February 28, 2015

David Barrett Trio at The Phoenix

The David Barrett Trio at The Phoenix Concert Theatre February 7, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The David Barrett Trio was the second opener for Saga at The Phoenix Concert Theatre on February 7. They're an instrumental power trio, which on the surface may not sound that exciting. However, their musicianship, the songcraft that obviously goes into their tunes, and their energetic stage presence made them a cool live act and a great warm-up for Saga. I'd call it "progressive dad rock" - in the best possible way.
The David Barrett Trio at The Phoenix Concert Theatre February 7, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The David Barrett Trio at The Phoenix Concert Theatre February 7, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesThe David Barrett Trio at The Phoenix Concert Theatre February 7, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The band consist of David Barrett on guitar, Jason Farrar on bass, and Alexander Sascha Tukatsch on drums. They've been in the power trio format since 2010 and released their eponymous début in 2013. The album was produced by Rush's Alex Lifeson, Alan Parsons and Richard Chycki.

David showed off his chops on some unique instruments, including the second double-neck SG that I'd seen in a week and he managed to do something that neither he nor I had ever seen before - he broke a guitar strap.
The David Barrett Trio at The Phoenix Concert Theatre February 7, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesThe David Barrett Trio at The Phoenix Concert Theatre February 7, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The David Barrett Trio at The Phoenix Concert Theatre February 7, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Check out some of their music:

"Sonar" (Alex Lifeson Produced)

"Great Eastern Sun"

"Dive"

February 27, 2015

New Wolf Alice

I'll be posting about Wolf Alice soon enough because I'll be attending their March 3 show at Toronto's Drake Underground, but since they've just released a new song for us to hear, I've got to post now.

This tune is "Giant Peach" and it's the first single from the new Wolf Alice album My Love Is Cool which doesn't come out until June 22. It's an upbeat rocker with cool riffs and full-of-attitude vocals. According to NME, they feel this tune is "one of the best things we've recorded".



Pic from Facebook.

February 26, 2015

Classic Canadian Alternative: Rough Trade

As I mentioned in a previous post where I wrote a sentence about Rough Trade, they were breaking down walls of prejudice 30 years ago. Quite cutting edge for the time, and even a little risqué now.

Wikipedia states, "Rough Trade was a Canadian new wave rock band in the 1970s and 1980s, centred on singer Carole Pope and multi-instrumentalist Kevan Staples. The band was noted for their provocative lyrics and stage antics; singer Pope often performed in bondage attire, and their 1981 hit 'High School Confidential' was one of the first explicitly lesbian-themed Top 40 hits in the world."

Take a listen to some songs:

"High School Confidential" from 1980's Avoid Freud

"All Touch" from 1981's For Those Who Think Young

"Crimes of Passion" from 1982's Shaking the Foundations

The title track from 1983's Weapons

And local rock gods Goddo wrote a song for Rough Trade's singer called "Oh Carole (Kiss My Whip)"

Pic from last.fm.

February 25, 2015

The Cool Hands at The Horseshoe

The Cool Hands at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Cool Hands at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesThe Cool Hands at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Cool Hands at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
When I headed out to see Catl at The Horseshoe, I was late. I missed The Cool Hands, who were opening up the night. As fate would have it, they were also on the bill with Pine Barons opening for The Districts at The Horseshoe on February 18.

They rock out in a rough-around-the-edges garage style with some hip-hop added in for good measure.
The Cool Hands at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesThe Cool Hands at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Check out some tunes:

"I Did the Iggy", "Passerby" and "Watusi Blues"

"Birds"

"Marijuana Cigarette"

"Devil's Collector"
The Cool Hands at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures

February 24, 2015

New Blur!

Blur have a new album called The Magic Whip coming out April 27. If you think that it's been a while since we've had a new Blur album, you're right. It's been 12 years. Give a listen to "Go Out". It's a noisy one that's sure to get everyone missing Britpop excited.


Pic from Facebook.

February 23, 2015

Pine Barons at The Horseshoe

Pine Barons at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
I don't think I've been this impressed with a new band that I was seeing for the first time since I saw The Districts open for White Denim last year. Coincidental that they were opening for The Districts at The Horseshoe on February 18.

