July 13th 2023 – Grady’s Pub, Salisbury, New Brunswick
So, one of my buddies asked me to cover the Smoke Spell show at Grady’s Pub in Salisbury, New Brunswick. Now, I’ve been living in this neck of the woods for quite a while, but I had never come across this place before, and all I knew about Salisbury was that it supposedly had the enigmatic Silver Fox, although I’m still clueless about who or what that actually is. But hey, who needs details when you’ve got an adventure on your hands?
With my trusty wife by my side, also ready to shoot, we embarked on a quest to this uncharted territory on the outskirts of the Greater Moncton Area. Stepping foot inside Grady’s was like stepping into a warm embrace.
See Also: RBC Bluesfest Ends with The Smile
The place was buzzing, even on a Thursday evening – wings night and an array of finger foods scattered across the tables. Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side as the kitchen had already shut down for the night. Undeterred, we threw back a shot of Jägermeister and chased it with some Miller Lite, ready to soak up the atmosphere and capture the essence of this place.
The band stormed the stage, unleashing a sound that oozed with the spirit of gritty punk with a touch of rugged Western folk rock. Their semi-acoustic melodies reverberated through the intimate venue, captivating the audience. Armed with a stand-up bass, a washboard, and relentless stomping, the band projected their songs with a raw intensity that took over the entire venue. The pulsating beats could be felt throughout the floorboards. Smoke Spell were a blast. Good times indeed!
After a brief respite, a few band members reemerged, but this time the drummer had traded in his sticks for an axe. The dynamic duo of bass and guitar launched into a kick-ass rendition of Linoleum (NOFX), and continued onward with more acoustic punk badassedness.
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Who would’ve thought that in the far-off lands of Salisbury, NB, I’d stumble upon such an unexpected thrill? It’s left me wondering what other hidden gems this small community has to offer. Perhaps one day, I’ll return in search of the enigmatic Silver Fox. But for now, I’ll revel in the intoxicating magic of Smoke Spell, and I urge you to do the same. Seriously, right now—do it! Trust me, you’ll thank me later
