Oh No Forest Fires Last Show @ The Horseshoe

with Arietta, Songs From A Room and The Darcy's

I have to admit that I wasn't prepared to bid adieu to the boys in Oh No Forest Fires so early on in their career. The announcement of their breakup was a shock to say the least, considering the fact that, in my mind, they were just getting warmed up. Rajiv released a statement just prior to the show which indicated that there were no hard feelings and they even recorded a new EP to mark the occasion, which makes theirs possibly the most amicable breakup I've ever witnessed. Judging by the performance (and sentimentality's) of that Saturday night, the band was in the mood to celebrate all that they've accomplished over the last couple of years, and rightly so. Admirably, all of the money from the show went to Haiti relief.

ONFF brought a few of their hard rockin' friends along for the ride, and the first band on the bill was The Darcy's. I last saw them just under a year ago, which is just far enough in my past that I can remember liking them, while not really remembering exactly what they sound like. Upon witnessing their show this time around, that last statement kind of surprises me a bit, considering that they seem to dabble in all things progressive and post-rock-y, which is a style that I usually remember well. The band played a set full of atmospheric changes and mild electronic dabbling while still maintaining a fairly organic, rootsy sound. It's rare to compare a band to both Spiritualized and Neil Young in the same breath, but it's that combination of guitar laden hooks and substantial experimentation that enables them to pull off such a complicated sound so convincingly.

Photos: My shots of The Darcy's @ The Horseshoe are on flickr
Myspace: The Darcy's
Download: House Built Around Your Voice @ drop.io

Upping the rock ante to a determined high was Songs From A Room, whom I had seen several times way back in 2007, but haven't been able to catch in the two years to follow. At the close of their first song, it became clear to me that this band was twice the band that I had witnessed back then. They were tighter, raunchier, louder, and did I mention tighter? Although their sound had a definite classic rock feel to it, they managed to steer clear of all of the bar band cheese that is often associated with that style and kept things sounding surprisingly vital. I don't know how Braydon Jones even has a voice box left, as he managed to tear at it continuously throughout the course of the set, culminating in an AC/DC cover that, if left in lesser hands, would've come across as cliched and desperate, but in the punk rock hands of SFAR, sounded nothing short of triumphant.

Photos: My shots of Songs From A Room @ The Horseshoe are on flickr
Myspace: Songs From A Room

Arietta was the third band of the night, and while I could understand the logic behind placing them on such a bill, I have to admit that they didn't thrill me as much as the other acts did. This was certainly not due to their stage demeanor, since they displayed all of the energy, drive and professional showmanship required to whip a crowd into a frenzy, which, by and large, they successfully did. I think for me personally, it was just the fact that the material didn't come across for me as strong as I had remembered it. To be honest, I haven't really spent a lot of time listening to them since I last reviewed them, so logically the benefits that come with familiarity presented a bit of an obstacle. But I can't say that their performance really did much to make me want to change that either. I will say that the crowd was clearly more into it than I was though, and one person even turned to me after the show and remarked on how awesome they were so, y'know, 'different strokes for different folks' and all of that. (Editor's Note: I've listened to the album again since the show and it's actually very good, so I must've just been tired or out of it or something. We rabid concert goers can be a bit of a fickle sort.)

Photos: My pics of Arietta @ the Horseshoe are up on flickr
Myspace: Arietta

As the clock struck approximately midnight-thirty, the moment that we had all been waiting for with a mixture of anticipation and sadness had arrived. All gussied up in a dapper tuxedo type of jacket sort of thing, drummer Adam Nimmo was the first to take the stage, as he started pounding out the opening strains to an amazing new instrumental number called Real Talk For Manhunter, Know Your Talk, Know Your Prey, which I would call the first really great musical piece I've heard this year. As the rest of the band headed onstage in similarly semi-formal attire, it was easy to see that this was going to be a special night. Like true professionals, the band did not let the slight hint of melancholy in the air get in the way of pounding out their usual display of powerhouse riffs, calculated instrumentation and spasmodic whirlwind-y stage acrobatics as they blasted through songs both old and new. They were working up such a sweat that of course it didn't take long for them to lose the jackets and continue on unhindered, and Rajiv Thavanathan continued to make his presence known by bounding across the stage with reckless abandon. Fellow "guitards" Brock Swanek and Matt Delbuono were also in the mood to celebrate, making the entire band's overall performance amongst the warmest I've ever seen, and I felt privileged to be there. When it came time for the encore, Nimmo walked onstage first so that he could take the mic and wax full-heartedly about his appreciation for his bandmates and all that they mean to him. It was a sapfest of Conan-like proportions but the crowd (myself included) wouldn't have wanted it any other way. It was followed by enthusiastic performances of Swing And A Misdemeanor and the always hilarious Footloose cover, which had approximately 30 people joining the band for an onstage party, the sight of which I won't be forgetting anytime soon.

