Lonely Vagabond

New blog.

2008-10-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

Right here. All the past entries have been forwarded.

http://www.lonelyvagabond.exclaim.ca/

Flotilla - The Tranzac

2008-10-30T02:24:00.001-07:00

This is a splash of rainbow french-pop exuberance, embellished by a harp, inspired guitar-playing, and steady drumming. Veronica straddles the vocal-prowess of Joni Mitchell and bohemian playfulness of a young Marianne Faithful. This is a soundscape that ebbs and flows with Brian Wilson's soul, Flaming Lips lushness, and French lounge-jazz. Like an aural abstract-painting, a highly imaginative package of sparkling musical gems.

The Misfits - The Phoenix

2008-10-24T02:30:00.000-07:00

The debaucherous legends of punk have returned, leather-clad, skull and crossbones in tow. Brutal power, sheer urgency, a punishing and frenetic assault that left the near capacity venue in awe. Then there's the stage set-up, looking like a dank, dark, dungeon from hell. Not one for the faint hearted. The sound of a teenage riot, fire in the belly punk, played by bastard children of Dracula.

The Dank - Rancho Relaxo

2008-10-23T19:25:00.001-07:00

Bursting through the speakers like a missile, turbo-charged rock that combines attitude with a little temptation. High-energy sounds, a little Pavement, Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr. The underground of the early 90's. Revived.

The Grass - Rancho Relaxo

2008-10-22T01:51:00.001-07:00

Behold that 60's retro garage-rock fire, a jaunty, catchy, ode to The Nuggets series, infusing such swing and grooves, this is band that defies father-time, reviving the earthly, decadent electrical jams of the past. The marvelous journey continues.

Quest For Fire - The Horseshoe

2008-10-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Grinding, gargantuan riffs, tripped-out vocals, in a swirling head-spinning haze, a sonic excursion of the raw essence of rock, alone in the clouds, in interstellar overdrive

Still Life Still - The Drake

2008-10-17T12:49:00.001-07:00

A colourful palette of richly textured songs, that can go from delicately warm moods, ball-breaking noise bursts, to crushing rock-outs, in a Torontopian minute. With these close-knit band members, it's all about the live-performance as well as the musicianship. A fantastic, creative celebration, igniting a fire in the music scene.

Purrr - The Reverb

2008-10-16T03:28:00.001-07:00

Purrr is a tripwire apocalyptic sex-machine that never lets up. Techno, rock, punk, all at once--with amazing potency. Add visual grenades/screens, this is a turbo-charged orgasm that blends celebration with revolution.

Lioness - Sonic Boom

2008-10-15T02:10:00.001-07:00

Live-off-the-floor, a trio of musicians channeling steamy electro-soul energy, pulverizing drumming, whipcrack synths, killer bass, and a swaying vocalist shrieking every ounce of karma out of her system. This is a sleek, propulsive-fueled escapade, pushing a fusion of rock-meets-house music to it's sizzling, and most unholy moments.

Howlin Rain - The Horseshoe

2008-10-14T02:02:00.000-07:00

Lord have mercy on my soul. Glorious anthems evoking that towering and freewheeling spirit, overdriven blasts of The Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead, and Cream. A sprawling rock-jam hurtling forward, hypnotic organs, hammering drumming, pyrotechnic soloing. Adding to the urgency is Ethan Miller's raspy spleen-venting vocals. The music rekindles the torch of late 60's San Francisco, and iconic rock-blues bombast, plugging-in on pure adrenaline, working on mighty and breathtaking magic.

Fred - The Hideout

2008-10-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

Very rarely do we get the creme-de-la-creme of Irish bands on these shores, so it was a pleasure. Roddy Frame-Moz-like vocals, dancey rhythms, jubilant chants/melodies, uplifting Housemartins-type joviality with wonderfully sweet keyboards, taking it's cues from the 80's.

Christina Maria - Holy Joes

2008-10-12T02:40:00.001-07:00

Vocals of longing bliss, warm charisma, personal lyrics, with a flirtatious bossa-nova-type intimacy evoking images of romantic moonlit serenades. A magnetic presence, and if you use your imagination, for one transcendental moment, the joyous yet fragile beauty of Karen Carpenter comes to life.

First Person Shooter - Tattoo

2008-10-11T01:56:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the high-flying sci-fi circus. This is a band that displays their many facets, a sprawling combination of techno, industrial, binded together with a dynamic rock-assault. It's all about the live-show experience, convincing non-believers that these night-time warriors are nothing short of fist-pumping, ready to blast you to the outer-limits of the cosmos.

