March 27, 2016

The Zolas at Lee's Palace - Concert Pictures

The Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesThe Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Vancouver indie pop band The Zolas released their latest album Swooner on March 4. They've been on tour and played a sold out show at Toronto's Lee's Palace on March 24. For many a Canadian band, and indeed many international acts, playing a sold out show at Lee's is a dream come true and a milestone demonstrating a growing audience. Zolas' singer Zachary Gray remarked a couple of times on how this night was indeed a dream come true for the band and something that they could get used to. If they keep putting out such accomplished albums filled with danceable pop gems, I think they can get used to playing multiple nights at venues like Lee's Palace and graduating to bigger venues like The Phoenix and The Danforth.

The Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesThe Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesThe Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The show started as smoke filled the room and we heard the atmospheric sounds of what I think was "U Smile" by Justin Bieber slowed down 800 times to get us in the mood. The Zolas then hit the stage, sharing their high energy, catchy indie pop. They attracted a really enthusiastic crowd of fans ready to sing along and dance the night away. They started things off strong with "Molotov Girls" from Swooner and played tunes from across their discography from 2010's Tic Toc Tic, 2012's Ancient Mars and of course, more from Swooner. Highlights for me included "Get Dark, "Fell in Love with New York", "Strange Girl", my personal favourite Zolas' tune "Invisible", "CV Dazzle" and set closer of four-chord rocker "Swooner". They then came back for an encore of "Observatory", "Knot In My Heart" and "Escape Artist". Large sections of their set were a dance party and many fans sang along with every word.

The Zolas play a really solid show and I'll be looking forward to the next opportunity I have to see the band. I've never seen anyone trigger samples with a guitar headstock before. But I used to crash cymbals with mine, so I certainly can't criticize.
The Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesThe Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Zolas at Lee's Palace in Toronto, March 24 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Check out some of their music:

"Molotov Girls"

"Get Dark"

"Fell in Love with New York"

"Ancient Mars"

"Strange Girl"

"Freida on the Mountain"

"This Changes Everything"

"Invisible"

"CV Dazzle"

"Swooner"

"Observatory"

"Knot In My Heart"

"Escape Artist"

March 26, 2016

Twenty years ago: The Verve Pipe Villains

It was twenty years ago on this very day that West Michigan alt-rockers The Verve Pipe put out an amazing album. The record is called Villains and it is an incredibly solid album, filled with catchy, well-written and well-performed alternative rock tunes. Their major label début, Villains ended up going platinum and becoming the band's best selling album.

The most popular and well-known tune is surely "The Freshmen". I can't be alone in identifying strongly with the opening lyric, "When I was young I knew everything". My favourite tunes include that song, plus "Photograph", "Penny is Poison", "Cup of Tea" and "Reverend Girl". I love the sound and the playing on this album, from the driving beats and solid drumming, to the exquisitely distorted guitars to Brian Vander Ark's vocals, it's a fantastic rock record.

Check out my personal favourites from this now classic album.

"The Freshmen"

"Photograph"

"Penny Is Poison"

"Cup Of Tea"

"Villains"

"Reverend Girl"

Pic from Pandora.

March 23, 2016

New music from Mark Martyre: Bluebird

Mark Martyre has just released a new album called Bluebird. Mark continues to refine his songwriting and performance, delivering a package of easy listening and emotionally rich songs. Give the album a listen, check out my pictures from a show last fall, and take the opportunity to see him next time you have a chance.

March 22, 2016

New music from Biffy Clyro: Wolves of Winter from Ellipsis

Biffy Clyro are one of my favourite bands and one of my big regrets for missing their last Toronto show. I really hope that doesn't happen again. The boys have a new album called Ellipsis coming out on July 8. They've just unleashed the first single "Wolves of Winter" on the world.

It's a powerhouse track of the kind that only Biffy Clyro can deliver. Those power chords, that drumming, Simon Neil's in-your-face vocals, the shifting dynamics and tempo. It's all fantastic and indicative of a great new album. Give the track a listen below.


Pic from Facebook.

CMW Feature: Line-up and artist feature

Canadian Music Week, CMW, is ringing in its 34th year from May 2-8, 2016 in various venues around Toronto. There are club shows, the iHeart Radio Festival, the Indie Awards, a.k.a. "The Indies", and much more. These festivals are amazing for seeing your favourite bands, the coolest up-and-coming artists and for checking out new bands. You're guaranteed to find some new artists to grace your music library.

