Toronto Bands To Watch in 2010

It's becoming increasingly more difficult to keep on top of all of the great new sites and blogs emerging throughout the city of Toronto and the surrounding area these days, much like the scene itself. Richard Trapunski is a writer for one of the good ones, a site called Resonancity. The site's mandate is to cover the Toronto music scene on a very local level, and from what I've read so far, it's doing an excellent job. The site has recently published its list of Toronto-area bands to chase for 2010 and Richard has asked several local music buffs (including myself) to contribute some their thoughts and choices. The final list was as diverse a list as I've ever seen, and it was good to see such variety. The final list of 20 acts was divided into three parts and they can be found here: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

For my list, I decided to go beyond some of the more obvious choices in favour of some of the ones that are still hovering quite below the radar right now, but given the current musical climate here in the city, still have a good shot at breaking out in the year ahead. And here they are, in no particular order:

The Davey Parker Radio Sound (pictured above)

Thanks to The Hoa Hoa's and The Disraelis, the Toronto psych rock scene is finally starting to get some recognition, which means that this band from the right side of Parkdale should be raising a few eyebrows in the new year. Their live shows are apparently getting better and raunchier with every blast and the city seems to be poised and ready for their high octane, fuzzed out, bluesy guitar sound. [Myspace]

Hut

I'm sure that Daniel Lee's main project Hooded Fang, along with the all ages showcases that he provides as part of Daps Duo, is going to be keeping him plenty busy throughout the upcoming year, and I don't even know if this lo-fi side project of his is something that he's working hard to expand upon or not, but I do know that Hut continues to be recording new material, and hopefully that will translate into a full release with accompanying live shows because the city needs more cool post punk lo fi sounds. [Myspace]

Pick A Piper

Each show brings them closer and closer to being one of the most exciting bands in the city, eliciting a rapturous response every time. Their psychedelic percussive onslaught is just so intoxicating that they are sure to garner even more enthusiasm as they embark on an east coast tour in March. [Myspace]

Clothes Make The Man

I remember being seduced by CMTM's rocking blend of raw emotional energy and smooth musical ability all the way back in 2006 when I reviewed their debut album for the (now defunct) indie music project. After basically forgetting about them for a couple of years, I saw them again in '09 and was blown away by how much they had progressed. They have a new album poised and ready for release and from what I've heard, Ryan Mclennan's throat tearing rasp is sounding stronger than ever. [Myspace]

Krupke

Although they're still pretty new, Krupke is a band that continues to impress with every show that they perform. At first listen, they can be a bit jarring since they're so difficult to pigeonhole into any one category. But this is not a case of a bunch of amateurs banging on pots and pans and proclaiming it art. These are multi talented instrumentalists indeed, and I think that, although a bit of an adjustment period may be in order for the average listener, their ambitious nature may be just enough to win people over. [Myspace]

Jen Polk has recently posted her picks, and all of the expert lists, with full commentary, will be posted as a secondary article over at resonancity.com.

2009: The Songs

As far as my favorite songs go, this seems to be the year for the grand epic. I don't know what it is, but the longer progressive numbers were the ones that seemed to have the biggest impact on me, which you'll notice as you start perusing through the following list. On top of that, if you want to get technical, the entire Decemberists album is basically arranged as one lengthy 55 minute song and should actually be my number one song of the year, but that would just be a little too redundant, what with it already sitting atop my Top Albums of '09 list. So, having said that, here is my annual list of the songs that have warranted necessary use of the repeat button on my iPod throughout the year. As per usual, the tunes are not listed in any particular order, since basically all of these songs are tied for first place, in the sense that I listened to them all with great repetition.

