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

10 March, 2010 marked the kick off of CMW and iheartthemusic hit Lees Palace to see the Zeus, Jason Collett and Bahamas show. We were pretty pumped to find out that all three bands were playing as a collective backing up each other’s songs… it was definitely going to be interesting to see what they brought to each other’s music.  From having checked out Zeus’ wicked debut album Say Yes, loving Collet’s Rat a tat tat, and craving Bahamas’ sweet sound… our expectations were pretty high and they didn’t disappoint.

Jason Collett started the show with material from Rat a tat tat that gave way to a super intimate, vintage vibe.  His songs had a great folksy, Dylan-esque quality to them and looking around you could see that the sold-out audience was full of true fans that knew EVERY song and were so appreciative to be the recipients of Collett’s mellow, eccentric yet sexy melodies. We especially loved High Summer, Love is a Dirty Word and Cold, Blue Halo.

In the next number, the men of Zeus, who instantly brought an upbeat and classic rock n roll feel to the stage, joined Collett. Zeus have a wicked stage presence and are even better live—if possible.  They are really consummate performers as each band member can sing, and play every fucking instrument possible.  It was incredible to see them rotate from the guitar and vocals, then pick up the base, then shove a peer off the keyboard and just kill every song.  Their lineup of songs like “Kindergarten”, “How Does it Feel”, and their first single “Marching Through Your Head” show just how versatile and skilled they are at creating lush, soaring harmonies and layering sound.  We have to highlight the fact that Neil Quin from Zeus definitely pulled out a mandolin while backing a Collet number… duly noted and totally appreciated. 

Bahamas breezed his way in next and we must say he totally blew everyone away.  This was truly a breakout performance for Bahamas who is just as smooth and warm as everything that his name evokes. His brand of soulful, blues based love songs basically had everyone turned on by the end of the show.  It was a little reminiscent of the Black Keys… but Bahamas definitely carves out his own lyrical, rich and distinctive sound.  His song “Already Yours” was a big crowd pleaser.

We have to comment on how well the show was structured as each band took turns performing and backing each other. There was an incredible organic quality to this collaboration and to be honest, each band brought a distinct personal element that resulted in an unbelievable counterpoint. In essence, Zeus, Collett and Bahamas are at their best when they are playing together—it’s really something you have to see for yourself. Our verdict? Buy the albums, go see the show… FOR SURE.

reviewed by Victoria Kuketz

photography provided by Aaron Alleyne

The Horseshoe Taven hosted one of the most anticipated nights on the Saturday of NXNE boasting a slew of amazing talent crammed into the same legendary location. The line up was unreal, and I mean that in the best possible way. What I loved most about it is that there was such an array of diverse artists, no act at this NXNE event was even remotely similar to the one before, which was refreshing to watch.  From the melodic and ethereal Woodpigeon, to the unique and unusual DD/MM/YYYY, there was a genre for every music lover out there.

First out was folk rock band Woodpigeon hailing from Calgary, Alberta. Their sound is not pretentious, it’s disarming and soothing and a touch melancholy, which is savoury to the ear.  Their layering of instruments also added a unique dynamic when accompanied by their hauntingly beautiful lyrics. Their sound is modern yet timeless,  pure genius in my opinion.

Tokyo Police Club was unfortunately not performing at this year, but if you are a fan you must check out Ruby Coast.  They are poppy indie rock band that sound… well… exactly like Tokyo Police Club.  Nonetheless, they are a talented bunch who play fun, upbeat, cheerful tunes that you can shake your tail feather to.

If you love beachy, breezy, Bob Dylan-esque folksie tunes you’ll fall head over heels for Mr. Jason Collett. This dapper gentleman engages the crowd with his calming voice and takes his fans on a poetic journey through his lyrics. His music transcends time, as do Woodpigeon’s, in that their songs are effortlessly timeless and could be listened to 50 years ago, now and in the future.

If what you fancy is indie Brit pop you need to check out Hot Panda.  They are a band out of Edmonton, Alberta that seamlessly infuse instruments such as accordions, harmonicas, and keyboards into their musical mix to make a sound all of their own.  Their sound is quirky and energetic and if you don’t have the urge to groove out while watching them perform you’ve got issues!!!

The best performance at the Horseshoe by far was from band DD/MM/YYYY.  This band pushes musical and performance boundaries with their unique brand of indie rock and thier unconventional stage show.  Their music is experimental mixed with doses of pure rock and roll and a dollop of crazy, which I mean with the best of intentions.  Their stage show is similar to their musical stylings: hectic, confusing and brilliant.  They are a force to be reckoned with and are easily one of my favorite performers coming out of Toronto at the moment.

As I left The Horseshoe Tavern, I stumbled upon a great performance at The Velvet Underground: Triple Cobra! Straight out of San Francisco, Triple Cobra was the best performance of the night by far.  I’m not the biggest fan of their music, which can only be described as glamorized cock rock, but their stage show was brilliant.  The performance value was through the roof, from the light show to the scantily clad Vegas-style back-up dancers, this band is a must see!

All and all, Saturday night at The Horseshoe and Velvet Underground tickled my musical fancy.  Can’t wait until next year!

Written by Kristen Tignanelli

Photography by Joyce Wong