Brasstronaut - The Drake

2008-10-10T01:47:00.000-07:00

A gentle mix of slowburn orchestral-jazz, Ben Folds magnetism, Miles Davis-trumpet-bursts, baroque-music, evoking starry-eyed neo-psychedelic soundscapes. This is a lush pastiche of sound straddling the intimacy of a Greenwich Village coffee-house, warm spirit of mid-60's Miles Davis, to UK inflected ambient rock. Soulful hymns from the depth of despair to euphoria. Introspective. Exhilarating

Foxfire - Sneaky Dee's

2008-10-09T02:37:00.000-07:00

A bright groove-driven explosion of funk, glam, New Wave, soul, and a Broadway musical. All at once. Grounded in 70's glitz, vinyl funk beats and dazzling virtuosity, Foxfire is a spectacle of sound with enough momentum to electrify the neighbourhood, where for a glorious moment, everyone feels the spirit.

The Priddle Concern - El Mocambo

2008-10-08T12:55:00.001-07:00

There is a familiarity to this music. That singer-songwriter spirit evoking vivid images that flows naturally. The band is a cohesive force, sweeping roots-tinged rock, uplifting, high-energy, demonstrating the ability to keep songs sounding fresh and classic at the same time. Perfect in it's execution. In the heartland we call Toronto.

Let It Be/Songs Of Lennon & McCartney - Roy Thompson Hall

2008-10-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

The Beatles are still a reliable floor-filler, even in a classical music venue. It’s always easy to scoff at those who reduce The Fab Fours' tunes to thumbnail cliches, but when you have Rik Emmett, Damhnait Doyle, Andrew Craig, and Fergus Hambleton--entertaining, in a refined, commercialized kind of way. It wasn’t a radical parody, but more a back-to-the basics extravagance. Most of the audience knew the songs by heart, recreating the nostalgia people still continue to appreciate. Next up. Paul McCartney covering Triumph songs.

Adam Faux & The Exploding Band - The Drake

2008-10-06T01:49:00.001-07:00

A tight energetic sound that flows, poised musicianship, steady percussion, vintage lyrical approach. An upbeat rock-inspired sound that takes it's cues from all things dynamic, bluesy, with a spirited rough-edge.

Radius & Helena - Centuries Lounge/Massey Hall

2008-10-04T02:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a prog'd-out cabaret of beauty and fury. That was a great set at Centuries Lounge. An innovative, fearless musical path of the natural order in our own backyard. A juxtoposition of influences and pulling it off with dynamic flair. Brit-inflected hypnotic art-rock, pyrotechnic-drumming, and a supercharged frontman weaving a spell. Genre-bending music as an art-form underscored by a fluency to push the rock idiom to it's limits. RAH are bohemoth of a band guaranteed to whip you into a positive frenzy.

The Shenanigans - El Mocambo

2008-10-03T16:17:00.001-07:00

Get out the 50's vinyl, get out that 70's post-punk decadence, The Shenanigans captures that rock and roll urgency, a crude garage-rock tornado fused with that rockabilly snarl. This isn't exactly uncharted territory, but a delirious guitar-driven workout shows that going up there and bashing it out continues to reign supreme, like a roadster cruising and whipping-up a trail of dust.

Dr DFunkt - The Annex Wreckroom

2008-10-02T03:01:00.001-07:00

Hustling funk grooves fused with a rock spirit, Kamran's Jamiroquai vocals is soulfully smooth, elements of RnB, guitar-driven rhythms, an energetic performance demonstrating that the flame continues to burn brightly.

Rural Alberta Advantage - Silver Dollar

2008-10-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

A rootsy, catchy, mix of wonderous textures that clutch your heart and make you move your body at the sametime. Along with supercharged percussion, The RAA is a kaleidoscope of melody and raw-energy like being caught in neo-psych bubbles of champagne.

Sean Pinchin - The Savannah Room

2008-09-30T03:41:00.000-07:00

All hail the plaid-shirt. A consummate acoustic singer-songwriter, glorious guitar-mojo combined with an entertainers spirit. Cuts right to the chase, whether it's the amusing commentary, or strutting musicianship.

Ladyfingers - Rancho Relaxo

2008-09-28T02:37:00.001-07:00

A singer-songwriter troubadour taking cues from rockabilly, accentuated with a country-blues-romp. Pinched-wails, sultry vocals, a renegade poet rippin' loose on the guitar, with shining lyrical themes. Greaser cool meets smile-inducing sentimentality. Ladyfingers may not claim greatness. But he may come close to it.

Boxes & Bags - The Rivoli

2008-09-28T01:56:00.000-07:00

Boxes & Bags put the 'Pop' back in Pop With Brains. A cacophony of sights and sounds, face-blasting noise-pop that's like a frantic runaway train called the 'Moonstruck Express'. Or perhaps a sci-fi trip to the land of wacky. No need to dust-off the old vinyl. Boxes & Bags are your favourite party album. Cue Gabby's trumpet.

My Bloody Valentine - Kool Haus

2008-09-27T02:12:00.000-07:00

Making my way to the Kool Haus was almost like a pilgrimage of sorts. Mass destruction and sheer sonic power, an explosion of swirling guitars, Kevin Shields fleshing out roaring soundscapes like a master-craftsman. Blinding strobelights, visual projections, just enhanced the transcendental experience. Perhaps the highlight was the 20 minute punishing roar of 'You Made Me Realize' inflicting both pain and ecstasy. All hail the mythological purveyors of noise! Followed by a dignified, amen.