With the amount of great bands in and around the Toronto area, it would be easy and understandable that some bands would get lost in the crowd. ONFF deserve respect by avoiding that by consistently making their presence known, both in terms of their musicianship and their playful personality. They're going to be missed for sure, but I, for one, feel privileged to have witnessed their intensity firsthand over the last couple of years.

Photos: My pics of Oh No Forest Fires @ The Horseshoe are on flickr
Myspace: Oh No Forest Fires
Download: Their entire new album Wants To Try Something is available for download here.

Fleece Elves - The Dreams EP

I received a pretty decent little EP from a local band called Fleece Elves. Although the band has been playing together for a couple of years now, The Dreams EP is the first time that they've made product available to the public and they've got a sound that is warm and easy to absorb. Their style could best be described as easily accessible folk tinged pop music with the emphasis placed on the Americana side of things. The EP opens with the most upbeat song of the four, entitled Full Of Empty. It's incredibly catchy, and the full sound of the chorus reminds me of some of the great straight forward rock music of the early 90's, stuff like The Odds or Counting Crows. The little guitar strains that poke through some of the lyrics show a hint of their classic rock influence, which manifests itself in full force by the end of the EP. Pin Cushion and Red Star are the songs that most openly display their roots rock influences, which will likely cause many to compare them to Wilco, although I think that perhaps The Skydiggers or The Cash Brothers would be a more accurate point of reference. The harmonies are very unique, and the guitar, once again, is given centre stage, especially during the latter half of the latter track, where the band's sense of adventure starts to peek through. The real clincher is the last song, entitled All The Colours You See. Track One may be the catchiest song, but this one has the most obvious hook, one that will have you singing along within the first minute of its nearly seven minute time span. The aforementioned classic rock influence really shines on this one, as the structure leans heavily on tempo changes and country rock guitar virtuosities, reminding me a lot of the Allman Brothers. Overall, this is a solid primer for what is to come, and it'll be neat to see if the band chooses to follow the jam format of the last song, or they play up the power pop angle of the first song.

Fleece Elves are playing The Smiling Buddha Bar on Saturday February 21st.

Myspace: Fleece Elves

Other stuff:
Sorry for the late notice, but AfterpartY are playing live tomorrow night (Saturday February 14th) at The Supermarket in Kensington Market. However, if you can't go out there's no need to fret or fear, their entire show is being broadcast live at SyncLive.com. Simulcasting video over the internets...what will they think of next? [Myspace: AfterpartY]

Beth In Battle Mode are in the process of releasing a new CD entitled Hot Science. They've got a new song streming on their myspace and next week, they'll have another one. They're encouraging all to check in regularly as they'll be offering all kinds of news and updates and other fun stuff. They are playing Rancho Relaxo on February 18th. [Myspace: Beth In Battle Mode]

Olenka and the Autumn Lovers were recently the featured band of the day in The National Post. They are playing The Tranzac on Wednesday February 18th. [Myspace: Olenka and the Autumn Lovers]

Songs From A Room did the live performance and interview thing on the XM Satellite Radio show Live @ The Verge last Wedesday. For those of you who missed it (like me), it is being re-broadcast this Sunday February 15th at 9am. SFAR are playing The Horseshoe on Sunday February 22nd. [Myspace: Songs From a Room]

Songs From A Room - EP

In 2007 I saw Songs From A Room three times from August to December. The fact that I had only planned on seeing them one of those times is a testament to what a hard working band they are, as well as the caliber of bands that they have had the privilege of sharing the stage with. Their first EP was a throat shredding, mind numbing display of post punk with a leaning towards the hardcore. Yesterday, the band released their latest EP for digital download on iTunes and Dine Alone Records and, although I quite enjoyed the first one, they have taken a remarkable step up on this semi-sophomore release. Although some would view an homage to more of a 70's classic rock territory to be a digression of sorts, I feel that the instrumentation is significantly tighter, and the vocals sound much more controlled and uncompromising.

