Apostle of Hustle speaks to me…

If you go to an Apostle of Hustle show just to see a charter member of Broken Social Scene, you've done both yourself and Andrew Whiteman a disservice.

In its own right, Apostle of Hustle have produced three albums of compelling music that eat their way out of the darkness of being known as a member of the baroque pop orchestra, Broken Social Scene. Apostle of Hustle stands on its own, not as a side project of the larger machine, but a home for Whiteman's artistic prowess to take the lead.

Apostle of Hustle dropped into London (London Music Club) to kick off a short tour in support of Eats Darkness , the third LP on Arts and Crafts for Whiteman. Flanked just by percussionist Dean "Deaner" Stone, the packed room were delighted with songs and showmanship, that included Blackberry, Eazy Speaks and Snakes, highlights from new album, as well as old favourites My Sword Hand's Anger from National Anthem of Nowhere.

It's easy to see why Apostle of Hustle shows are legendary not just for the musical side, as Whiteman's quirky appearance and delivery, are offset by weirdly hilarious between-song prose. And he has a definite flair for presentation with a show includes a flag (presumably for Nowhere), a mask, and some sort of water ritual that includes territory marking and a sky high spit take.

And while most of the show will leave you transfixed on this enigmatic presence, you are equally drawn in to the beats of Dean Stone. Spending equal time between his traditional kit and his makeshift beat studio centre stage 'Deaner' creates these primal, tribal beats to drive the frenetic guitars of Whiteman home.

It's hard to make a live show stand alone, and have as much meaning and impact as an album, but some do. Apostle of Hustle is one of the ones that can. And will.

But, don't take my word for it – catch them on the rest of the mini-tour at:

• Wednesday November 18th, 2009 – Peterborough, ON at Montreal House
• Thursday November 19th, 2009 – Toronto, ON at Lee's Palace
• Friday November 20th, 2009 – Wakefield, QC at The Black Sheep Inn
• Friday November 27th, 2009 – Montreal, QC at Il Motore
• Saturday November 28th, 2009 – Kingston, ON at The Grad Club