Yuka - The Boat

2008-09-26T02:35:00.000-07:00

Funky-jazz-soul grooves that want to take you higher, yes, Sly Stone said it best. Yuka is like opening the vaults to the 70's, and dusting-off some vinyl, a burning uptempo of fun-filled vibes, an ass-shaking horn-blasting rhythm monster. Such dynamic power. So entertaining. Judging by the sweltering dancefloor, the people have spoken. Lets celebrate.

Tigerbomb (Secret Japanese Girlfriend) - The Horseshoe

2008-09-25T01:37:00.001-07:00

This is eclectic music that remains true to an artistic direction. An avant-garde style that see's Doc Pickles fleshing-out impassioned tales, accompanied by a revived Emmit Rogan. An acquired taste to some, but this a unique vision where every note counts. And where every lyric has meaning. A starry-eyed surrealist that evokes that joy of performing. Always endearing.

Donlands & Mortimer - The Drake

2008-09-24T03:11:00.000-07:00

Painted-flesh, sweltering dance-floor. It doesn't get any better than this. Like entering the eye of the storm, the room was feeling some serious mojo where a funk-soul-rock blast of fun was unleashed. Horns a plenty. Reckless energy a plenty. This hustling and sweet-talkin' troupe has a burning desire to turn your venue into a musical playground.

Spiral Beach - The Drake

2008-09-23T03:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the party. Balloons and teenage party-tactics. Lightening-charged power-pop that invokes catchy, bitch-slapping, sweet and crazy sounds. Every show is like a soundtrack to a hip frat-house, thrashy hooky-rhythms that's guaranteed to get the crowd up and freaky dancing.

Caitlin Burgess - Holy Joes

2008-09-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

A waiflike Joni Mitchell-type and an acoustic guitar, holding her own to a capacity room. A singer-songwriter finding fun in her music. At peace with the world. Stories to tell. An endearing acoustic escapade that soothes and moves you

The Saffron Sect - Rancho Relaxo

2008-09-21T01:16:00.000-07:00

A transcendental trip to to a mind-expanding past, the Summer Of Love and psychedelic-folk, evoking images of free-love, drugs, and burning incense. This is a rich musical soundtrack that blends the past with the present, doomed love as pure bliss.

SNFU - The Kathedral

2008-09-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

SNFU are unarguably Canadian hardcore legends. Ken Chin, looking like an albino Wild Bill, led the fast and furious thunder, ear-piercing volume, pummeling sound, as audience members stage-dived like leather-clad missiles. Hysterical, grinding and relentless, this is classic old-school punk. The sound of the beast.

Ciara Adams - The Supermarket

2008-09-19T02:21:00.001-07:00

Sophisticated and beaming of musical elegance, this is a lounge-jazz ensemble that evokes images of sunlit evenings and cuddling with a loved one. Ciara Adams is a chanteuse, potently sweet vocals, the band captures the spirit of seductively smokey ballroom, in a French city, where starcrossed lovers meet. Emotional energy, poignant lyrics, a ray of light in this fast-paced world.

Purrr - The Drake

2008-09-17T17:27:00.001-07:00

Adrenaline pumping beats, rock-metal riffs, and steady pulsating drumming. A combination of electronica like The Crystal Method or early Prodigy, rippin' grandiose licks, overseen by a glam-like theatricality. It's like Phantom Of The Opera, meets a European dance-club, meets arena-rock.

Carmen Elle - The Drake

2008-09-16T00:17:00.001-07:00

Commanding yet passionate Ani DiFranco-like vocals, with an onstage presence that reminds me of 90's alt-folk singer Michelle Shocked, strong, positive and charming, in the mold of Lilith Fair-type songwriters. This is a streetwise and vibrant performer that beams mesmerizing cool.

Hamilton Trading Co - The Music Gallery

2008-09-15T02:04:00.000-07:00

Led by a songwriting-maestro, this is an uptempo hand-and-foot stomping revival, collective-chorus power, creating a dazzling brand of acoustic-gospel theatre. Clapping and foot-pounding with breathtaking accuracy, the HTC is well-bonded troupe that's guaranteed to deliver a rhythmic performance and salvation-saving vocals every time.

The Two Koreas - The Neutral

2008-09-14T02:59:00.001-07:00

Speed-freak guitar-fuzz, a droning vox, rippin' grooves, and razor-sharp rhythms. An energy-driven ride that combines the mindbending grooves of early Stereolab and The Velvet Underground, with Detroit garage-punk and the spikey-assaults of The Fall. A brash, raucous rock and roll work-out.

The Cheap Speakers - The Velvet Underground

2008-09-13T01:02:00.000-07:00

A pop-rock approach that's instantly catchy, the type of energy that captures that 70's feel-good spirit, well-crafted tunes, while maintaining that edgy indie-rock essence. A solid band with all the right ingredients, musical elements, artistic vision--in all the right amounts.