The EP opens with Revival, an intense rocker that harks back to the pre-Diane Warren penned Aerosmith, back when they could rock as hard as any of the more reputable punk bands of the time. The heavy pulsated drum sound coupled with the immediate shouting vocal work prevents the sound from ever getting too cheesy. Aches Maybe Angst dips into slightly bluesier jam band territory, where again the percussion and the riff heavy guitar work make this song impossible to ignore. The Black That We Clad relies a bit more on melody than in your face rock, but still manages to meld the two worlds together successfully. However, it's back to being all "in your face" with We Are The Ones, which encourages fist pumping rather effectively. High Road is probably my least favourite song on the album, not because it's particularly bad or anything, but more because it lacks the immediacy of some of the other songs, almost borrowing from early 90's Brit pop, but doing so a tad unconvincingly. The EP then closes with To My Surprise, which travels along the same road as the previous song, but fares a little bit better as it segues into some subtle psychedelia.

The new EP showcases a band that is just starting to get comfortable with what they're doing; discovering their sound and settling nicely into it. As they perform more and more shows, it'll be interesting to watch them get even more secure in their musical niche, and there's no doubt that the songs will continue to grow ever more riveting.

Songs From A Room are playing Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite at The Horseshoe on December 16th with Arkells, We Are The Take and Young Rival. Should be a great show and it's Free!

Photo by Dan Novisedlak

Myspace: Songs From A Room

Other stuff: Not that I'm their biggest fan in the world, but before their song California became forever associated with a bunch of goofy teens from Orange County, I kinda dug the classic power pop sound of Phantom Planet. Well, it looks like they've decided to call it a day, with their last show being at The Troubadour in Los Angeles on December 12th. [Myspace: Phantom Planet]

Wintersleep relate how they were counselled by a church going music promotor and a Nazi police officer both in the same night. You can read the entire interview at the Von Pip Express. [Myspace: Wintersleep]

Stereogum has the latest video from Portishead's Third album, entitled Magic Doors. Surreal, mesmerizing, bizarre and captivating. [Myspace: Portishead]

Tomorrow night (November 27th) is the CD release party for Spookey Ruben's latest prog rock opus Mechanical Royalty. It takes place at The Horseshoe and it's $7. Also on the bill is Schomberg Fair, Whale Tooth and Black Hat Brigade. More info on the album can be found at blogto.com. [Myspace: Spookey Ruben]

Are you as elated as I am to hear that Coldplay are planning on doing what they should have done two albums ago and decided to call it a day? Me too. Do you believe them yet? Me neither. [Myspace: Coldplay]

And on a sad note, you've probably already heard the news about the untimely death of Kenny McLean, the former bass player for Platinum Blonde. There aren't many details as of yet, but apparently it seems to be due to a heart related problem, according to wikipedia. Although you rarely hear people speak of the band as a major influence, I have to say that their 80's output was definitely a major contributor to my own musical tastes. Listening to 1985's Alien Shores, I have to say that their material still holds up very well. Last Friday he had just played a CD Release show at The Mod Club for his latest CD Completely. Sad news indeed. [Myspace: Kenny McLean]

