October 9 2013 – The 80’s were a peculiar time for those that lived through them (and were old enough to remember that bygone era). Fashion was the loudest and boldest it had ever been and popular music was represented by a sea of synthesizers. The children of the 80’s shunted their parent’s disco and rock for an era of carefree fun and dancing. Canada was fertile ground for so-called new wave bands and those bands found various levels of success. The music of the 80’s was relatively short-lived and defined an era perhaps more so than disco did the 70’s or rockabilly did the 50’s. Tonight was a test for two bands of the 80’s to prove their modern relevance.
Images in Vogue was one of those bands and tonight they were playing a set at The Mod Club as openers for the Spoons (read about the Spoons’ set here) . Their one hour set was introduced by former MuchMusic VJ Kim Clarke Champniss who turns out was the band’s first manager. Tonight’s lineup featured essentially all the members that were there in the mid 80’s as follows:
Dale Martindale – Vocals
Ed Shaw – Guitar
Tim Welch – Bass /Guitar
Glen Nelson – Keys
Joe Vizvary – Keys
Derrick Gyles – Drums
The band’s lead singer Dale Martindale held the audience captive in his powerful vocals and in fact everyone up on stage was all smiles. In an interview with drummer Derrick Gyles we were told the band has fun playing the music and it sure showed on stage tonight.
What was evident from the first song is that IIV rely on a heavy bass line (from a real bass) for their sound and the synths were tuned down. We are uncertain if that was intentional to modernize the sound and not rely on synths as much as in the 80’s but the audience loved what they heard and responded with energetic screaming and applause after every song. Images In Vogue drew heavily from their 1985 album “In The House” and offered up the following songs:
Verdict: An excellent set full of energy and a sound that although is 30 years removed from our consciousness still resonated well. This band is full of talent and tonight was not just a flashback to a bygone era but a reminder that music can (and must) transcend commercially defined time eras. If the music sounds good to you and makes you feel good then it is good – period. Based on the above formula, Images In Vogue were clearly very good for all in attendance tonight.
We leave you with a video and some pictures of the set.
Great review.It’s nice to hear they still sound the way I remember them.It’d nice if the two bands would come the Ottawa way ’cause I’d surely one of the first inline.Thanks for the write up.
An excellent set of full energy?” Clearly, we did not see the same show. They would boring, it was zero in the entertaining category. They looked sad – like a bad IIV cover band in some sad Dalton AB bar….Dale looked fat – uninterested – he “used to be” a great visual performer, now,old out of shape and out of style! The only saving grace will always be Joe. He’s looked like shit since 1981 but keeps what integrity musical is left in order. (And of course Ed keep the integrity meter moving in the right direction.
And of course….where’s Gary Smith. We all missed his “2 finger” octave bass plunking on the keyboard. IIV was always style, style, style…..an some decent tracks….
I don’t know, Willie, Dale looked pretty interested and active to me. The songs were great and entertaing and the band played well and sounded good, like always. You’re right about Joe, though. One of Canada’s best synth players ever (glen’s pretty good too) but looks like he sleeps in a dumpster. Love to hear something new from these guys.
IIV still rocks. Dale’s voice is incredible. He is one of the few singers that could sing anything and make it sound great! Keep jammin’ boys.
Love to hear some new material.
Willie, You must be a fan of the band or you wouldn’t have been at the show? I’m curious of your age and your looks seeing you’re so opinionated of others. Were you there for a fashion show or a concert? Dale’s voice hasn’t changed at all and he still has one of the best distinguished voices ever. I was there and the band and audience were having a great time. Too ba dyou didn’t. Dale looked great and keeps getting better looking. Perhaps you’re jealous?