NXNE Day 3: Live in Bellwoods, Yonge-Dundas Square, Phoenix, Young Lions Music Club & More

Friday, June 17, 2011

I started off my day at the Global Backpackers Village hostel for a BBQ hosted by Kelp Records and TLOBF/Oh! Canada. Bonus to the great music: free hot dogs and hamburgers!

When I arrived, The Elwins were just taking the stage. I was happy to catch them play in the daytime, enjoying their smile-inducing indie pop, while basking in the sun. While I couldn’t stick around for the remaining sets, the awesome lineup included Toronto’s Pink Moth and Kite Hill, as well as Sakatoon’s Slow Down, Molasses and Shuyler Jansen with Foam Lake.

I made my way to Trinity Bellwoods next for the Live in Bellwoods series courtesy of Humble Empire and Young Lions Music Club. The series started on the Thursday and ended on the Sunday of NXNE. I made a point of making it out to at least one of the days.

As I arrived, Doldrums was just finishing up his set, displaying his unique experimental sounds.

Enjoy Your Pumas was up next. The female-fronted indie pop rock sounded so lovely acoustic, with Rosie Blais’ vocals really stealing the show. Be sure to catch this Winnipeg 5-piece next time you have a chance because they’re sure to take their energy to another level once they’re amplified. They might even make you dance.

It was a real treat to hear Olenka and the Autumn Lovers acoustic, as frontwoman Olenka Krakus has such a captivating voice. With beautiful songwriting, this set felt quite intimate. But Krakus still packs a powerful punch, especially given her strong stage presence, even without most of the rest of the Autumn Lovers there to accompany her.

I have seen The Balconies play their energetic indie rock tunes several times, but it was so great seeing the band play their classical set. With Jacquie Neville playing violin, Liam Jaeger on guitar and Stephen Neville playing upright bass, the members of The Balconies showcased their incredible talent.

Diamond Rings, the solo electro-pop project of John O’Regan, put on a great set to kick off the Friday night at Yonge-Dundas Square. What makes O’Regan so entertaining is partly his eccentric image, but his stage presence is a force to reckon with. As O’Regan worked the large YDS stage from one side to the other, it hardly felt like he was up on stage alone. Giving the fans a little something extra for showing up early for the set, O’Regan tossed out t-shirts. It was such a fun set from Diamond Rings, really showing why he’s worth your attention… so pay attention!

Although it can be said that Land of Talk was warming the stage for the headliner, Stars, the band is well deserving of their own attention, as Elizabeth Powell’s vocals carry such an all-encompassing warmth. Ensuring their sound wouldn’t get lost on the big stage, Powell added some additional members, as the band is normally a 3-piece. Unfortunately, given that majority of the crowd lacked appreciation for the band as they were anxious for the headliners, the fuller sound was still a little lost. However, Land of Talk is a band that continues to steal attention, considering their most recent release, Cloak and Cipher, has been deservedly been long listed for the Polaris Prize.

While I started my venue hopping, Alex was over at the Phoenix for a kick-ass ticketed show.

Anti-Flag

Bouncing Souls

The Darcys started off the night at the Horseshoe Tavern. Their set showcases majority of the songs from their forthcoming album, really amping up the crowd for this early fall release. As a special treat, the band also threw in a cover of Steely Dan’s “Home At Last” that seamlessly fit into their set. The intricate beats and impressive guitar skills highlight Jason Couse’s vocals as he works both the guitar and keys. Every time any of I catch The Darcys live, I look forward to the album more and more. You should feel the same way.

Rachel managed to catch a kick ass set from Black Lungs.

I made an appearance at the (sketchy) Comfort Zone to see Brooklyn’s The Vandelles, who were playing The MuseBox rock showcase. I was instantly interested in the fuzzy psych rock from this quartet. Honey Valentine’s furious drumming was particularly captivating, but frontman Jason Schwartz also rocked out, even in his sandals that kept slipping off. Bassist Lulu Lapin threw out her back and was propped up on a chair, so she urged the crowd to rock out for her, which some really did. Knowing very little about the band before I heard them live, I was pleasantly surprised and I’m banking on catching this New York band again.

I was eager to make my way over the Silver Dollar for the another night of the NeXT showcase series.

After their self-titled debut was released in December, I’ve wanted to see Action Makes live. They certainly didn’t disappoint. Action Makes’ set was full of pummelling psych rock that got the crowd moving. There was some intense dancing right up front, making it impossible to not enjoy the rockin’ tunes. This set added to my Friday night full of awesomeness.

San Diego’s Crocodiles took the stage next. This was their second show in a 3-show headlining series at the Silver Dollar, showing the crowd why this band is so buzzed about. The duo brought a few extra members to play with them live. There is a great stage presence from the band, as singer Brandon Welchez seems to be an expert in that department. With fuzzy guitar lines and a psych surf sound, the crowd was intensely into the set. It was particularly amazing when Dum Dum Girls got on stage for a song early in the set, dancing along and sweetening the deal for those in attendance.

I hustled over to Sneaky Dee’s for the Young Lions Music Club showcase that featured a stellar lineup. The venue was absolutely packed with a line up to get in. When I arrived, Paper Lions were nearing the end of their set, playing their signature cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Solsbury Hill.”

Great Bloomers have recently downsized from 5-piece to 4-piece, but the core of the sound is still there. Fans shoved their way up to the front to catch these local darlings that excel in their roots rock sound. Lowell Sostomi fronts this band with his rich vocals. The majority of the set was filled with newer tunes, including songs from the recently released Small Town Love 7”. For a couple of the older songs, former member Andrew Kekewich joined the band on stage on keys. As Speak of Trouble is one of my personal favourites, it was such a treat to hear new songs and the set left me anxious for more.

The absolute highlight of my Friday didn’t happen until 2am. Although I had a great night already seeing bands I already know I love and bands I fell in love with on the first shot, Sheezer definitely stole the show. While this all-female Weezer cover band may sound like more of a novelty at first glance, there is some serious talent on stage playing Pinkerton and the Blue Album. The 5-piece is comprised of member of other notable bands/projects, including The Hidden Cameras, Gentlemen Reg and By Divine Right. The crowd was incredibly intense, singing (yelling?) along and there was even some crowd surfing. Best way to end a night. Seriously.