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

CMF Friday night at Lee’s Palace began in the freezing cold rain where beefed up, power-tripping-on-overdrive bouncers and door staff didn’t understand the idea of a media pass, refusing entry and re-entry to the people there to cover the show. Some disorganization, and a lot displeasurable attitude from the security and ticket staff, media people were held hostage within Lee’s Palace, unable to go outside unless they, in the words of ‘Ms. Door Staff Bitch’, “wanted to stay there”. Once the show began we were glad to have opted for the hostage route considering the powerhouse lineup that night delivered immeasurably wicked performances.

Although they served to set the tone perfectly, there’s no doubt Winter Gloves could have killed it by playing a later set, with a larger, warmer, more loosened up crowd. A much more keys-centred, textured sounding rock set than was maybe expected, Winter Gloves know how to demand your attention. Having twice as many instruments than band members on stage (coupled with the ability to play with both hands and feet) it is always a sign of good times to come. Strong vocals and an amazingly enthusiastic frontman didn’t hurt this post-rock/electro mix either; think of the best performance this musical hybrid could produce, and you have Winter Gloves live.

For how up-beat, interesting and wacky their music is, The Russian Futurists didn’t have the stage presence you’d expect. Frontman/creative mastermind behind the group, Matt Hart, not only neglected to touch an instrument or synth board, but was a marble statue at the mic all night. Oddly enough, he had more presence cracking jokes and just being natural in between songs than he did during their set. A couple of really fun orchestral choruses, a wicked drummer capturing the spotlight, a surprise duet with Ruth Minnikin, and some impressive Spector-inspired sounds were the highlights of this otherwise blah performance. Although their music is forward-looking, different and undeniably creative, the crowd also seemed unsure of what to make of their live show.

The Acorn live is way less sad and boring than I thought they’d be, which is always a welcomed surprise, especially from a band whose album better suits a good Sunday morning listen over a Friday night. Three or four guitars, a very personable frontman with a buttery soft voice, and a crowd quite obviously there to see them, The Acorn dazzled. Subtract a couple yawners, and a guitarist that randomly disappeared in the middle of the set, and this band of brothers can really carry a performance – confirmed conclusively after receiving a massive(ly good) response from the boisterous and heartening crowd.

What’s always forgotten is that Plants and Animals is a 3-piece band. They are so heavy and have so much depth, it’s a wonder that this transfers onto the stage so flawlessly. An exponential increase in intensity making their sound fucking explode off the stage, these guys know. how. to. rock. out. Contrast this with Spicer’s fantastical, yet solid voice that could carry over an ocean, and you’ve got one of the toughest acts to follow. Lengthening the bridges and jamming around arrangements; putting some echo effect on the mic and pulling the drum kit forward, all added so favourably to this hub of greatness. Complete with perma-smiles and dropping jaws, it only took one glance around the room to reveal the general verdict of this performance. Oh yeah, and they mostly played stuff off their yet-to-be-released album. Jesus. These guys are good.

As reviewed by Brittany Smith

photography provided by Aaron Alleyne