I Heart the Music: Your Online Source for Live Music Reviews and Interviews in Toronto!

I’m very glad to know that my first review on here is going to be  The Organ Thieves show at the Bovine Sex Club.  These boys are good band buds of mine and the last time I saw them play was probably back in late 2008. Though the band is fairly new, these guys are no strangers in the music scene. Chuut Coles, the leader of the band, along with Mike Smith on bass and Dave Baksh making the guitar scream, started in Durham Region’s punk rock Scene from back in the ’90s. 

On Thursday, April 23 everyone in the Bovine had a smile on their face and a glass in their hand. The Thieves started off with their song “Shot Down”, which has a classic rock meets soul sound to it. Everyone felt the energy coming from the band and were quite quick to nod their heads in approval of what was coming at them.  The thing about this band is I find that everyone delivers their own entity, whether it be a mad bass line, a stellar noise from the pedals or lyrics that are so honest that it becomes clear that Organ Thieves have a style all their own. 

Later in thier set they busted a CAUTION INC cover where Ben Davies, who usually plays the mandolin, took the mic and got the whole room smiling. They closed the night with an encore, which was totally different compared to their set, but so old school punk it was ridiculous. After the show, I went for a smoke at which point Chuut came out and I was able to ask him about the last song. He said it’s called “Smell Nice” and was written on the spot at a show in the ‘Shwa about a guy who smelled nice in there… Makes sense to me. 

Overall, this band is young but their hearts are filled with truth and wisdom. They have a message and want people to hear it, and I think people should wake up and listen.

Written by Cala (Bury The Bully)

Photography by Meredith Clayton

iheartthemusic went to check out our old friends from The Johnstones when they played at the  El Mocambo during Canadian Music Week. These boys are known for their crazy onstage performances that often include some kind of costume and tons of energy. Although they often don’t disappoint,  this time it was the crowd that did. With so many shows going on that night, these boys appeared to be left in the dark. Nonetheless, they proved that you can always bring the party to the stage. At one point during their performance drummer Ryan Long was smashing away at his drum kit while simultaneously standing on top of it. If that were not enough, trombone player Julian Warme and trumpet player Renee Gillezeau decided to venture out into the crowd to play amongst those in attendance. One thing is for sure, you can always count on The Johnstones to get the crowd involved no matter how big (or small) it is.  Check out some of our live shots from the show:

If you are fans of The Johnstones then be sure to hit up Bovine Sex Club on Friday (March 27th) for Mean Tangerine’s CD release party where Ryan Long and Jarek Hardy will be performing their side project ironically titled Tall Guy Short Guy.

photography provided by Kristin McCormack