a hat, perhaps a tie, and his skivvies. He has done this for years.

The Niagaras have been around for more than twenty years, and somehow, they haven't lost their energy. If you are ever in the mood for some aerobics with your gin and tonic, go see them.