Clouds (That Look Like Things) & HotKid @ The Horseshoe

I realize that phrases like "next big thing" are thrown around with a lot of frivolity these days, but I really think that Toronto's Clouds (That Look Like Things) are one of those bands that truly warrant such an expression. Tuesday night was my second time seeing them this year and it's amazing how in a few short months, a band that was already pretty impressive to start with had grown to be even more so.

For those who are newer readers of my blog, (or any Toronto blogs for that matter,) Tuesday nights at The Horseshoe means free music by lesser known indie bands. Dave Bookman is a DJ on Edge 102.1, which is a station that has strayed from playing anything new or exciting for about a decade or so. (You can read my rant about this here.) Thankfully, their Tuesday night showcase remains an entity unto its own, and some of the most up-and-comingest bands ever have gotten their start doing this. Clouds was using this opportunity to celebrate the release of their new completely self-made, Hat Factory EP. I'll be reviewing that in the near future, but as far as their performane on Tuesday night goes, I couldn't have asked for anything more. They didn't have a lot of time for banter, so they blasted through their blistering set of emotionally majestic indie pop at a rather quick pace, and the crowd seemed to be absorbing it nicely. I mentioned in a previous review that they have a huge sound, and although I'm not a big fan of stadium shows per se, the music of Clouds is tailor made for such an atmosphere, and it almost seems to be a little too restrictive on such a small stage. This isn't a complaint however, just an observation and it was great to feel their enthusiasm drip into the crowd, many of whom were familiar with the songs. One didn't need to be all that familiar however, to sing along, especially to their closing song, which is a tune that I don't think is on the EP, but was still instantly likable. It seemed as if those that weren't familiar were easily converted, since they seemed to be rushing to the merch table afterwards to pick up their CD. This is the type of band that keeps me excited about Toronto's music scene, and it'll be interesting to see what 2009 has in store for them.

Clouds (That Look Like Things) are playing Rancho Relaxo with The Lovely Killbots and After The Weather on November 22nd. Make sure you pick up the new EP there because besides being great, it also has really cool cover art.

Photos: Clouds (That Look Like Things) @ The Horseshoe on flickr.
Myspace: Clouds (That Look Like Things)
Download: Stardust mp3 (seriously, this is one super infectious song...)


There were three more bands that played that night, but I only stuck around to see one of them since going to bed early sounded like the greatest thing in the world to me at that particular moment. The next act was a band from Cambridge called HotKid. HotKid consists of Shiloh Harrison on guitar and vocals and Peter McIntosh on drums and they're another hard rockin', fist pumpin', swagger filled rock 'n roll band. To say that they're performance was intense would only be skimming the tip of the iceberg. As soon as the opening guitar riffs hit my plug protected ears, I knew that this was going to be a full on sonic assault to the senses. Peter's arms and hands were nothing but a hyperactive blur behind the drums, while Shiloh's throat shredding vocals left no mercy as they displayed a ferocity that reminded me a bit of Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon. Admittedly, their style of garage rock was a little bit too different from what Clouds were playing before them, and it took a couple of songs for my ears and brain to adjust, but once they did, I found myself thoroughly enjoying their set. They've recently released a new 3 song EP entitled The Cost, which is available to purchase for download here.

HotKid wil be back at The Horseshoe on December 12th with C'mon! Tix are $8.

Photos: HotKid @ The Horseshoe on flickr.
Myspace: HotKid
Video: Get On The Road on youtube

Other stuff: Just wanted to make a quick concert announcement for tomorrow night (November 8th) that you've probably heard about but just in case you haven't: The Bicycles are playing a show at Lee's Palace that is billed as The Last Schmaltz II. It's actually the CD Release party for their new one, Oh No It's Love!!. I won't be able to attend but it sounds like it's going to be awesome since the following acts will all be joining them throughout the night: $100, Green Go, Sandro Perri, The Old Soul, Hooded Fang, Matt Murphy, Cock'd Gunns, Gravity Wave, Brent Randall, Laura Barrett, Henri Faberge, Brutal Knights, Forest City Lovers, Sebastian Grainger and Maylee's Sweatshop Hop. Add to that the fact that Young Rival will be opening and you've got yourself a pretty unbelievable show. Tickets are $8 adv; $10 door.

Myspace: The Bicycles
Myspace: Young Rival