Scatterheart - The Masterplan

I first saw Scatterheart well over a year ago at The Distrikt when they opened for Bif Naked. Right from the start, this was a band that commanded your attention. Even before the opening notes, the band just looked like they had IT. The band dressed sharp and their charismatic singer, Jesse Enright, was wearing his now trademark football shoulder pads adorned with feathers. Right away it was obvious that this wasn't going to be shoe-gazing music. That night they definitely won over the Bif crowd, who no doubt recognized guitarist Doug Fury from his decade-long tenure with Ms. Naked.

Since then, I've had the pleasure of seeing them two or three more times while they've toured the hell out of their debut album, The Masterplan. These guys are definitely road warriors! Since they are an independent band, they are building their audience one show at a time. And what a show they put on... feathers, yoga headstands, bubble machines, dance contests and covers of Rush, Queen and U2 thrown in for good measure. Simply put, Scatterheart are just tons of fun. They combine the dumb fun of hair metal, the energy of punk rock and the artsiness of 7o's glam rock. With his stage get-up and piercing voice, Jesse Enright reminds me of what would happen if Perry Farrell, Dee Snider and David Bowie had an orgy. These guys are the most fun Canadian rock band since Robin Black decided to focus on MMA.

As good as their live show is, it would all mean nothing if their songs were shite. Luckily, The Masterplan is a stellar batch of tunes. Aside from one or two forgettable songs, their debut is loaded with instantly memorable melodies, crunching guitars and a tight rhythm section. These are unabashed pop songs brimming with positive energy. It's so easy to be cynical and negative in today's world. In particular, it's easier to write songs filled with angst and negative energy. So it's refreshing every now and then for a rock band to have the balls to promote potentially hokey and cheesy themes as love and positivity. Thankfully, they pull it off just fine. Standout songs include "Beautiful," "More Man Than A Man," "The Free" and "We Are Stars."

Make sure to check them out when they spread their "love rock revolution" at The Exchange September 9! You can check out a great live clip of their performance of "The Free" at the Busan International Rock Festival. (I don't think The Exchange can fit this many people...)