Ultimate Power Duo is an indie band from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Having never heard them before, I was surprised at their stage presence and musical style. Interesting drumming which was more than just “1…2…3…4…” with saw-like guitaring and rhythmic bass. New bands who perhaps not many people know, results unfortunately with not many people dancing; however, the band easily provoked the audience in a positive manner and many heads were bobbing from side to side and feet tapping to the beat on the ground.

Their set list, only about 30 minutes long, was enough to satisfy the punk-going crowd in making way for Bad Religion.

Tim Armstrong stepped onto the stage and the crowd nearest to the stage raved. Like lightning, more people looked to the stage and realized the band was coming out, ran as one from the back of the complex to get as close as they could. The first hi-hat hit was struck and the accompanying guitar strummed as Tim Armstrong spoke the familiar words “Never fell in love, till I fell in love with you…” and a circle pit erupted instantly, some 400-500 punks strong.

The band surprisingly and unsurprisingly rocked out for over an hour. Surprising on one hand that to the contrary of what many older non-punks say such things like the old school bands being passed their time and should quit, but unsurprising (and almost expected) at the size of the crowds these older and legendary bands draw, and the energy and love for the music they play. It was not a surprise at all to see 40-50 year olds in the crowd, on the edge of the pit with foggy glasses as they danced to one of the bands they grew up with.

Rancid rocked out such familiar songs as Radio, Fall Back Down, The Wars End, Nihilism, Gunshot, Time Bomb, Bloodclot, Antennas, and a myriad of others.

Image from AxYoung at Wikipedia.org

D.O.A. is back! Well, they never really ‘left’ in the first place. Since 1978 they have hardcore punk rocked their way all around the world, and now, 30 years later, they were back in Calgary for their 30th year anniversary tour and opening for fellow legends, Rancid.

Image by Rock and Roll and Meandering Nonsense

D.O.A. kicked their set off with both energy and ferocity, circle pits of recklessness quickly ensued in front of the stage as the band performed such songs as Dead Men Tell No Tales, The Enemy, and much to the dismay of the half dozen police officers walking around searching vainly and unsuccessfully for possession of drugs, Police Brutality and Marijuana Motherfucker.

With Joey Shithead bobbing his head and kicking as he skillfully played his guitar, Dan Yaremko jamming out on his bass, and new band arrival, James Hayden, keeping the hardcore rock beat going, D.O.A. was welcomed back to Calgary by the estimated 2500 punks with open arms.