The Guest Bedroom - Sneaky Dee's

2008-09-12T03:05:00.000-07:00

A swirling carousel-ride of post-punk and prog, Sandi's glass-shattering vocals, blistering Television-meets-Johnny Marr style riffs, balanced by melodramatic-key playing, shades of Herbie Hancock on 'In A Silent Way'. A colourful arsenal of sound (and a sax to boot) rapidfire and convulsive, that reestablishes the band as one of the torchbearers of TO rock city.

Nolan Natasha - The Gladstone

2008-09-11T03:15:00.000-07:00

The transgendered MC Nolan Natasha in full effect, clever racy rhyming over sweet-sounding electro-funk grooves. NN bare-chested, well-chiseled (revealing surgical scars in all it's glory) lit-up the stage with a commanding, yet kinky stage presence. The queer manifesto in full effect, invoking the giddy crowd to collectively quiver with joy.

Jay Spectre - The Horseshoe

2008-09-10T02:53:00.001-07:00

There are certain bands that capture that spirit of 'the soul-funk ensemble', Tower Of Power, Memphis Horns, Sly Stone, Parliament. That's the sense I get here. Sometimes capturing the essence of the past makes for a brighter, colourful, and highly entertaining performance.

Leonids - Rancho Relaxo

2008-09-09T00:30:00.000-07:00

Back in the early 90's, music was blossoming after grunge, with vibrant lo-fi bands like Pavement, Guided By Voices, etc. I hear that same spirit captured by The Leonids. Warm, spaced-out guitars and breezy harmonies that breathe fresh air into a diverse music scene.

Oasis - The Virgin Festival

2008-09-08T02:57:00.000-07:00

Britrock anthems, pub sing-alongs, swaggering attitude--actually interrupted by an attacker--which potentially could've cut the set short and pissing-off 20,000 people. But the UK deities returned to complete the concert. Liam striking poses, Noel the creative force, Oasis being Oasis, the masses continuing to ride the shelf-life of their first 2 albums. I can take festivals in small doses and all it's corporate glossiness, but as a fan of Britpop, Oasis takes me back to the nostalgia of the mid-90's. So why not. Of course, I headed to Wavelength afterwards.

Sand Viper Command - El Mocambo

2008-09-07T01:09:00.001-07:00

A band doesn't get any cooler than this, plaid-shirts, UK-style image, and inspired yet upbeat adrenaline-pumping hooks, a cross between The Sonics-style garage-rock, 90's Britpop and The Smiths chiming-riffs. The lead guitarist, props to him, John Squire-meets-Tom Verlaine flash, to compliment a dazzling high-energy package of ear-catching rock.

Cheap Trick - Molson Amphitheatre

2008-09-06T02:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight was probably the closest I'd get to 1979's Live At Budokan. In the flesh. Robin Zander sounded fantastic, tuxedoed Rick Nielsen punctuated the performance with his energetic showmanship, tossing picks into the crowd. 'The Dream Police, Surrender, The Flame, Tonight It's You', a nostalgic reminder what made the band sell-out arenas in the late 70's. Full line-up and 3 decades later, the band can still rock.

October Sky - The Rivoli

2008-09-05T01:11:00.001-07:00

Adventurous UK style rock, epic anthems, a dynamic stage-presence, the lasers and smoke just added to the larger-than-life feel. With such drive and ambition, this talented and hard-working Montreal band is ready to take on the world. Great turn out. The CD release was a success. The future looks bright.

Whale Tooth - The Horseshoe

2008-09-03T23:34:00.000-07:00

Catchy indie-pop festivity, bouncy rhythms balanced by rockin' energy. Elise is a crooning starlet, and the band has this searing exuberance, a house-party blending upbeat colourful sparkle and blasts of spontaneous guitar-driven grit. Fun times.

We Take Lovers - Rancho Relaxo

2008-09-02T23:09:00.001-07:00

A kaleidoscopic pop/folk sound, diverse instrumentation, roaring voices raised in song. The tight, relentless energy just displays the bands unyielding attitude of rocking out.

Leaving Sangster - The Horseshoe

2008-09-02T01:18:00.001-07:00

Hamiltonians fit for these hallowed walls, high-energy rock that's both ballsy and dynamic. The music has this soaring gritty quality, along with melodic vocals, and sparkling feel-good grooves. Justin a couple of times tried to spin his hat onto his head, but you know what? The band hit it's mark tonight. Well done.

Oblisk - The Neutral

2008-09-01T02:33:00.000-07:00

Evoking images of Creation Records, Melody Maker, and the 90's British music scene--the UK spirit continues to live, covering the full spectrum, from early Verve, Joy Division, Slowdive, and Spacemen 3, infusing elements of Madchester and shoegazing. Oblisk seamlessly blends all these influences into a firebrand, hypnotic, sprawling sound all their own.

