September 30, 2014

Northcote at Sound Academy

I think I first heard of Northcote during 2013's inaugural TURF. I picked up his 2009 release Borrowed Chords, Tired Eyes and I got to see Northcote at Sound Academy opening up for Against Me and Gaslight Anthem on September 19.

Northcote is Matt Goud, originally from Saskatchewan and now based in Victoria. He writes and performs songs full of passion, conviction and soul. If you get the chance to see Northcote live, you owe it to yourself to do so.
Northcote proved to be an amazing solo opener for such a hard and heavy show. The first thing you notice about Matt, besides his imposing appearance, are the passion in his voice and the great songs. He is a rare talent that can draw an audience in right from the first listen.
It takes tons of guts to get up on stage, period. Getting up solo with only a guitar is even harder. And to do so as the first act in a cavernous venue with fans ready for a heavy show filing in, grabbing a drink and chatting is just beyond. But Northcote owned it.

Here are some tunes for your listening pleasure:

"How Can You Turn Around"

"Wild Card"

"Worry" I love the lyric I don't know where we're going but I like where we are


"When You Cry"

"Only One Who Knows My Name"

Northcote is opening for Twin Forks at Lee's on November 7. I saw Twin Forks at TURF and this show by Northcote so I know that night at Lee's is going to be amazing!

September 29, 2014

Riot Fest 2014 Day 1 Band 9: Broncho

Oklahoma band Broncho tap the roots of punk and garage rock to deliver music that at once sounds retro-familiar and energetically fresh. I witnessed their performance on the Rebel stage on Day 1 of Riot Fest Toronto.
Broncho released Can't Get Past The Lips in 2011 and very recently released their new album Just Enough Hip To Be A Woman.
Check out some tunes:

"Class Historian"

"It's On"

"Record Store"

September 28, 2014

Paolo Nutini at Sound Academy

Paolo Nutini at Sound Academy September 15, 2014 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
On Monday, September 15 a sold out crowd gathered at Sound Academy in Toronto to bear witness to blue-eyed soul singer Paolo Nutini. The crowd was a diverse mix; a testament to how broad Nutini's popularity is.
Paolo Nutini at Sound Academy September 15, 2014 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesPaolo Nutini at Sound Academy September 15, 2014 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Everyone soaked up the soulful vibe. There were couples slow dancing in the audience and maybe the widest age range I've seen at a show. Nutini's tunes connect deeply with his audience and his delivery is impeccable. His band is as tight and on point as you'd expect.
Paolo Nutini at Sound Academy September 15, 2014 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Nutini definitely has a lot of enthusiastic and impassioned fans. Check out some of his music and you'll see why.

"Scream (Funk My Life Up)"

"Let Me Down Easy"

"Iron Sky"

"Candy"

"Last Request"
Paolo Nutini at Sound Academy September 15, 2014 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures

September 27, 2014

Daniela Andrade at Sound Academy

Daniela Andrade was up first at Sound Academy on September 15 to open the show for Paolo Nutini. She has a beautiful voice and a soft, engaging style.
Daniela's from Edmonton and has created quite a sensation on YouTube by recording covers of everyone from Radiohead and Nirvana to Beyonce and Daft Punk. She released an EP called Things We've Said back in 2012. 
She may have gained popularity through her covers, but I think that her original songs are going to bring her even wider success. Watch for a full-length album in early 2015.

"Crazy" originally by Gnarls Barkley

"Things We've Said"

"Dark Coffee"

"Don't Care"

"Portrait Of Someone"

September 26, 2014

Riot Fest 2014 Day 1 Band 8: AWOLNATION

I decided to check out AWOLNATION at Riot Fest based on a friend's recommendation. They are a fun, heavy pop act with some eminently catchy tunes. They're still touring their 2011 album Megalithic Symphony and all the hits it contains.
They certainly have a way of getting the crowd going and their tunes get people bouncing. Here's a smattering of tunes from their setlist.
"Not Your Fault"

"Kill Your Heroes"

"Sail"

"Burn It Down"

September 25, 2014

New music from Zeus

Canadian classic rockers Zeus have recently released a new album called Classic Zeus. They're on tour and playing at Toronto's Lee's Palace on Saturday night. Give a listen to some of their latest tunes, and a personal favourite of mine from a previous album, and head out to the show.

"Miss My Friends"

"Straight Through The Light"

"27 is the New 17"

"You Could Have A Lover"

"Are You Gonna Waste My Time?"

The Golden Dogs are on the bill. Their 2010 album Coat of Arms has some solid tunes on it.


Taylor Knox is up first on Saturday's show. Here's a cool tune called "My Backyard". It's got a great power pop vibe.

September 24, 2014

Indie 88 First Birthday: Dan Mangan + Blacksmith

On September 13, local Toronto radio station Indie 88.1 celebrated a year on the air with a birthday party at The Opera House. The on-air personalities were there along with a big baby, cupcakes, the obligatory singing of "Happy Birthday" and loot bags at the end.

