It’s really no surprise when stoner rock bands make tardy arrivals. Border hassles and, well, general stoniness are most often to blame. In Dead Meadow's case, equipment had been locked inside a Montreal venue half the day. You’d think everyone would know that club management don’t rise before 3pm in that town. Lesson learned.

A slightly ruffled Dead Meadow eventually scurried into Lee’s, with sizable Orange and Fender amps in hand. No one looked particularly stressed at the lack of sound check — clearly, this trio was well-accustomed to rushed, commando-style stage set-ups.

With the headliner’s gear finally in place, local openers Nordic Nomadic finally got to man the stage — seated singer/guitarist Chad Ross (also of local psychsters Quest For Fire) seemed more laid back than anyone. Down-tempo dirges, with guitar technique reminiscent of Jimmy Page’s acoustic work, dominated the set — a nice change from the same-ish Sabbath riffs usually marking these types of shows.

But when Dead Meadow hit the stage, a bowel-shaking wave of low-end sound coursed through Lee’s. Though this act emerged with the third or fourth wave of stoner rock bands, it’s all still a house that Blue Cheer built — things change very slowly in this genre.

Numerous songs from the recently-released (and surprisingly melodic) Old Growth disc were given a fuzzy, wah-infused workout. But it was during the band’s live standard “Lady” that bearded drummer Stephen McCarty and singer/guitarist Jason Simon (who strangely resembled James Taylor’s character in Two-Lane Blacktop) took searing, extended solos.

Endearingly gangly bassist Steve Kille also happily jumped about, although strangely out-of-time with the music. Audience approval was ecstatic, nonetheless.

There were also more vintage pedals and gizmos on stage than you’d find in a NASA museum. The only thing missing was the light show and old-style projected visuals — but all can be forgiven in lieu of the late arrival.

Besides, no one fell victim to the brown acid. Always the sign of a successful evening.

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