Sleep For The Nightlife - Silver Dollar

2008-08-31T01:38:00.000-07:00

An impressive display of searing musicianship, adventurous post-rock, atmospheric winding instrumentals that draws on that spirit of free-jazz and prog. Triumphant, spaced-out, a cerebral journey that ebbs and flows with each head-spinning moment.

Basement Arms - Rancho Relaxo

2008-08-30T02:39:00.000-07:00

Like walking into a classic saloon, renegade characters with stories to tell, evoking imagery of The Bands self-titled. The music is loping vintage blues-rock at a meandering pace, hoarse vocals, poignant vocals, and electrifying dizzying musicianship, the type of boundless chemistry found in jazz bands. Music that paints a picture of well-travelled journeys. The dusty crossroads rediscovered.

Motely Crue - The Molson Amphitheatre

2008-08-29T02:10:00.000-07:00

Get out the mullet-heads and spandex, or as Tommy Lee summoned, your boobies. The Motely Crue machine rolled into The Amphitheatre belting-out fan favourites Looks That Kill, Shout At The Devil, Dr Feelgood, Kickstart My Heart and ending-off with Home Sweet Home. High-voltage glam-metal, a pyrotechnic stage-show, delivered by these 80's rock and roll warriors. Considering the well-documented excess and debauchery (and infamous in fighting) great to see the loyal faithful, 11,000 of them, out in full force to see these legendary headbangers still kickin' it after 25 years.

Alphabot - The Drake

2008-08-28T00:08:00.001-07:00

Let's get loopy! A catchy, twinkling electro-collage, hypnotic and fun, led by a giddy yet endearing maestro that hammers-out the cool cosmos on the dancefloor.

Pavlov's Dog Orchestra - Sneaky Dee's

2008-08-26T02:37:00.000-07:00

Remember Fiddler On The Roof? Tradition! This is a high-stepping march, indie-rock infused with a catchy Russian folkbeat. These songs are performed and delivered an air of confidence, reeling you into a comfortzone where you feel like dancing yourself. Knee-slapping feel-good vibes making your heart pound with excitement.

Vilipend - The Kathedral

2008-08-25T01:16:00.001-07:00

Brutally powerful, an onslaught of guitar fury, unleashing a beast that's supercharged. Furious chills and high-octane energy set to auto-destruct. A reckless, grinding well-oiled machine that made the ground quake.

The Trews - CNE Bandshell

2008-08-24T03:07:00.000-07:00

Heavy-hitting 70's inspired sound, melodic rock-outs that combine riff-driven elements of Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and The Black Crowes. Colin, wailing like Sammy Hagar, fronts this high-energy whiskey-soaked package, almost like unearthing a treasure-trove of the past. Combined with a darting pixel-display like the ship from Close Encounters, the end result is the timeless heart of rock and roll soul. Free with admission.

Metal Kites - Rancho Relaxo

2008-08-22T03:19:00.001-07:00

An ambitious palate of breezy rock, with twinges of folk and jazz. Tielli's emotive vocals, seasoned presence, with a cast of singer-songwriter master-craftsman employing the right thread of musical vibrance. Sort of capturing that acoustic-outlaw spirit with a Brian Wilson-like passion to experiment.

Laszlo - The Rivoli

2008-08-21T03:21:00.000-07:00

As if Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Depp merged, guitarist/frontman Laszlo is a throwback to the traditional rock-star, leather-clad, shades, and street-wise. Guitar-virtuosity, fluid basslines, high-energy drumming, this trio plays 70's inspired classic-rock that's riff-driven, supercharged, and catchy.

La Casa Muerte - The Drake

2008-08-20T01:47:00.001-07:00

This is a rock on interstellar overdrive. Part Broken Social Scene's collective approach, part Brian Jonestown Massacre's tamba-shaking psych-goodness, part The B-52s wacky head-spinning party-chants, part Spiral Beach's youthful adrenaline-pumping euphoria. La Casa Muerte is a manic-explosion, fun-ass booty jams for those who take their music with lots of fun.

Megan Hamilton & The Volunteer Canola - The Boat

2008-08-18T23:59:00.001-07:00

Country-folk atmospherics evoking summer evenings on a sunlit grassy-plain, perhaps hiking in the mountains. Enjoying life. The music is a slow, deep, rustic-excursion glossed-over by earthy-rawness. Sweeping, bold hymns from the depths of despair to extreme joy.

Feuermusik - Don Valley Parkway & Queen

2008-08-18T02:51:00.000-07:00

Extermination Night usually hosts these word-of-mouth shows in abandoned industrial buildings. The location tonight. A bridge beneath the DVP. Feuermusik combines frenzied sax-outbursts (just think John Coltrane on speed) with plastic-bucket pounding. An experimental jazz-duo that's sexy, raw, and primal, spawning some hell-raising alchemy underneath the steel girders.

Bellevue - Rancho Relaxo

2008-08-17T03:41:00.001-07:00

Lavish, high-energy indie-rock that infuses swirls of guitar-driven hooks, with traces of Pavement, Weezer, yet blossoming as a sound uniquely their own. A rhythmically pounding trio for those who like their heavy-rock doses high in melody.

