Saturday, March 12, 2011
Parlovr – 10:30PM @ Horseshoe Tavern
Neon Windbreaker – 11:00PM @ Silver Dollar
Neon Windbreaker has very little information out there about them, but this works to their advantage and adds to their mystery. With two of their members immersed in the Toronto music scene, I came to expect a lot from this band. Vocalist Eric Warner heads up We Are Busy Bodies and guitarist Jonathan Dekel is a prominent music journalist. They comprise of 2/5 of Neon Windbreaker. Unsurprisingly, these guys are a lot of fun. Warner puts 100% energy into the performance, screaming right from his gut. His odd stage banter goes along with the humourous lyrics, which can hardly be made out given all the screaming. Then there’s bassist Pat McCormack jumping on and off the stage, ending up on the lying on the ground with Dekel, and Warner nearly strangling his bandmates. To be honest, this was one of the most fun sets I watched all Festival. With Neon Windbreaker‘s appearances at CMW and then SXSW, this band keeps building momentum and I can’t wait to see what they’ve got up their sleeves next.
Lifestory:Monologue – 12:00AM @ Sneaky Dee’s
Upon getting into the venue, which required a line to get in, I expected the venue to be packed. It didn’t look packed at first until I tried to get up front. Guelph-based Lifestory:Monologue drew nearly everyone upstairs at Sneaky Dee’s right to the front of the stage. The band is made up of Richard Nuttall (vocals), Jay Reid (bass, vocals), Jason Gormley (guitar), Zac Tenwesteneind (keys, vocals), Mike Short (guitar) and Brett Banks (drums, vocals). Without a doubt, this set was full of a passionate energy that invigorates the crowd. Their music is guitar-heavy but laced with melodic keys behind screaming vocals juxtaposed against sweet voices, Lifestory:Monologue managed to draw in the crowd with their dynamic rock. By the end of the set, it was obvious why this band drew such a crowd. Their live set is a powerful one.
The Junction – 1:00AM @ Sneaky Dee’s
There’s no doubt that The Junction are veterans in the Toronto music scene. With that in mind, they have some of the most loyal fans that jam right up against the stage. The Junction is a 3-piece comprised of Brent Jackson (guitar, vocals), Matt Jameson (bass), and Mike Taylor (drums). Although they played some favourites and newer tunes, this seemed to be more a fun set from the guys. They invited Nick Harris (guitar) on stage for a couple songs, including a Pearl Jam cover where Harris took the lead. At one point, Glenn Tavas (The Box Tiger) jumped up on stage to rock out on tambourine. There is something about The Junction that is completely smile-inducing. Perhaps it is Jameson’s constant grin or Jackson’s repeated poking fun at Taylor. But mostly, it’s that this band has a personality that really speaks for itself on stage. Keep doing what you do, guys. You still got it.
The Love Machine – 2:00AM @ Sneaky Dee’s
The Love Machine, based out of Ottawa, delivers an indie pop-rock sound that consists of alternating lead vocals, strong harmonies and charisma. Driven by layered guitars and beats that get the crowd moving, The Love Machine won me over. When these guys asked for the lights to be turned down low and asked the crowd, “Who’s been drinking? Who’s feeling sexy?” it became clear why these guys came up with their moniker. As an added bonus to the set, Kate Cooke (formerly of Amos the Transparent) came on stage and joined them for “J.C. & The Gamblers,” adding a female touch that the song calls for. Despite their late set time, The Love Machine was full of energy and seemed to be on a mission to win over new fans. Oh and these guys tossed out free merch from the stage. You can’t go wrong with that!
buying shots for bands 
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