Navigator vs. Navigator in August 2009 ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

First can we have a moment of silence, please? Navigator vs. Navigator is longer performing feats of aeronautics. I was genuinely saddened when I heard the news a few weeks back, they were a great band. The only thing that comforted me when I heard of their demise was the fact that I was watching Ravenna Woods (featuring ex-Navigator frontman Chris Cunningham) through the window of the Comet. Being a voyeur is always a delight, is it not? These are good songs people. Don’t believe me? Check out the videos for “In the World” and “Ghosts.”

Ravenna Woods remind me of two things:

1) Troubadours of the Big Top. Songwriters for the Circus. I’m not sure if this is a new genre or not, but that’s what I think of when I hear Ravenna Woods. I was always a fan of the circus. Or maybe this opinion is heavily influenced by the “In the World” video? That piece of short cinema is highly appropriate.

2) The Big Bad Wolf Eating Little Red Riding Hood - I’m talking slowly with exaggerated satisfaction. Nobody gets out of here alive little lady.

Strong Killings will also be there with their lightning fast cymbal catches and obtuse rock n’ roll action. Don’t forget to bring your expensive sunglasses for MKspeeddial. They sound like the equivalent of one of those 1960’s spontaneous dance scenes gone horribly awry. Finger-snappers-get-their-fingers-broken. Be cool daddy-o, real easy.