Tin Bangs, The iSpies and Songs From A Room @ Lee's Palace

On Saturday night, Toronto's Tin Bangs taught the city of Toronto how to rock, as they attacked the stage of Lee's Palace with a rock 'n roll assault that was likely unequaled in the city on this particular night. I saw them once before earlier this year, and was thoroughly impressed with their immense rock star swagger and appeal. I've meant to see them again several times but never quite made it. So for my last live show of the year, I made sure that I didn't miss this one. The boys did not disappoint. I've also noticed that they seem to draw the wildest and craziest fans, as the dancing was insane, which is unusual for the usually reserved Toronto crowd. But there were people in costumes dancing their hearts out, with some even joining the band onstage for the grand finale. One of the crazy's was none other than Flyerman, who I remember seeing at concerts years ago. That is one weird dude, to say the least. But he was having a good time, as was everybody else and if you get the chance to see Tin Bangs, make sure you do. For extra initiative (not that it should be needed,) they also have a habit of handing out their CD's for free at these shows. They've just released their latest 9 track offering entitled Seeya In The Springtime. Hopefully we'll see them before that.

Photos: Tin Bangs @ Lee's Palace on flickr
Download: Young Lions mp3 / Shake! mp3 / White Lies mp3
Myspace: Tin Bangs

I was entirely unfamiliar with The iSpies before checking out this show. That's unusual because I'll at least put forth the effort to sample a band's music on myspace before attending one of their shows. But this time, no time, and therefore the show was going to be a one hundred percent surprise. At least it was a pleasant one. Although their hooks are smothered in new wave stylings, what I found refreshing was that this band did not seem gimmicky in any way. Usually you can count on the new wavy type bands to be sporting eye makeup or outlandish clothes or some other type of schtick so as to thrust their blatant 80's-ness in our faces. That sort of bugs me because, first of all, I was there in the 80's, and the style is NOT something that we want to revisit, trust me. Secondly, 80's music just simply wasn't all that good. Sure, sometimes I wallow in the nostalgia of it all, but overall a lot of it is downright embarrassing and unless you're some sort of a novelty act, it's probably best to just run runaway. The iSpies however, do not come across as an 80's novelty throwback. They simply play really good pop songs that sound slightly reminiscent of all that was good about the era. I'm talking about bands like The Police, The Pretenders and, most of all, Elvis Costello. They don't seem like they're out to prove anything other than the fact that they like and respect good music. They even look like normal people, while playing music for normal people. Very impressive and highly recommended.

Photos: The iSpies @ Lee's Palace on flickr
Myspace: The iSpies

Opening the evening was Songs From A Room. I really don't know what else to say about them that I haven't already mentioned. I've seen them three times in the last few weeks and you can read my other reviews here and here. I will mention that they're looking forward to having a CD released sometime within the next year so keep your eyes and ears peeled for a release date.

Photos: Songs From a Room @ Lee's Palace on flickr
Myspace: Songs From A Room

And that ends my concert goings for 2007 which, I must say, makes for a very exhausting year. To be honest, I do have one more gig this Sunday December 23rd at Free Times Cafe. I am actually hosting this one featuring Haley Zalesky, Nicky Wales, and Alicia Isenor with other guests. It's going to be a real laid back night of sweet acoustic music by some very talented people. I'm actually a little nervous about my foray into entertainment, but I know this is mostly going to be friends and family in attendance due to the fact that most people are pretty busy that night. So I'm feeling alright. But heck, if you're around and you feel like some great music, good beer and me ripping off the material of better comedians, than feel free to drop by. Like Radiohead's latest, its a pay what you can deal.

Lowest Of The Low w/Songs From A Room and My Shaky Jane @ The Horseshoe

Woah, what a week! I generally hate posting concert reviews three days after they happened but with work, life and other etcetera's this is the first moment I've had to scribble a few thoughts down. My memory ain't what it used to be but thankfully Tuesday night was an incredibly memorable show.

Lowest Of The Low were in many ways the soundtrack of my post high school years. Their 1991 album, brilliantly titled Shakespeare My Butt... is definitely one of the all-time great Canadian albums, and I feel that it deserved a much higher rating than 84 on the recent list of top 100 Canadian albums (although I suppose I should be happy that it placed at all. Hello Northern Pikes, hello Grapes of Wrath?) The fact is that the band came around at a time when 102.1 The Edge was still known as CFNY, and they used to promote the heck out of great alternative bands. Hard to believe these days. However, thanks to that station, LOTL had a huge following here in Southern Ontario and I was was one of their biggest fans. Sadly, at the risk of sounding contradictory, I never did get to see them live.