Three amazing Canadian artists graced the stage that night: Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, The Darcys and Lowell. This post is on Dan Mangan + Blacksmith's performance.
Dan Mangan has been part of my music library for years, starting with his 2009 release Nice, Nice, Very Nice. This was my first time catching him live. It was a fun show with everyone in the band, especially the guitar player, putting on an energetic performance. I had to wait until the encore for my personal fave "Road Regrets". I guess that's what they call saving the best for last.
Once again, I didn't do a good job of keeping track of what the band played. Here are some great Dan Mangan tunes for your listening pleasure:



"Basket"

"Oh Fortune"

"Forgettery"

"About As Helpful As You Can Be Without Being Any Help At All"

"Road Regrets"

"Sold"

"Rows of Houses"

"Post-War Blues"

September 23, 2014

Riot Fest 2014 Day 1 Band 7: Afghan Whigs

I didn't make it to the Roots stage in time to take pics of legendary rockers The Afghan Whigs, but I did catch most of their set. I can tell you, they brought the noise. Powerful grungy sounds with thick guitars.

Here are a few highlights from their setlist.

"Matamoros" from this year's Do to the Beast, their first album in 16 years

"Fountain And Fairfax" from 1993's Gentlemen

"The Lottery" from Do to the Beast

"Debonair" from Gentlemen

"Algiers" from Do to the Beast

"My Enemy" from 1996's Black Love

September 22, 2014

Indie 88 First Birthday: Darcys

On September 13, local Toronto radio station Indie 88.1 celebrated a year on the air with a birthday party at The Opera House. The on-air personalities were there along with a big baby, cupcakes, the obligatory singing of "Happy Birthday" and loot bags at the end.
Three amazing Canadian artists graced the stage that night: Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, The Darcys and Lowell. This post is on The Darcys' gripping performance.
I'll admit that The Darcys took a while to grow on me. But much of the most rewarding music is like that; it takes time for the beautiful intricacies to reveal themselves. Their dark energy, layered instrumentation and harmonized vocals provide something unique.
I saw The Darcys for the first time at Field Trip back in June, and I said at the time that I would see them again as soon as the opportunity arose. This show was that opportunity and it was a very cool performance. The band sounded great and put on a great show for all in attendance. And this time I got to photograph them.
I'll admit that I didn't do a great job of taking note of what tunes they played, so here's a bunch of great Darcys music, some of which I'm sure they played at the gig. What else can I say about this talented and dynamic band? They're one of my favourites.

"Hunting"

"The Pacific Theatre"

"Horses Fell"

"Itchy Blood"

"Muzzle Blast"

"The River"

"747s"

"Don't Bleed Me"

"Ultra Violet" [Warring Bonus Track]


Now, I know that they didn't play this tune, but I loved the original and I love what The Darcys did with this classic tune and the rest of Aja. So unique and brave. "Josie" originally by Steely Dan.

September 21, 2014

Riot Fest 2014 Day 1 Band 6: Citizen

Citizen, from south-west Michigan / north-west Ohio, graced the Rebel stage on Day 1 of Toronto's Riot Fest. As I mentioned in my post on The Beaches, a lot of great discoveries can be made by taking a chance at the emerging artists on the smaller festival stage. 
Citizen have a heavy energy that came across well for a first-time listener such as myself. Their presence and tunes will serve them well. They blend dynamics into their tunes, which gives the tunes emotion and drama, and makes the heavy parts heavier. Good stuff!
Here's a handful of Citizen tunes:

"Silo"

"The Summer"

"How Does It Feel?"

"Sleep"

"The Night I Drove Alone"

Check out a lot more music over at their Bandcamp.

September 20, 2014

Indie 88 First Birthday Party: Lowell

On September 13, local Toronto radio station Indie 88.1 celebrated a year on the air with a birthday party at The Opera House. The on-air personalities were there along with a big baby, cupcakes, the obligatory singing of "Happy Birthday" and loot bags at the end. Good times!
On stage for the night were three amazing Canadian artists: Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, The Darcys and Lowell. This post is on Lowell's amazing performance.
Lowell was born in Calgary, currently calls Toronto home and plays unique pop music. I first caught her show when she opened for Cayucas at the Garrison after the release of her I Killed Sara V. EP
Lowell is a very active and interactive performer. She's animated on stage, roaming from edge to edge and back to her keyboard while dancing, making sure no one feels left out. And she's not afraid to get into the crowd, too. She ventured into the audience twice during her set. The first time, she found a willing guy who she rode like a horse. The second time, she found a willing girl to get down on the floor with for an intimate and impromptu party. Fun!
A Lowell show is an engaging, danceable good time. I'd definitely recommend getting yourself out to a show. And buy her album We Loved Her Dearly. It came out on September 16.
Here's a sampling of great Lowell tunes:

"Cloud 69" Great song! Definitely a live highlight!

"The Bells" Another live highlight!

"88"


"Palm Trees"


Lowell closed out the set with "Kids", which doesn't appear on her new album