the does at the Smiling Buddha

the does post-show. Photo: Nicole Votta

Devoted fans faithfully turned out to see the does band play the Smiling Buddha on a miserable, wet Monday night. The stormy weather suited their moody rock tunes perfectly.

“We’re the band you listen to in the dark,” singer Carol Ann said.

Diablo Red started the night out with a set of stoner rock tinged metal. The singer, Rob, disappointed the crowd only by not speaking between songs in the same growl he sang in.

Then it was time for the does. Drummer Alex Croft and guitarist Neddal Ayad set the mood with a slow paced improvised instrumental number. Singer Carol Ann and bassist Nicole Lee joined them on stage and the band launched into a driving version of their song ‘Ice and Snow’.

They put on an intense performance, well worth braving the elements for. There’s a raw edge to their music, a roughness that contrasts with and complements the simple arrangements. Neddal Ayad’s ragged guitar and Carol Ann’s voice are the musical core of the band’s sound. It’s a dramatic tension they know how to use.

“Make ‘em cry, Nicole,” Ayad said to Lee as the band began the bass driven ballad ‘Gunfighter’.
Broken hearts and moodiness aside, they do have a sense of humour about what they do.
“Neddal does it to pick up the hipster chicks,” Croft said.

The coming months will be busy for the Toronto- based band. Their packed schedule includes shows at the Bovine Sex Club. They’re working on a full-length release tentatively scheduled for March 2008.