Saturday, March 23, 2013
No Sinner – 9:20 @ Horseshoe Tavern
No Sinner is a Vancouver-based blues rock band fronted by Colleen Rennison. Rennison is full of energy and her whiskey-soaked vocals were enough to hold my attention. However, she competes with guitarist Eric Campbell for attention from the crowd, as Campbell seemed apt to take over with extended guitar solos. While I appreciate the raw, frenetic energy from Campbell, the exaggerated wailing on guitar at the end actually took away from the performance.
Aidan Knight – 10:10 @ Horseshoe Tavern
We’ve seen Aidan Knight (with his Friendly Friends) a few times recently and it’s always wonderful to be able to spend a rather intimate set with the Victoria-based songwriter. Regardless of environment, Knight is able to reach into himself for a genuine, alluring performance. As Knight worked his way through new songs from Small Reveal, fans screamed for Knight and his bandmates. The new songs really showcase Knight’s songwriting, but the highlight of the set was “Knitting Something Nice For You” from 2010’s Versicolour. As the song builds up, there is this raw emotion from Knight that can take complete hold of the listener.
Fans of Aidan Knight were treated to a new themed EP in April titled Telecommunicate, which could be found on Bandcamp.
Cookie Duster – 11:10 @ Horseshoe Tavern
To many, Cookie Duster is brand new band, but Brendan Canning and Bernard Maiezza first formed Cookie Duster in the late 90s. The band reformed shortly after Broken Social Scene announced their hiatus, this time joined by Jeen O’Brien on vocals, Damon Richardson on drums and Matt Murphy on guitar. Their indie rock is infused with dance beats and catchy hooks. “Two Feet Stand Up” was the highlight of the set (I still get that song in my head every once in a while), but I think I’d have to see the band play another set, perhaps outside of a festival environment, to really evaluate how I feel about their sound. The crowd, at this point, was certainly full of folks that were eager to see the following two bands and the crowd didn’t really help create an atmosphere for the band. As Cookie Duster plays more shows, I’m sure their live shows will translate as more than just a bunch of friends enjoying themselves while playing music on stage.
BADBADNOTGOOD – 12:10 @ Horseshoe Tavern
Toronto’s BBNG is comprised of Matthew Tavares (keys), Chester Hansen (bass) and Alexander Sowinski (drums), all just barely over the age of 20. By far, this set was my absolute highlight to the entire festival. I’ve heard the hype about their instrumental jazz hip hop (and when you have collaborative ties to OFWGKTM, it’s hard not to hear the hype), but you really do have to see them live to fully appreciate their sound. I’ve heard BBNG1 and BBNG2, but their recordings simply could not compare to the energy they have live. Sowinski, in particular, had the most energy behind the kit, as he threw his whole body into the beats.
Up front by the stage, the crowd was dancing incredibly hard and it felt like a sweat pit. As I fought to maintain my spot up front and stay upright, I realized that sweaty moments like this with great, powerful music and a packed Horseshoe Tavern make for the best festival moments.
Currently, you can download BBNG2 for free on the band’s website. That should tide you over until BBNG3 is out this year.
Shout Out Out Out Out – 1:30 @ Horseshoe Tavern
Not to be outdone, Shout Out Out Out Out brought their own powerful instrumental dance-punk set to the Horseshoe Tavern. They had me nearly question my declaration that BADBADNOTGOOD was my favourite set of the festival, but longtime fans in the crowd probably easily chose the Edmonton-based band as theirs. For those unfamiliar with the band, the 6-piece released their debut album Not Saying/Just Saying in 2006, Reintegration Time in 2009 and then Spanish Moss and Total Loss in 2012.
The crowd was equally, if not more intense for Shout Out Out Out Out. Those that worked up a sweat for the previous set had to take off layers of clothing to dance up front. The band started a little late, as they had so much gear to set up, and I was a little concerned the entranced fans at the front might unplug something, but everything seemed to run smoothly as soon as the band got started. It’s been a while since the band made a Toronto appearance and there was a look of gleeful astonishment on faces of band members as the crowd showed an outpouring of love for them by screaming “shout-out-out-outoutoutoutoutout” over and over again. It was a wonderfully intense set and an experience I’m glad to have had.
The Dirty Nil – 2:30 @ Horseshoe Tavern
The Dirty Nil also attracted sweaty mosh pit, as the Hamilton-based band always does. While much of the crowd that was there for the previous two sets had dissipated, loyal fans of the band made sure to rock out right up front at the stage. We’ve seen this 3-piece plenty of times now and we’re never disappointed, even at 3am near the end of a tiring festival. Fronted by Luke Bentham, the energy The Dirty Nil brings to the stage always invigorates the audience and it’s always a good time. “Little Metal Baby Fist” and “Fuckin’ Up Young” are personal favourites, but I’ve yet to hear a song live that isn’t just as fun. If you haven’t been playing attention to our advice to listen to The Dirty Nil, you are definitely missing out. See them live! You won’t regret it. | CL
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