Bay Of Pigs by Destroyer (from Bay of Pigs EP)

At 13 minutes in length, this one is a moody little number that is as epic sounding as the plans for the attempted 1961 Cuban invasion upon which the title of the tune is based most likely was at the time, although unlike that CIA trained endeavor, the song is actually quite successful. Beginning as an ambient mix of controlled synths and opportunities for Bejar to share confounding lyrics such as "Magnolia's a girl. Her heart's made of wood. As apocalypses go, that's pretty good. Sha-la-la, wouldn't you say?" the song shifts partway through into an upbeat disco thump before culminating in two minutes of white noise that is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Stream: Bay of Pigs at Stereogum

And The Glitter Is Gone by Yo La Tengo (from Popular Songs)

Although by and large the latest release by everyone's favourite Hobokeners has them sounding more poppy than ever before, it's the album's closing 16 minute instrumental psychedelic rocker that had me begging for more. Though many might disagree, YLT are at their best when they just let loose on their improvisational selves.

Video: And The Glitter Is Gone Pt 1 on youtube
Video: And The Glitter Is Gone Pt 2 on youtube

Siren Song by Bat For Lashes (from Two Suns)

Natasha Khan's voice pierces right through me on this hauntingly beautiful number. I know that comparing her to Kate Bush is a little bit redundant at this point (of course, so is using the word 'redundant' twice in the same article) but the fact that the song would not be out of place on Bush's The Dreaming is part of its wonderful appeal for me.

Video: Siren Song (live at Morning Become Eclectic) on youtube

Lemons (aka Big Fish Little Pond) by Amos The Transparent
(from My What Big Teeth You Have)

Skilled songwriting matched with a simple yet unforgettable melody makes this song an infectious slice of perfection as Jonathan Chandler and company prove that even amidst a year of grand orchestral experimentation, there is a lot to be said for the charms of a subtle, acoustic pop song.

Download: Lemons (aka Big Fish Little Pond) mp3
Video: Lemons (aka Big Fish, Little Pond) on youtube

Little Secrets by Passion Pit (from Manners)

Overall, this has been a moderately successful year for me as far as listening to dancier music goes, with bands like Green Go, Handsome Furs, Friendly Fires and Woodhands receiving at least some minimal iPod airplay from me, although getting through an entire album in one sitting by any of those artists is a bit of a tall order for my anti-disco soul. Still, there was one number that achieved 'press, play, repeat' status for me, and it was this retrofied number by the Massachusetts five piece. The songs Sleepyhead and The Reeling may have received a little bit more blogger love but trust me, Little Secrets is by far the standout.

Video: Little Secrets (live on KCRW) on youtube

Doom by Hut (from Hut EP)

There are some songs that lend themselves to pristine production by nature of their incredible hooks and infectious melodies. However, when that's been done a million times before already then there's something refreshing about hearing that dynamic within the confines of a rough and delightfully real, lo-fi sound. Daniel Lee (of Hooded Fang) has coined a masterpiece with this song, and I hope that when he makes it rich in the future, he chooses to keep this song just the way it is, because it's the roughness that gives this song its charm.

Download: Doom mp3

It's Not Your Birthday Anymore by Morrissey (from Years of Refusal)

I figured that the days of Morrissey sitting in a personal year end list was gone forever, but lo and behold, here he is with a song that ranks among some of the best work of his entire career. This song is classic Moz, with that tongue in cheek misanthropic lyricism in full force and a chorus that is as large as it gets. A twisted anthem for sure, and the type of song that wannabe bombasts (like Snow Patrol) could only dream of penning.

Video: It's Not Your Birthday Anymore on youtube
(It's basically just the song streaming over a still of a half eaten piece of cake, but that's the only place where I could find the song streaming)

Synastry / New Beginning by Dog Day (from Elder Schoolhouse EP)

You knew that the combination of Halifax shoegazers Dog Day and prolific studio mastermind Rick White was going to be pretty spectacular, and the limited edition Elder Schoolhouse EP (vinyl only, and only 400 copies made) has produced the band's most expansive material so far. It may be cheating a bit to include all of side 2 as one song, but these two tracks should never be pulled apart for any reason whatsoever. The second part is a massive wall of psychedelic feedback that'll have you seeing double. I can only provide an mp3 of the first part of the song, but you really need to track down the whole thing for the full impact.

Download: Synastry mp3

Venus Rising by Blue Rodeo (from The Things We Left Behind)

Like the aforementioned Morrissey, I was pretty sure that the days of including Blue Rodeo on best of the year lists were long behind us, but the Keelor / Cuddy combo have proven that they still have the chops to pull it off when they want to. The new album still contains quite a bit of filler, but there is enough gold on it to make it their best album since Five Days In July, and this may be their best song since Diamond Mine. An epic slowburner with some blistering guitar work.

Stream: Venus Rising on youtube

Cat Tail Legs by Megan Hamilton
(from See Your Midnight Breath In The Shipyard)

The award for best vocal performance of the year goes to Megan Hamilton for the incendiary throat shred that she pulls of throughout the course of this barn busting number. Everything about this track is straightforward and immediate and although she pulls off abstract just fine at other points on the CD, this quality rocker gets the job done with perfection.

Download: Cat Tail Legs mp3

Honorable Mentions:
Drunkard's Prayer by The Schomberg Fair
Black Bull Nova by Wilco
I Can't Be Normal by Shelby Lamb
Grew Up On The Seeds by The Hoa Hoa's
Saturna by Son Volt
Love's On The Run by The Space Between Things
Come Saturday by The Pains of Being Pure At Heart
Dené Sled by Pick A Piper
Tightrope by Yeasayer
Faults by The Paint Movement

Pick A Piper w/Hut & The Fishwives @ Rancho Relaxo

I apologize for the lack of postings but my motivation level has been somewhat minimal lately. I think that it's likely one of those inner head things where I am already anticipating how busy the tail end of the month is going to be, and this internal preparation of sorts has made me tired before I've even done anything. In other words, don't take it personal; it's not you, it's me. Still, I work hard to post about every show that I attend, and although we're a full eleven days into the month of June, there was still one more show in May that I have yet to tell you about. What makes my tardiness twice as inexcusable is the fact that this show was so good.

After shamelessly neglecting my friends at Zygiella seven times before, it was great to finally make it out to this eighth installment of the Zygiella series. This time around it was being held at Rancho Relaxo as part of the Pitter Patter Festival and it featured three bands that I really knew very little about. The first act on the bill was a last minute replacement for Huddle, (who had to back out due to a band member injury) known as The Fishwives.

The Fishwives are a local four piece who specialize in a hooky brand of 60's tinged power pop that should easily appeal to anyone who likes their rock 'n roll a little bit wacky. It's become apparent that, although the kids in the band have obviously taken in the art of contemporaries like The Shins and The Coral, they have likely spent a great deal of time digesting their parents music collection also. This is a good thing since their music shows a sense of openness that you wouldn't normally hear in a band so young. In fact, although these guys were not even old enough to drink that night, they played original songs that were witty, adventurous and surprisingly mature. If I can make a bit of a bold statement here: I believe that, given the right direction, The Fishwives have the ability to shine in ways that too many of their contemporaries do not. A big problem with some bands right now is that they seem to find their niche, and then settle there with total disregard to the possibility of exploration. This band, although still in an understandably amateurish stage, have already begun to dabble in different areas, which gives them an eclecticism that should only grow with time. I was impressed.

Photos: The Fishwives @ Rancho Relaxo on flickr
Myspace: The Fishwives

From a band gaining experience to a band with plenty, Hut were on next. The band is the mastermind of Daniel Lee whom I've seen a couple of times in one of his other bands: Hooded Fang. While both of these acts display a measure of pure pop sensibility, the comparisons really do stop there. The Fang have a very polished pop sound that solidifies more and more every time that I see them, while Hut tackles this territory with a frantic lo-fi approach. I realize that choosing one style over the other is really a matter of preference, but to these ears, nothing can compare to the dirty realism of Hut's guttural styling. They wasted no time blasting from one post-punk gem to the other, keeping the vibe free from lag and showcasing a sound that had all of the elements of a mutant spawn of Bradford Cox and Tom Verlaine. They closed with an amazing song called Doom, which I can't stop listening to on their myspace page. It's fantastic, and the reason for this is the fact that the song has such an infectious hook that lends itself to overproduced stadium sounds, but avoids succumbing to that, keeping things deliciously lo-fi and original. On top of that, the lyric "gravity has lost its charm" is probably my favourite lyric of the year so far. Hut keeps their endearing roughness in tact when they perform live and I'll definitely be checking them out again.

Photos: Hut @ Rancho Relaxo on flickr
Myspace: Hut

Pick a Piper have received a lot of local love as of late, and Hut had left me pleasantly pumped for what was to follow. Thankfully Pick A Piper took that intensity and cranked it up considerably for their outstanding closing set. As they were setting up, it became obvious that this was going to be a percussive assault of sorts. They had a two drummer set up going on, and plenty other instrumental implements of destruction onstage making me very happy that I remembered my ear protection (for once.) The band consists of Clint Scrivener, Dan Roberts, Angus Fraser and Brad Weber. Brad has spent time as the touring drummer for Caribou, and it's obvious that he's brought that experience with him to this particular outfit. On record, vocal precision and soaring melodies are certainly the order of the day, but when you go to see them live, it's good to expect something a little bit more intense. Although the sound at Rancho was a little bit more muddled that their music would require, the attack of heavy percussion was still very much in tact and as you looked around the room, the tribal beats were clearly having an effect on the heads of all in attendance. It was impossible to stand still as the band played one locomotive blast of freak-psych after another. It also became apparent that the band was working hard for our enjoyment because, although the crowd begged for an encore, the sweat stained bodies of the collective Pipers were just too exhausted to go any further. After all, it's a tough job creating a heady climax of euphoria and everything.

Photos: Pick a Piper @ Rancho Relaxo on flickr
Myspace: Pick A Piper

"To Live By The Sea And Never Leave"

Music News, Local News, Indie News, Et Cetera....

Having grown bored with processing the photos I took at a show I attended on Friday night, I figured that I would take a break by visiting this here blog. No reviews or opinionated rants today, just a random whack of music related news that may or may not interest you depending on what type of stuff interests you these days:

I didn't participate in this weekend's Over The Top Festival, mainly because I found myself dealing with a tiredness that seemed to run dangerously close to the chronic fatigue variety. Hopefully, I will be able to have a share in, at least a little bit, of next weekend's Pitter Patter Fest, which is taking place at various venues in and out of the city. I've already talked a bit about it before, but I've recently come across another show that seems to be peaking my interest significantly.

Zygiella VIII is taking place at Rancho Relaxo on Friday night (May 29th). I love to support Zygiella, yet I'm an idiot since I've still never actually attended any of their showcases. The lineup this time around conisists of three bands that I'm not really all that familiar with, yet having sampled the music on their myspaces, I'm pretty sure that I'll have to set aside my previous Friday night plans and check this one out. The bands are Pick A Piper (pictured above), Huddle and Hut and if you like your shows eclectic, than this one is a must see.
[Above photo taken by K. Downey]

Dog Day are playing on Thursday night at Lee's Palace and my ticket giveaway contest is still running for another day or so. In the meantime however, you may wish to check them out when they play a free instore at Soundscapes on Wednesday May 27th at 6pm. [Myspace: Dog Day]

Fox Jaws are just about to embark on their East Coast tour but before they leave, they'll be playing a PWYC show at The Supermarket on Wednesday night. [Myspace: Fox Jaws]

The Vancouver Documentary Film Festival (DOXA) is taking place as we speak and will be continuing on all week but the reason that I'm tallking about it here is because they've got an interesting fundraiser taking place in connection with the fest. A number of disposable cameras were distibuted to different celebrities - the idea being that they would shoot them off and then auction them on eBay. Amongst the participants are Great Lake Swimmers, The Weakerthans, Jason Collett, Torquill Campbell, George Stroumboulopoulis and Narwuar the Human Serviette, as well as many many others. To see how you can get involved, check out all of the information here.

And I'm sorry to finish off on a sad note, but I just got word that former Wilco guitarist and songwriter Jay Bennett has passed away this weekend. He was a major contributor to the Wilco sound during, what I feel, was their best period of output. Very sad news indeed. He was 45.