By Chris Newel

Never heard of them when I saw the ad. Wasn’t planning to hit the Stemwinder on Saturday, Jan. 14 but ended up dropping in to meet with friends. Rock-on! Caught a few verses and immediately thought of Bill Haley and Comets or Buddy Holly. True to the sound was their attire, narrow black ties indicative of the ‘50s.

Their website quote, “Picture The Ramones, dressed like the Rat Pack, playing Johnny Cash’s gear,” summed it up nicely.

No mater how you look it or hear it, Hi-Strung Downers is unique, rocking and foot tapping fun. “Their high-energy presence leans itself to their classic sounds of the ‘50s and ‘60s rock and roll, rhythm and blues and country western with punk rock attitude and Rat Pack style.” (Website)

The Hi-Strung Downers are a “four-piece forged in Calgary out of the ashes of some Western Canada’s most active rockabilly, punk road and alt-country units from the past decade and a half.”

I went on Sunday to listen to more of this great band, arriving just before they started; there were lots of empty seats. By the end of the first set the lounge was full, I certainly hope they come back.

One of the songs they played, “13 Women,” was done by Bill Haley in the mid ‘50s. So I wasn’t far off.

Listen to the Hi-Strung Downers

Photos by Chris Newel

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