Well Tuesday night would be my last chance. The evening was one of celebration as The Legendary Horseshoe had reached 60 years of existence. They were also celebrating 14 years of Dave Bookman's free Nu Music Nite's at The Horseshoe, which had featured bands like Whiskytown, Arcade Fire and The Strokes, before they were big. But the biggest event of the evening was the fact that LOTL had decided to call it quits, and this would sorta, kinda be their last show. They actually have one more show tomorrow night in New York, but c'mon. For the people of their hometown, this was their last show. And they clearly decided to go off in style, putting on a great performance that was a good mix of the old and the new. They decided not to simply play the classics, but they featured a lot of songs from 2004's Sordid Fiction, as well as material from the current projects of Ron Hawkins and Stephen Stanley. The band sounded great, the quips and banter was funny and the evening remained upbeat. The encore ended with a truly triumphant version of "Eternal Fatalist" that had the audience dancing and rejoicing (as much as is possible for a generally reserved Toronto crowd.) The band took a final bow at the end of the night, and Ron Hawkins went about hugging anyone who was within hugging distance of the stage. The night was very surreal, and very enjoyable. They are an incredibly important band to me, and I was glad that I finally got the chance to see them, even if it meant that this would be the last time.

Photos: Lowest Of The Low @ The Horseshoe on flickr
Download: Eternal Fatalist mp3 / Bleed A Little While Tonight mp3
Myspace: Lowest Of The Low

I'll just make a few comments on the opening bands. First of all, we have Songs From A Room. I had gone to see them earlier this year and their brand of in your face post-rock sounded quite good on Tuesday night. I actually think that the band has gotten a little bit tighter than the last time that I saw them. They play a lot around the city and they're really worth checking out, if you get the chance.

Photos: Songs From A Room @ The Horseshoe on flickr
Myspace: Songs From A Room

The second act was My Shaky Jane, who were formerly known as Oh! The Pretty Things. They played some very basic, run of the mill classic rock that may not be what I listen to these days, but in this setting and with this crowd, I thought it was great. The guitars were crunchy, the vocals were wailing, the drums were pounding, and this was, all in all, a great rock show. Their next performance is December 15th at The Rivoli.

Photos: My Shaky Jane @ The Horseshoe on flickr
Downloads: The Books That She Carries mp3 / Dark And Bright mp3
Myspace: My Shaky Jane

Songs From A Room, The Guys & The Assistants @ The Horseshoe

After a weekend full of concert goings, it was safe to say that I was beyond tired. However I was determined to see Songs From A Room perform at The 'Shoe last night so I figured since I'm going anyways, I might as well see what the other bands are like. Since SFAR were the band I had planned to see, let's start the review at the end and move backwards. Cool? Here we go...

Heavily bearded lead vocalist Brayden's voice was in full form as he yelled and screamed his way through a short but powerful set at the end of the night. Seriously, he's got a yelp that could effectively work as a form of shock therapy on certain people. The band was very tight, possibly aided by the fact that they kept themselves all relatively close to one another. Even the drummer is positioned center stage as opposed to being restricted to the background. This made his enthusiastic pounding the focal point in many ways which was incredibly effective. They have a sound mildly reminiscent of early Stones and perhaps a handful of other classic rock bands. But don't let that description pigeonhole them. They are not a bar band. I suppose that I also hear a touch of the punkier side of Sebadoh. Either way, they play loud, in-your-face rock, full of melodrama and passion. They have just released their new EP, and judging by their set last night, it's a must have.

Photos: Songs From a Room @ The Horseshoe on flickr.
Myspace: Songs From A Room
Video: Player Player myspace

Sporting a moniker that I have trouble believing has not been picked up before, The Guys are as gimmicky as a Die Hard flick. But that doesn't mean that they didn't put on a great show. Their performance began with some guy announcing that this band was brought together by friendship, and made through love. "I introduce THE GUYS!!!" (I don't remember if those were his exact words, but it was something like that.) The drummer started pounding away as smoke and dry ice billowed through the air. Three sharp dressed guys (thus the name) strutted onto the stage, striking a pose with their backs to the audience before they headed forth with a punkabilly assault that went full throttle for just over 30 minutes. They were silly; they were partially choreographed; they were full of mock egotism and attitude, and they were way too much fun! Their music is obviously steeped in the classics but with a modern day thrust. They were also a great band to photograph because the rock star posing never stopped.