The very cool line-up features personal favourite Bob Mould, Tegan and Sara, Skepta, Dilly Dally, No Joy, and David Bowie’s longtime producer Tony Visconti with his band Holy Holy, along with Eagles of Death Metal, The Strumbellas, Wintersleep, Sate, The Beaches, Partner, Wild Nothing, Royal Canoe, Le Sera, Tops, White Lung, Duchess Says, Dearly Beloved, guitar gods Steve Vai, Nuno Bettencourt and Yngwie Malmesteen and much more.

Many of these artists have graced the virtual pages of this very web site, including Bob Mould, No Joy, The Strumbellas and again, Wintersleep, Sate, PartnerRoyal Canoe, Duchess Says, Grounders, The Beaches and again, A Fellow Ship, The Julian Taylor Band and again, X-Prime and more. Click those links to see my pics and check out some tunes.

Surf on over to the official CMW site for additional details, grab tickets or a wristband and get out there for some great music.

Here are some of the artists I'm most looking forward to seeing:

Bob Mould

Tegan and Sara

Dilly Dally

No Joy

Eagles of Death Metal

The Strumbellas

Wintersleep


The Beaches

Sate

Julian Taylor Band

White Lung

March 20, 2016

SATE at The Silver Dollar Room - Concert Pictures

SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesSATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
I might have a bit of a problem. Not only have I seen Sate perform, and photographed the incredible performances, five times now, she and the band are so photogenic, dynamic and just so damn into it, that I end up taking way too many photos. That leads to way too much time sifting through photos, picking out the best ones, tweaking and posting. But in the end it's all worth it because Sate and the band put on one of the best shows around, with amazing tunes and raw, impassioned delivery. I just have to share. To play off of Sate's name, they're always satiating.

If you haven't seen my previous pics, click on through to the first time I caught Sate, at The Horseshoe Tavern as part of the TURF Club Bonus Series, then check out her Sunday afternoon TURF performance at the festival proper, her fantastic show as part of Cover Me Impressed this past Boxing Day and her jam-packed headlining show at The Horseshoe in January.

She's got a CBC First Play taping coming up on April 11, so get in on that if you can.
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesSATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesSATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
This time I caught Sate as the third act of four to hit the stage at The Silver Dollar Room on Friday, March 19. Let me just say that Sate has never disappointed and this show was no different.

Sate owns the stage. With swagger, energy, confidence, passion and an immense amount of talent, Sate commands the attention of the audience, and in return, the audience experiences one of the best emerging artists in the city.

The band was as rock solid as ever. Giving the heavy with the groove during a short but satisfyingly intense set featuring highlights like "What Did I Do?", "Know My Name", their incredible cover of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs", "Warrior" and the big closing tune "Silence", before being demanded back to the stage by the crowd for an encore tune.
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesSATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Take a listen to some Sate:

 "What Did I Do?"

"Try"

"Know My Name"

"Warrior"

"Silence"

SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesSATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
SATE at The Silver Dollar Room March 18 2016  Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures

Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern - Concert Pictures

Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography picturesShearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
On St. Patrick's Day, March 17, I got to see Shearwater perform at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern for the second time. The first time was almost exactly two years ago to the day and it was an early show in my concert photography adventure. Take a peek at my pics from that show.

When I saw Shearwater back then, I remarked on the beauty of their sound and songs. This time, I enjoyed the added noise and heaviness that they developed. The band sounded more intense and they took more time to jam on their tunes. I loved it.

They also got into the seasonal spirit, asking the crowd if anyone would like to buy them a whiskey. If I recall correctly, Jonathan Meiburg told us that he would play with more gusto and less precision with the addition of whiskey, just so we were clear. Well, the Toronto crowd chose their option with an equal amount of gusto as somewhere around 10 whiskeys appeared on stage from various angles.
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Shearwater took to the stage with "Prime" from their new album Jet Plane and Oxbow. Jonathan had a cool glove with a light in the palm, which made for a unique and compelling visual to start the show with. They proceeded with a set that was heavy on tunes from the new album along with tunes from Animal JoyRook, and Palo Santo.

We heard stories about Jonathan's previous visits to The Horseshoe, the galactic equivalents of the distance they've travelled on the road in the past decade, and the traumatic nature of some of Jonathan's recent non-tour travels, from which he sought therapy in David Bowie's Lodger. While Shearwater didn't treat us to the full album run-down of Lodger, they did play three songs from it for the encore. We heard "D.J.", "Yassassin" and "Look Back In Anger". Fantastic. The band came back for a second encore, too, finishing up the night with "I Was A Cloud".
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography picturesShearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Give a listen to some tunes from their setlist:

"Quiet Americans" from Jet Plane and Oxbow

"You As You Were" from Animal Joy

"I Was a Cloud" from Rook
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Shearwater at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, March 17 2016 Photos by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures