Considering we weren’t able to get into Dan Mangan’s showcase the previous night, we decided to try our luck on the Friday at Courthouse for the Music BC showcase. Adaline was the first to hit the stage that night. Hailing from Vancouver, Adaline is one of those performers that just gets better each time you see her. We caught her playing during an industry performance in the spring of 2009 and left feeling a little confused; not knowing exactly where she fit in. All that has changed in the past year however, as her voice and backing band have matured together to create a sound all their own. Her sound is infectious and mellow- a perfect blend to start the night.

We Are The City are made up of three band members or “composers” (as their bio suggests), however if you were to listen to them blindfolded, you would be convinced that more members were onstage. These guys are literally the manifestation of “go big or go home” as they play their own breed of progressive indie rock “opera” transitioning both their sound and voice from high to low. Opera is actually fitting since lead vocalist Cayne is classically trained on the piano. Stand out favourites were “There Are Very Tiny Beasts in the Ground” which showcased each members’ individual talents. The middle of this song had an incredible instrumental section that allowed them each to rock out on their individual instruments. When we say rock out, we mean it as the band opened their set with  “Morning Song” which had drummer Andy Huculiak taking a stroll around his kit while simultaneously playing.  Yes they are talented, and yes they are young so, no, we will NOT miss them again when they pass through Toronto.

Alright, so enough with the hype that I appear to have been projecting through my last post, but honestly, I am a Dan Mangan fan. I am a Dan Mangan fan who has never seen him perform live. I have to admit, I was worried. I mean I clearly had high hopes going into this and was worried that he wouldn’t measure up. Well, he did. This only proves how amazingly talented this guy is. I don’t really know what to say except that it was awesome. He showcased songs only from his latest album Nice, Nice, Very Nice, which was fine with me since I knew every word to every song. Yes, I am a fan and you will be too if you go see him play or grab his album. Do it….

Dan Mangan returns to Toronto on April 22nd at the Horseshoe.

photography provided by Nancy Kim.