The Cadre + 17February 1998 11

NE a

5 foot 9 and bullet proof

Baba’s Lounge February 14, 1998

For the few and the proud not shackled to the stigma of Valentine's Day clichés, there was still love to be felt in the form of a cozy and casual concert at Baba’s, introducing Charlottetown to Halifax's 5 foot 9.

Fronted by Shannon Cunningham's rich, earthy voice, the foursome soothed the hearts of the listeners for three sets. Guitarist Lisa MacKenzie provided some harmonious harmony while Benn Ross maximized a minimalist drum kit. Henri San g proved his musicianship with some quick adaptability when a little amp trouble left his silent.

The band seemed to appreciate the superhuman focusing abilities of Islanders. After Cunningham remarked upon this, Bill Matthews, fan, enthusiastically exclaimed, “three cheers for focus.” The emotional, transcendental union of musician and audience had been achieved at this very point. It was so sweet that the ambience made Hello Kitty look like a Hell's Angel.

Some of the many fine moments of the evening include a frisky song on the topic of regretting rejection, accentuated by some fine auxillary percussion (beer bottle), lilting slide whistle solos, and plenty of “arriba” esque exotica. More tender sounds eminated from “Pathos” and “If you were here.”

“This was the best Valentine's day ever,” remarked one departing, lovelorn soul.