Canadian Music Week – Day 1

Posted 03/25/09

It’s been a while since mylast post, but it’s Spring which means it’s a time of renewal. Coming off the heels of Canadian Music Week here in Toronto, where around 350 bands played in over 30 clubs all in one hazy weekend, I figured that’s a great place to start. Needless to say I was all over the place, so timelines/venues may be a bit skewed, but here is what I do recall.

Thursday
9:00 pm Stopped into Bovine to check out Carmen & Camille (think Lilith Fair, small stage) and left after the second song.  Headed towards The Horseshoe Tavern with the intentions of seeing $100, not before stopping in The Hideout to see Ireland’s indie-showcase.  Dublin band Halves were barely into their set and though I only planned on staying for a song or two, I ended up staying for their whole set. Halves sound was  described to me by someone  I randomly met, (who ended up being the guitarist from Cork, Ireland based-band Fred) as “atmospheric mathrock,” but also reminded me a bit of the Postal Service meets sigor ros.

10pm Finally made it to The Horseshoe where Women, an indie experimental-rock outfit (and Chad VanGaalan’s protege’s) from Calgary, were setting up.  The Horseshoe was packed and the crowd was eager to have the next band hit the stage.  Not to my surprise, VanGaalan himself  joined the 4-piece on stage, playing a lively set. Though the band rarely interacted with the audience, everyone seemed to be having a good time.

11pm onwards Headed for Lee’s Palace to see The Waking Eyes and Matt Mays.  Mays seems like he’s become a staple in Canadian Alt Country/Rock, having been in the music scene since the late 90’s, starting off as a member of alt-country band The Guthries.  His unpretentious/confident stage presence combined with the rest of talented soldiers from El Torpedo made for a solid/energetic show.  MM&ET went on around midnight, playing newer songs from Terminal Romance and oldies, including a song from The Guthries.  I watched about an hour of his set with friends, then headed home.

posted by bianca

By: Dave (halves)

“Atmospheric Math-rock”. I like it! Thanks for staying for the gig, we had a fantastic time in Canada and can’t wait to come back in August to record our debut album (in Montreal with Efrim Menuck).
Thanks again for the kind words. I’ll happily take that comparison too!

Posted 04/01/09

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