Hank & Lily - Sneaky Dee's

2008-08-15T01:52:00.001-07:00

A slice of theatrical-pop, a heartfelt ray of showtune-flamboyance and spunk. So sweet is this lovely duo, leading you through a jaunty adventure of countryfied stylings and saccharine vocals. The curtain rises. The stage is set. Let the vaudevillian Hank & Lily take you on a entertaining ride of wit, warmth and storytelling.

Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath w Dio) - Molson Amphitheatre

2008-08-14T02:31:00.000-07:00

Dungeons, wizards, and dragons. Although these metal legends weren't led by Ozzy, rather by the elfin Ronnie James Dio, it was still like witnessing a piece of music history. Dio-period Sabbath is classic. Gargantuan riffs/soloing by Tony Iommi, headstrong vocals by Dio, with a set starting with Mob Rules and ending with Neon Knights. Being graced by these legendary forefathers of metal was a humbling experience. Just ask the headbanging masses.

Diemonds - The Velvet Underground

2008-08-13T01:57:00.000-07:00

This band is all about one thing, pure rock and roll debauchery and sexiness. Priya is an exotic Joan Jett, a tough-as-nails femme fetale, and C.C. is the riff-master, capturing the spirit of some of 80's glam-metal axe-wielders. TO needs this over-the-top seduction right now, cigarettes, alcohol, and partying your ass off. This is what rock and roll is all about.

Boxes & Bags - The Drake

2008-08-12T01:08:00.001-07:00

Deep within the subterranean depths comes this interstellar motley crew, the firestarters of throbbing noise-jams, new wave-meets-punk, inspired trumpet-blasts, trippin' the light fantastic. This folks, is what Torontopia is all about. Boxes & Bags is a call to arms--multiple orgasms that blast you off to a different galaxy.

Spookey Ruben - Rancho Relaxo

2008-08-10T23:38:00.000-07:00

Music thrives on romanticism, the daring to create, Spookey Ruben musically paints with aural splashes of colour, psych-tinged pop all in the spirit of a childrens workshop, sonic invention, avant-garde bliss, to capture a moment in time.

The Golden Hands Before God - Silver Dollar

2008-08-10T02:59:00.000-07:00

A band that seamlessly blends 60's psych-garage-rock with the spirit of a foot-stomping gospel revival. A crescendo of energy, infectious gypsy-folk rhythms, spacey Velvet Underground-type electric-jams, with a soul-stirring epiphany of a chant-and-call celebration. Dodging the BJM-type comparisons, The Golden Hands have cultivated a sound all their own, which is worthy of national attention.

Fifth Projekt - El Mocambo

2008-08-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

An atmospheric journey leaving you drifting above the earth, intricate and haunting guitarlines, slow-burn melodrama that gives a nod to UK ambient-rock, early Verve and Suede's Dog Man Star. Vocalist Tara is an elegant chanteuse, romantic swoons straddling Amy Lee and Joni Mitchell. A magnificent gem that casts a spell.

The Vestaloynes - Silver Dollar

2008-08-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

A modern-day fairytale of rock and roll warriors, that burning desire to unleash swaggering riffs, powerful rhythms, in an entertaining and fun way. The Vestaloynes have chops. They'll burn you to a crisp. And make you smile.

Nadja - The Boat

2008-08-06T23:26:00.001-07:00

Washes of sonic swirls of noise, seamlessly fusing the shoegaze template with the industrial-dissonance of Merzbow and The Swans. Almost like being overwhelmed by vaporous tides of energy, that's beautiful as opposed to threatening.

Sarah Shafey - The Supermarket

2008-08-06T02:25:00.000-07:00

A vibrant, eclectic combination of vocal-jazz, orchestral-folk, and showtunes. Shafey's evocative RnB vocals, heavenly soul, the centrepiece to lush strings, fluid keys, vivacious rhythms, each song unfolding before your ears, infusing the spirit of another era and combining it with contemporary pop. A delicious slice of life, essence of beauty, beaming rays of musical sunshine in this rather dreary world.

Clouds That Look Like Things - Rancho Relaxo

2008-08-04T23:24:00.001-07:00

Inspired indie-rock, space-bound gems that's both high-powered and hypnotic at the sametime. Darcy is a captivating frontman, and the music is an outpouring of exhuberant energy that truly defines young, upstart bands rising in the TO scene.

The Blankket & Band - Sneaky Dee's

2008-08-04T03:19:00.000-07:00

A potent stew of The Boredoms, Spacemen 3, and Can. Hypnotic cascades of noise, disarming blissed-out rhythms, erupting in a sonic crescendo of mass destruction. A primal trance-inducing ritual, fuzzed-out and euphoric, in all it's glory.

Organic Funk - The Mansion

2008-08-03T02:09:00.000-07:00

A trio that combines talent and enthusiasm, raw rhythmic jazz/funk/rock fusion, topped-off by a bustling stage presence. Adventurous and high-energy, booty-shaking grooves celebrating music. A full-on blast of sweet mojo proving it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing.

