Date of show: July 5, 2012
Shot of choice: After some debate whether to choose something unique, the guys settled on whiskey.
Written by: Chiara DiAngelo
Local GTA band, The Sweet Mack headlined The Horseshoe Tavern for the very first time, and yes, it was indeed pretty legendary. Blending super sweet harmonies with blisteringly hot guitar, this four-piece always brings such fresh energy and incredibly infectious summery pop to their rock sound that it’s impossible not to have a smile on your face when they are on stage.
The venue filled up for their set and the crowd got right into it. From the swarms of dancing girls singing along, to the shirtless bros, a slight wardrobe malfunction by guitarist Andrew Slomka, and even a high-kick competition between a girl in the crowd and Stefan Babcock of Topanga, nothing but good times were had by all (Note: More shows need high-kick competitions. Oh, and she definitely won).
Their set included the sinfully sweet summer single “Zoe,” the island flair of “Ivory Coast” and the jangly “Landslide.” To shake things up, “Ladycat” and closer “Stray” were less sugar and more seductive spice, with the combination of Mattie Leon’s (bass) and Adam Montgomery’s (guitar) voices adding dimension and depth. They even debuted a brand new tune, and as a special encore, Montgomery showed off his vocal range, taking the lead on a cover of Vampire Weekend’s “A-punk.” This song fit so well with the band’s sun-drenched musical stylings and was just a really fun end to the night.
The Sweet Mack are a band we’ve been following over the last year, so shots were in order to properly send them off before they hit the road. The band is heading out on their first East Coast tour before returning for further dates in Southern Ontario. Look for them coming to a town near you, pick up a copy of their new 7” and be sure to buy them a shot!
Warming the stage for The Sweet Mack was The Danger Bees. Originally from Dartmouth, NS but now residing in Toronto, this five-piece plays humorously depressing, often self-deprecating and angry, pop songs. Frontman and principal songwriter, David Macmichael (vocals, piano) had some quirky “nerd”-charm to him, singing songs about his misadventures in relationships and multiple broken hearts. However, the band often reminded me perhaps a little too much of some of the emo I used to love but have since grown up and away from to allow me to really get into them.
Highlights of their set, however, included “Awkward Guy,” a song about an Irish girl who unfortunately moved to Africa after only their second date (which was also featured in the indie flick Moon Point). This one had such an endearing and heartfelt feel to it as Macmichael took to the piano and was backed by just one xguitar. There was also a song for Macmichael’s cat – and who doesn’t love anything to do with cats?
The Danger Bees will be joining The Sweet Mack on their East Coast tour so there are plenty of upcoming opportunities to check them out!
Comprised of Omar Saab (guitar, vocals), Dave McCamus (guitar), Graeme Moffatt (bass) and Curtis Courtemanche (drums), Toronto’s Alright Alright were the second band of the night (we unfortunately didn’t make it in time to catch Last of the Bandits). It had been a few months since I last caught this super poppy four-piece so I was looking forward to seeing them again.
There is definitely a sunny classic, “throwback” rock and roll feel to their sound, but they execute it in such a way that makes it all their own. With Saab’s fuzzed out vocals, some really funky bass lines from Moffatt, and awesome guitar breaks, the band just exudes really good vibes. They put on a high-energy show, with beads of sweat often dripping from McCamus’ mop of curls as proof. One of the highlights of their set was “Jackie Munro,” which has a bit of a Brit-Pop, Arctic Monkeys feel to it. They also covered The Cardigan’s “Lovefool,” which could have been cliché but they pulled it off – even the vocals! – before finishing their set off with the grittier single “Bingo Bango” off “Cellar Singles 1” that was released earlier this year.
A great band to listen to when you are in the mood to dance, Alright Alright continues to be a band I want to see and hear more of.
buying shots for bands 
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