Saturday, June 21, 2014
Few things are more enjoyable than a rooftop party during North by North East. But Audio Blood found a way to up the ante, making the roof of a furniture store on Dufferin St. the absolute place to be that afternoon. With perfect weather on their side, they took it to the next level with free beer courtesy of Pistonhead and free Poutini’s poutine. It doesn’t get much better than that. But wait, the party’s musical lineup was pretty stellar as well!
Led by frontman Jett Pace, Vancouver’s Old Man Canyon kicked off the afternoon with some low-key folk rock. There was a sense of The Shins contained within the band’s hazy vocals and jangly guitars, which quickly sent me into a sublime trance-like state, and I knew I’d stumbled upon something special.
The first of four shows that day for Slow Down, Molasses, the Saskatoon band showed off a full set of new material that was decidedly more daring and guitar-heavy than the dreamy Broken Social Scene-esque pop they were previously known for. What was most impressive however was the enthusiastic energy displayed by the ensemble as they effortlessly crashed about the stage. I’m definitely looking forward to the release of their next record, it’s been so long!
Next up, Toronto two-piece Army Girls wowed the audience with their garage rock grooves. While Andy Smith kept pace on the drums, guitarist Carmen Elle’s (DIANA, Donlands and Mortimer, Austra) vocals were the standout centre of attention. And deservedly so. Just listen to their EP, Close to the Bone, and you’ll understand.
The surprise highlight of the festivities had to be Royal Tusk. While the Edmonton band consists of two ex-punks from the now defunct Ten Second Epic and they shared some of the look of The Sheepdogs, in behind the masses of thrashing long hair was unexpectedly soulful and immensely hook-laden pop. If you haven’t yet checked out their recently released EP, Mountain, you might want to change that!
Teenage Kicks was announced as the secret guest earlier in the day but we were still just as excited to see them setting up. The band may have downsized to a three-piece but they are still just as loud, and their riotous rock had the crowd head-banging and yelling along with Peter Van Helvoort’s grizzly vocals on anthems like “Curse Words” and “Brooklyn Bridge.”
About all the sun we could take for the day, we didn’t have time to stick around for Fast Romantics, but we’re still digging the summery jams from their latest album! –CD
buying shots for bands 
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