Toronto Independent Music Awards - The Phoenix

2008-08-02T02:55:00.000-07:00

Got to hand it to founder/executive producer Daniela Oliva who has been putting on the TIMA's for four years. With various TO awards shows annually, it's hard to encompass every band (winners included Dame, Shobha, Jadea Kelly, Lori Nuic, Pavlov's Dogs Orchestra) It's no Polaris Music Prize, but recognizing home-grown talent, putting on an ambitious glitzy-event and honouring local artists, can only foster a genuine and thriving music scene. Plus the winners are bestowed with a plaque resembling a Gold Record Award. Now that's cool.

Dead Sexy Sheila - The Silver Dollar

2008-08-01T01:42:00.001-07:00

A trio that unleashes a blitzkrieg of garage-punk-glam, the type of pounding energy of The MC5. This is a raw, snarling, hard-edged guitar sound that embodies that Kick Out The Jams spirit. This is the guts of rock 'n roll rebellion, the authenticity found in The Stooges and the New York Dolls. Passionate, carefree, and loud.

The Craft Economy - The Horseshoe

2008-07-30T03:23:00.001-07:00

A lighthearted mix of retro-80's energy-packed indie-pop, laced with elements of J-Rock-style vocal-tag, and synth-driven grooves. An electro-rock work-out that's so irresistibly catchy and adrenaline-pumping, demonstrating that these band of young-guns aren't afraid to seamlessly blend influences to make you dance.

Hippiefest - The Molson Amphitheatre

2008-07-29T01:53:00.000-07:00

A concert of peace and love for 3,000 in attendance, rekindling a whiff of nostalgia for boomers, and flashbacks of a bygone era for upstart-bohemians. It was cool seeing music history come to life. From 'White Room' by Jack Bruce to the The Animals/Eric Burdon belting-out 'House Of The Rising Sun', Badfinger, The Turtles, 'He's My Brother' by The Hollies--it was like vintage 60's footage immortalized. The tye-dyed fashion statements transcended the generation gap, but most of all, the authentic and impassioned love music ruled the day. Peace.

The Primordials - Rancho Relaxo

2008-07-28T14:49:00.001-07:00

The raw spirit of The Sonics, the garage-rock grooves of early-Stones, or any band from The Nuggets series. The Primordials are a bonafide-classic in our own backyard, the birth of rock and roll, impeccable harmonies (and attire) a raucous guitar work-out. Revivalists that infuse jolts of retro-adrenaline in the land of Torontopia. And man. We welcome it.

R.E.D. - The Kathedral

2008-07-27T03:12:00.001-07:00

Any band part of an event called "Jack Daniels Get Shit-Faced Party" speaks for itself. R.E.D. is very much in the same vein as the face-melting punk of Bad Brains. Fierce unhinged power. The show doubled as John Ratch's 60th birthday party, Long & McQuades ZZ-Top-meets-congenial-biker luminary. With fast-living booze-swilling Last Pogo types in the crowd, the theme for tonight, fist-pumping bravado.

Slim Twig - Rancho Relaxo

2008-07-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

Embodying that semi-mythical 50's guitarist, unleashing a blitzkrieg of howling fuzzed-out blues riffs. Accompanied by strings, synths, and a drumming assault, Slim Twig ignites a sleazy, yet primal detonation of sound from his axe, prancing around like a spastic courtship-dance. Here. Nailing the essence of rock and rolls urgent restless drive.

King Khan & The Shrines - Sonic Boom/The Horseshoe

2008-07-25T02:39:00.000-07:00

Like entering the eye of the storm, TO was feeling some serious mojo where a soul-funk-garage-rock explosion was unleashed. Fire-breathing, scorching, a whirlwind of reckless energy, blasts of horns, a foot-stomping party. The driving force is King Khan, capturing the spirit of James Brown and the prancing spirit of a southern preacher. The Voodoo Shaman, King Of The Jungle may have left town--but the party will continue rocking.

Henri Faberge - The Boat

2008-07-24T03:25:00.001-07:00

A guitar mangler extraordinaire, the prodigious singer-songwriter spirit, smooth vocals, energetic bursts of soul-blues energy by one uber-hip bandleader. Free Tibet. Free the musical boundaries with grainy rock and folksy beauty.

Barbara Mamabolo - The Drake

2008-07-23T02:58:00.000-07:00

A soul diva that infuses the spirit of both Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill, powerfully smooth vocals that hit you like cool sun-drenched rays. The music has this jazzed-up rock-vibe, infusing elements of 70's soul and swirly RnB rhythms. For an evening usually dominated by upstart indie-rockers, Miss Mamabolo's effortless crooning leads a journey that's never lacking in elegant spirit.

68pornomags - Sneaky Dee's

2008-07-22T02:12:00.000-07:00

Whiplash riff-driven rock seamlessly combined with punk's spirit. This is hardcore, hip-shaking bombast that just explodes like a string of firecrackers being set-off.

