By Lord Caliban and Boy Tunnel

Once again, Vancouver-based Pluto put on a tasty little number for the patrons of Louis' Pub at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon on Tuesday, March 4, 1997. The show was filled with energy and all-around good times as the crowd soaked up an evening of upbeat music.

The show started off with UK band Fluffy opening up. An all female band sporting very provocative clothing and that all familiar British attitude, Fluffy played a short and interesting set. From the start of the show the band antagonized a very unreceptive crowd and showed no signs of enjoyment in the lime-light. Not only did they make fun of Saskatchewan's farming industry, but they also mentioned their lack of love for students. Not that we cared that much for their music was quite bland and generic. Their loud and lack-luster singing was complemented by their uninspiring three chord talents. I don't know if they were trying to be cute with their attitude, but it really sucked! It may have been a different story if their fake, bitchy attitude could have been backed up by some real musical talent. When their final song for the evening arrived, Fluffy let the crowd know that they were not disappointed that they were done. I must say that neither were we. Despite Fluffy's performance, it made the crowd want Pluto even more. If you want to hear some good female lead bands, check out the likes of Weeping Tile, Belly, Veruca Salt, Rose Chronicles, or Jale.

After a small delay, Pluto took to the stage. They opened with their well-known tune When She Was Happy, setting the tone for the evening. They played nearly all of the songs off their self-titled album as well as a number from Cool Way To Feel. Also, to the delight of the sparse crowd, Pluto played a fair bit of new material, that I must say was fast and catchy, to give the crowd a preview of their upcoming album. Pluto brought with them a delightful attitude which allowed the crowd to have fun, unlike Fluffy who by the way, sucked. It seems that the same people keep showing up for Pluto performances so it makes me wonder if they are drawing any new fans at all in Saskatoon. After the show, we had a chance to get the latest info on the band's upcoming album from John Ounpuu, as well as questioned their reasons for performing with a band such as Fluffy. Maybe it was to make them look really good, but in actuality, it was because they are on the same record label and just happened to be in Canada at the time. According to John, their album should be out in the fall or by early '98 at the latest.

Paul Newman, drummer for Montreal's Doughboys, made a guest appearance with Pluto but only acted as their road manager...too bad he didn't jam with them on a couple of numbers, or maybe try to help out Fluffy a little bit up on stage. Overall, the night was pleasant and Pluto did not disappoint. We even got a taste of some British riffs by a band who really sucked out.