Sand Viper Command - El Mocambo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.