Review: Newcomers Chimpanzebras kicked off the night with a very surprising bang. Well, when a band opens with something as utterly bodacious as Elvis Costello’s “Pump It Up”, one doesn’t really have a say in the matter; it’s time to pump it up. And boy, do these guys ever know how to rock and roll. From pitch-perfect renditions of modern classics like the Strokes’ “Last Nite” and the Foo Fighter’s “Times Like These”, to relentlessly funky versions of “Eleanor Rigby” and the Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” (that’s right… they managed to make “Psycho Killer” EVEN funkier). But perhaps the most striking element of their performance was a taut handful of original material, effortlessly blended among the iconic anthems littered throughout the set. It’s tough to pull off unless your s~~t is off the hook, and Chimpanzebras’ authentic blend of progressive pop and dance rock is nothing short of mesmerizing. Amidst an electric set honouring only the best in twentieth century rock, it’s safe to say these boys are influenced in all the right places.

 

Members: Jamie MacLeod - Lead Guitar/Vocals, Julian Baisa - Bass/Keys/Vocals, Cam Herbold - Drums/Vocals, David Charbula - Vocals/Guitar

 

Band Bio: Jmac is the rock, bourne of stone and time, destined to master the guitar with his stern disposition. Baisa's prowess flows from the winds, raining subsonic boom upon the world. Cam is the mystic sent from the depths of the Atlantic, arisen 5,000 leagues to become the "tic toc" of the sound. The dragon, Charbula, was born from Everest and fought knights in Arthur's court until summoned to tame ladies with his firey voice.