Isoceles Project - The El Mocambo

2008-07-21T02:08:00.000-07:00

A prog-metal sound that's fast, furious, and brutal, seamlessly blending old and modern elements, early-Rush and Yngwie Malmsteen with Isis and Tool. And what can I say about Eric. One of TO's most gifted guitarists. A cyclical, swooning ocean of some of the most daring and crushing rock musicianship you'll ever hear.

Quest For Fire - The Horseshoe

2008-07-20T02:51:00.001-07:00

Very few bands can rival the thunderous live-power of Quest For Fire. Bright-LSD-flashbacks merging with gargantuan-Sabbath-riffs, making for an ethereal, grinding, euphoric armoury. A band where each primal drum-beat, droning-vocal, and otherworldly solo owes as much to Hawkwind and the psychadelic 60's, as it does to Tony Iommi. The Piper At The Gates Of Heaven unleashed in all it's glory.

Hooded Fang - Rancho Relaxo

2008-07-19T02:30:00.000-07:00

Perfectly crafted indie pop-songs, catchy inspiring gems, glossed with elements of Belle & Sebastian-esque male-female vocals, psych-folk, and a romping rhythm-country feel. Uniquely Torontopian, a well-rounded uber-melodic sound, bursting with splashes of colour and good cheer, that guarantees fun times. Great band.

The Schomberg Fair - The Horseshoe

2008-07-18T02:10:00.000-07:00

Canada be warned, The Schomberg Fair is about to capture your hearts. A hard-hitting high-energy hoedown, a southern bluesy-strut that always turns the front of the stage into a sweltering dancefloor. Repeated listens recommended. Ass-shakin' approved.

Machetes - The Silver Dollar

2008-07-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

The Machetes kidnaps you with an earth-shattering, raucous post-punk work-out infusing elements of glam and early 90's riot-grrrl. Jen is a supercharged combination of Kathleen Hanna and Siouxsie Sioux, as the band unleashes high-speed breakneck fury, reminiscent of the punk-spirit and dive-bomb energy of late 70's CBGBs. Full of sass and no-bullshit bravado--these ladies will remind you that the sleaze, danger, and flash, is not dead.

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Molson Amphitheatre

2008-07-15T02:35:00.000-07:00

An alliance of a rock icon and folk-virtuoso in perhaps one of the more unique pairings in music. The steady guitar-mojo of T Bone Burnett accompanied relaxed, atmospheric harmonies, coated with a rustic-country-folk rock stew. As a Zeppelin fan though, skilled and inspired as Krauss is--The Battle Of Evermore was definitely one for the ages.

The Heart Beats - Sneaky Dee's

2008-07-13T22:50:00.000-07:00

A chanteuse that reveals charm and vulnerability, combined with boldness and sensitivity. Impassioned yet delicate vocals, uplifting hook-ladened pop, a beaming soundtrack that awakens us with a burst of sunlight.

The Hoa Hoas - Sneaky Dees

2008-07-13T03:04:00.000-07:00

Take me to the otherside. A majestic, mind-altering sonic-flight, that waxes your senses with the hypnotic spirit of Spacemen 3 and The Velvet Underground. Each song is a rollercoaster ride of psych-rock bliss, an epic adventure of mystical rock jams, The Hoa Hoas are the perfect prescription.

Idle Tigers - The Drake

2008-07-12T00:23:00.000-07:00

The Headmasters Ritual according to Ross Hawkins. The swashbuckling romantic morphs into schoolboy channeling musical theatricality, through voice, and a lo-fi synth. A touch of Carry On films, intellectual musings of vintage poetry, and the timeless heartfelt warmth of the singer songwriter. Frankly Mr Shankly--you cannot deny us of impassioned songcraft.

Epigramme - El Mocambo

2008-07-11T03:14:00.000-07:00

An infectious cacophony of that glorious 70's spirit, and fusing it with elements of melodic UK-laced pop and swirling neo-psychedelia. Soaring gems that's like some glittery magical mystery tour. Keys, harmonies, and driving rhythms. Amazing onstage chemistry--a swooning, exuberant sound. Entertaining.

Rush - The Molson Amphitheatre

2008-07-10T02:28:00.000-07:00

Nothing says Canadian than Rush. YYZ, Red Barchetta, 2112, Subdivisions, Spirit Of Radio, Tom Sawyer, etc, etc, even a 10 minute drumming solo by Neal Peart. Giant video screens, green lasers, and rotating spotlights. A homage, a celebration, of a band spanning several decades. Three rock virtuosos, musical trailblazers, classic (and classy) icons who are still playing better than ever. Just ask the 15,000 people who were there for the party.

La Casa Muerte - The Drake

2008-07-08T23:44:00.001-07:00

Pop with balls. An onstage party filled with happy jangle, reckless merriment, and a high-energy that's like some runaway train on a magical mystery tour. Running hot on pleasure-seeking-noise-making fuel. Basically a bunch of friends up there having fun--shining a bit of light in the musical darkness. Hallelujah.