Photos: The Guys @ The Horseshoe on flickr.
Myspace: The Guys
Videos: Promo video on youtube

The opening band of the evening was The Assistants. As far as the type of band that I most enjoy listening to these days, this band is the one that came closest to my tastes for the night. They have quite a variety of sounds. With their mellower material, I hear a bit of Echo and the Bunnymen. When they rock out, they're more like the Brian Jonestown Massacre. But overall, they remind me of some of the great bands you would hear on college radio in the mid 80's to early 90's. They are a great band performing intriguing music with apparently very little effort required. I haven't yet heard the entire album but from what I have heard, it sounds like something that I would definitely recommend. I'm looking forward to getting better acquainted with this band.

Photos: The Assistants @ The Horseshoe on flickr.
Downloads: This Time mp3 / Planet News mp3 / White mp3
Stream: The Assistants full album
Myspace: The Assistants

Songs From A Room and other weekend festivities.

This weekend looks like it's going to be another wacky unbalanced trio of live events for yours truly, so in preparation, I should get some rest and keep this post relatively brief. We'll see how that goes.

Pictured above is a local Toronto band called Songs From A Room. I really don't know all that much about them but I throughly enjoy the songs they've got posted up on their myspace page. They have a super solid heavy rock vibe with a vocalist shriek that could strip the paint off a building ... with ... several coats ... of paint ... on ... it. I'm so tired that even my analogies aren't flowing as freely as I would like. However I think you get the point. They're playing a free show this Monday August 27th at The Horseshoe in support of their new CD, which is to be released that same day. I guarantee that I'll be returning from that show with a more thorough (and articulate) review.

Myspace: Songs From A Room

Sunday night is the Camera Obscura show. I had already seen them once this year and enjoyed it very much. I figured that it wasn't necessary to see them again but a) my wife really wanted to go and 2) The Last Town Chorus is the opening act. That's an incredible double bill, and there is no way I could miss this one. The last time I saw TLTC I was feeling a little bit under the weather and sadly didn't get the full impact. I'm anticipating a more enjoyable show this time around. The downside is that they're playing at The Phoenix or, as I like to call it, big sweaty dumb stupid town. Hopefully my wife and I will be able to get up all good and close so that we can see something. The Phoenix isn't really designed for people under a billion feet tall.

Download:
Camera Obscura: If Looks Could Kill mp3 / Let's Get Out Of This Country mp3
The Last Town Chorus: Modern Love mp3 / Oregon mp3

Myspace: Camera Obscura / The Last Town Chorus

Videos:
Camera Obscura: Lloyd I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken youtube
The Last Town Chorus: Modern Love youtube

And to start things off, we're heading to The Ex for the first time in forever years. I have to admit that the thought of cotton candy and a discofied dog show doesn't exactly thrill me as it once might have, but the real draw for me this Saturday is the fact that Sloan will be playing with The Golden Dogs at Exhibition Place for what, I believe, is no extra cost. Don't quote me on that, but I'm pretty sure that I'm right. However if I'm wrong, and you do choose to quote me, I'll deny it. Either way, it's been a dang long time since I've seen the boys in my favorite all time Canadian band play live, and their last album was their best in 10 years so it's bound to be a stellar show. The Golden Dogs are great too, and their brand of sunny ultra-hip power pop will complement the Sloan gang nicely.

Stream:
Sloan: Never Hear The End Of It (full album)
The Golden Dogs: Big Eye Little Eye (full album)

Myspace: Sloan / The Golden Dogs

Videos:
Sloan: Flying High Again (Super 8 Film) youtube
Sloan: I've Gotta Try youtube
Sloan: Where's Jay? (Funniest. Video. Ever.) youtube
The Golden Dogs: Construction Worker youtube
The Golden Dogs: Never Meant Any Harm youtube