Sorry for the lack of blog posts lately. Some health issues, as well as the day job, have meant that I haven’t been out shooting as much as I’d like lately. Hopefully I’ll be able to get back up to speed sooner rather than later.
After missing out on most of Thursday’s events due to a prior engagement, I was back out in full force for Friday evening, Forgive the brevity of my notes, exhaustion led to much less note taking than I had intended.
Mary & the Black Lamb @ Velvet Underground
The band has a nice mix of dirty guitars and haunting keys, but as a live unit they could be a lot tighter.
Jay Sparrow @ the Cameron House
I only got to see a small portion of this set, but quite enjoyed the subdued, down-home twang that I heard in the two songs that I saw, I’ll definitely have to check out another show soon.
Stareblind @ the Bovine
Heavy as fuck with tons of energy, this band was incredibly tight. Not really my thing, but great at what they do.
Tenth Planet @ the Bovine
Great tunes, coupled with an incredible stage presence. One of my favourite Toronto acts hands down.
The Rosewoods @ the Hideout
Stellar rock and roll with great melodies. What more can you ask for??
The Cutaways @ the Hideout
Once again – Great energy behind a sound that fluctuates between dreamy and retro-pop. A highlight of the weekend for sure.
Sixteen Layers @ the Hideout
Intense, full of energy and great tunes combined to make for an awesome set that the crowd thoroughly enjoyed.
Indie Week has been a staple of my concert going experience for the last six years. It provides a great chance to see bands that may be flying just below your radar. This festival aims to help artists by sharing knowledge and teaching them what bookers/promoters are looking for, what makes a great stage show, and more. Since the festivals inception in 2004 it has grown to showcasing more than 100 artists in this years Canadian portion as well as expanding to Ireland.
The launch night included a party at the Hideout and a showcase at the Horseshoe Tavern. Here are some of my notes from last nights acts:
Black Mother Pearl (Horseshoe): Great driving grooves that their crowd loved. With a sound that veered from early I Mother Earth to dare I say it, Creed. This is a band that knows what their crowd likes.
Darlings of Chelsea(Horseshoe): Good ol’ Sleazy Rock’n'Roll, these veterans of the canadian music scene have come together to form DOC, and this might just be the act to break. Great tunes, great energy. Although visibly frustrated by a lack of vocals in the monitors, they pulled off a great set including a couple of new tracks.
Bella Clava(Hideout): Great bluesy rock topped of with sultry vocals, a solid groove topped of with hammond organ and dirty guitars. This is a band that you need to see.
Cutaways(Hideout): Great energy behind a sound that fluctuates between dreamy and retro-pop. A highlight of the weekend for sure.
Sixteen Layers(Hideout): Frantic energy and a sweet groove combine to make one helluva show. Another band that you must see while they are here.