Branching out

>> Plumtree's Catriona Sturton on life in, and after, Halifax

by RUPERT BOTTENBERG

Yes, Virginia, there is a Halifax scene. A healthy one, I'm told, even if Sloan are now T.O. boys and all the "next Seattle" hype (all the "indie explosion" hype in general, in fact) is largely historical.

"There's less of that idea of a Halifax scene," says Plumtree bassist Catriona Sturton, "but for places to come from, it's pretty supportive here. It's a good climate for bands to develop in. Some people would say it's not a good time for live music. A few years ago there was a real peak, and it was easier to tour and so on. But I think--and living in Halifax has a lot to do with this--it seems like a really exciting time."

Despite the regional pride, Plumtree have happily replanted themselves with Winnipeg label Endearing, who's sweet pop/rock vibe is ideal for the Haligonian foursome and their new disc This Day Won't Last at All. The label also boasts the charmingly ambitious garage pop of Vancouver's Salteens as a signing, making it a fully bi-coastal, non-partisan affair.

"Being with Endearing hopefully combines things that we're good at with things they've done. For instance, we've never really done anything in the States, and that's where they sell the most. There were things that our old label Cinnamon Toast, which was basically us, didn't want to deal with, like mail order. They're just really organized."

This Day recalls the no-frills clarity of their debut Mass Teen Fainting, something lost on their somewhat over-produced sophomore effort Predicts the Future. Gone, though, is the adolescent innocence, the "li'l sis" sensibility of the early days when gigging required a lift from mom. By now Plumtree are grand old dames of Canuck indie rock, sharper and wiser. After all, it's been... how long?

"I think it's seven years now," calculates Sturton. "Seven or eight... Lynette [Gillis, drums] was 14 when the band started. She's... she'll be 21... 22? Oh, I don't know. A long time--all of our adult lives." :

With the Salteens and others at Club Zone on Wednesday, April 26, 9pm, $5