Day two of CMW for iheartthemusic saw us at the Opera House to review the completely sold-out show featuring Saukrates, Woodhands and headliner K-OS.  CBC radio were taping the concert live so the entire event had huge buzz and the excitement was rampant throughout the building.

Toronto hip-hop and R&B artist Saukrates opened the show and definitely set the tone of the evening.  He came out backed up by a live band and we especially have to give props to his guitarist who was just wicked onstage.  It’s always great when a band backs a hip-hop artist because it just takes this genre of music to a whole new level.  A master lyricist and performer, Saukrates was really versatile and sang R&B ballads, rapped and even ended with a harder, grittier, rock infused song where yes.. he head banged with his awesome dreadlocked mane. It was impressive to watch an artist rev up a hip-hop crowd, then bring them down to create an intimate, emotional space and then finish things off with really high energy. It was a true testament to both Saukrates’ experience and ability to connect with his audience.

Next came Woodhands’ Dan Werb and Paul Banwatt who played numbers from Heart Attack and their new album Remorsecapade. This performance was highly anticipated and definitely ended up being the highlight of the night; these guys were just unbelievable! Woodhands had wicked momentum and boundless energy; it was kind of like Girl Talk fused with jungle percussion and Werb’s distinct punk/hip hop vocals and utter craziness were only made even more magical accompanied by a frenetic driving bass and our favourite instrument: the keytar. Melanie Todd accompanied them for two songs, which were a lighter, cuter version of what Woodhands are known for. During the concert, the scene changed from a just a live show to an all out Ibiza style electro rave. Woodhands’ sound is so current, postmodern and totally rare to the Toronto music scene and only left us wanting more.

Headliner and seasoned pro K-OS restored order and closed the show with classic hits and new numbers from his albums like “Bounce”, “Heaven Only Knows” and “Sunday Morning”.  Also backed by a full band and DJ, K-OS freestyled, did some old school beat boxing, sang, played acoustic guitar and harmonica and did a wicked song over Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” that made for an awesome marriage of Hip Hop and Rock and Roll. Anyone who has seen K-OS live knows that the man has stage presence and swagger.

All told, Opera House was on fire last Thursday.  People were chanting lyrics, dancing and even the occasional joint was lit up—much to the dismay of Opera House security. It was really a great show…definitely one of CMW’s best this year. 

As reviewed by Victoria Kuketz

photography provided by  Mike Palmer