Vancouver band Default brought their reunion tour to Fredericton’s Boyce Farmers Market on Saturday, Nov. 17.
A quiet and respectful audience of about 200 welcomed the opening act, Moncton-based band Motor League. As coloured lights and heavy bass filled the room, the strange combination of rock music at a farmers’ market became the last thing on anyone’s mind; by the time the main attraction arrived, the audience was on their feet singing and dancing.
“You guys sound great tonight!” called frontman Dallas Smith as the crowd sang along to every word of the band’s 2001 hit, “Wasting My Time.”
Smith led a charismatic performance, posing for pictures and waving for videos without pausing from the music. Two guitarists, a bassist and a drummer supported Smith, all of whom performed with contagious enthusiasm.
After the band’s split in 2013, long-time fans were thrilled to see them back in action. They rocked the small venue with performances from the band’s very first album, The Fallout, including anthems “Deny” and “Seize the Day”. One concertgoer was thrilled when one of the guitarists tossed a guitar pick his way.
“I’ve been seeing these guys for years, since their very first album. It’s nice to see young people enjoying good music,” he told the Brunswickan.
Newcomers were equally happy with the performance.
“I came not knowing the band at all, and just wanting to see some live music. But they were fantastic,” said one young fan.
After a double encore, Default wrapped up the show with the fittingly-titled song, “Goodbye.”