The Plaid Toungued Devils

The Plaid Tongued Devils live at the IronWood Restaurant and Bar in Inglewood, May 5th 2006.

PTD, an old school, new age, upbeat bohemian sound that, I hope, will never disappoint. I haven't been yet, and highly doubt it is even possible. With their interesting mix of instruments, I'm hardly surprised to see them playing at the popular IronWood In the heart of Inglewood, a prestigious artistic community. No matter the stage, be it the Epcore Center, Princes Island Park or a well broken in bar, their sound quality is phenomenal. Their timing, jovial behavior and energy is that of true artists and great friends. That’s what makes this 5 man band(plus a dancer every so often) A great show for all, friends, family, dates. You can even go yourself or with a dance partner and enjoy the night just as much.

The lead vocalist, Ty Semaka, with his hair suitingly fashioned into two horns on either side of his head, booms out at the audience with his fast passed singing, his witty lyrics and his amusing banter. Backed, though not secondary be any means, by his neo-klezmer band of gypsy rockers, each bringing their own talent to the mix. Jonathan Lewis, who has played the violin for over a quarter of a century, does well at dazzling us with his precise and fluid music on his 5 string violin, moving the crowd with his multiple solos and sheer enjoyment of the music he puts forth. Allen Kolodziejzyk on his interesting 8 string guitar, that he says "Is like a 12 string, but it's missing 4 strings". Moving quickly between open chords and bar chord, all across the fret board, to give way to a folkie sound that blends amazingly well with the rest of the band. On drums we have John McNeil, busting out an amazing solo near the end and really pounding away, feverishly almost, on his skins all through out the night. I doubt even a heavy metal drummer could keep up with John as he makes it look almost easy. Last but not least, on the 5 string fretless bass, Kaley Kinjo, working his art and getting the crowd going with his suprising jumping routines with Allen while still keeping a strong baseline. Together the shook the establishment all the way to the far front bathrooms, where the music came in as clear as if you were on stage.

PTD have toured for quite a while. The band, whom have been together for over 14 years, have been a great success over seas, and no matter what always draw a crowd from their home city of Calgary. This group even has their own musical production called "In Kleskavania" which made its debut in 1998 and was back last year, selling out night after night. Their most recent CD, Monsteroma, is also quite the success, evident by the fact that most of the songs played at last nights soiree were from that CD. Other CDs of theirs are Belladonna, Tongue and Groove and Running with Scissors.

All in all this band has more energy, love and talent(not mentioning the near century of musical experience in the group) makes this band one of my top five. Trying to get away from the main stream and more following their own style gives this band the most points though. I doubt you would be able to find anything close to this style of music anywhere short of your public library, under folk/bohemian/Jewish. Which, surprisingly is exactly where this band found their inspiration. "Hava Negela" The Jewish Folk song from my understanding, drew quite the crowd to the dance floor. As a giant oval encircled up to two pairs of dancers in the middle the sweat and fun where just dripping. Their high energy music though doesn't stop there though, with their slight touch of Ska influence, they bring a new life to the estranged polka. Though really, premiering two new songs, was what that night a night to remember. It's not everyday that you get to hear one of your favorite bands newest creations.

I highly recommend this band to anyone who knows how to enjoy good and different music. If you want more info you can check out their website at www.thedevils.com or you can always drop Ty a line, or subscribe to the newsletter at info@thedevils.com. If you feel like seeing their next show it will be on Canada day at Princess Island Park, their set will commence at 5pm.