They play a cool blend of sounds incorporating plenty of psychedelia and rock intensity into their own sound including cool effects and off kilter riffs. Impressive. They're from New Jersey and this show marked their first time in Canada. Hope it was cold enough for you.
Pine Barons at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Pine Barons at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Pine Barons at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Check out some tunes:

"Don't Believe What They Told You"

"Since I've Been Away"

"Carnival"

Check out more and buy their music over at their Bandcamp.
Pine Barons at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesPine Barons at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Pine Barons at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures

February 22, 2015

The Districts triumphant return to The Horseshoe

The Districts at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Districts at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
I was super-impressed with The Districts when I caught them opening for White Denim last year. When I saw they were coming back to town, to headline the very stage that I saw them début on, I jumped at the chance to take in their music and photograph them again.The Districts at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
They transfixed an otherwise excited and enthusiastic audience with their emotionally intense tunes. They seemed to have more focused energy than they did the first time I saw them. Is it just me, or did singer Rob Grote not make as much eye contact this time around?The Districts at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Districts at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesThe Districts at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Districts at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
When you photograph a band, and spend an otherwise inordinate amount of time staring at the band members as you edit the pics, you tend to remember them, so I noticed right away that their guitarist is new. According to the interwebs, their original guitar player decided to go to college. Tough decision considering The Districts are destined for greatness, at least in my humble opinion.
The Districts at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Districts at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesThe Districts at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Districts at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Here are some of my favourites from the set:

Opening tune "Peaches" from A Flourish and a Spoil. They played this one for Seth Meyer's audience.

"Rocking Chair" from The Districts

"Long Distance" from The Districts

"Funeral Beds" from The Districts

Main set closer "4th and Roebling" from A Flourish and a Spoil. They did a great job in their network TV début on Seth Meyers with this tune.

First encore tune "6 AM" from A Flourish and a Spoil. A fan video from the Toronto show.

Show closer "Young Blood" from A Flourish and a Spoil. What a fantastic extended jam ending.
The Districts at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Districts at The Horseshoe February 18, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures

February 21, 2015

New Ash Cocoon from Kablammo!

I've liked Ash's brand of power pop for many years. I got to see them deliver that powerful music live back in 2012. Check out my pictures from my pre-real camera days!

Ash have a new album called Kablammo! - awesome title by the way - coming out soon. They've just let us in on the most amazing two-and-a-half minutes of power pop joy since the new Bob Mould album in the form of "Cocoon". Check it out.


I'm definitely looking forward to this album and will be watching out for them on tour.

Pic from Ash's website.

February 20, 2015

Field Trip Line-Up

Field Trip is back for its third year at Fort York / Garrison Common in Toronto on June 6 and 7. As usual, it's a fantastic line-up of bands covering a wide range of genres. Check out some of the acts I'm most looking forward to, get excited and get your tickets. They're on sale now.

Alabama Shakes


My Morning Jacket



Marina & the Diamonds


Father John Misty

Arkells

The War on Drugs

Purity Ring


Young Empires

Rhye

Dan Mangan & Blacksmith

Kevin Drew & Andy Kim


Lee Fields & the Expressions

Apostle of Hustle

Temples

February 19, 2015

Classic Canadian Alternative: Lava Hay

Suzanne Little and Michele Gould formed a Toronto-based folk-rock duo called Lava Hay. They released their self-titled début in 1990. It yielded a couple of cool singles. Check out their easy going tunes below.

"Baby"

"Wild Eyes"

Pic from last.fm.

February 18, 2015

Hey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall

Hey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Hey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesHey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Hey Rosetta! have been opening for Stars on their current tour. They were in Toronto for a 3-day residency at The Danforth Music hall. I caught the show on Friday the 13th. They played a full hour set, so I'd say it's more of a "sharing the bill" situation than an "opening for" arrangement. Pretty cool for all the Hey Rosetta! fans and a great treat for those who are being introduced to this great band.
Hey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Hey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesHey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Hey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
This marked my second time shooting they dynamic Newfoundland band, although this indoor show was a very different shooting experience from outdoors at TURF. They played a set that spanned their album releases and highlighted their most recent release, Second Sight.
Hey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesHey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Hey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesHey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Hey Rosetta! provide plenty of musical variety, building on they typical guitar, bass, drums, keys arrangements with French horn, violin, cello and more keys. This band overflows with musical talent but excels on making it listenable and fun.
Hey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesHey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesHey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesHey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Take a listen to some of the highlights from their setlist.

"Soft Offering (For The Oft Suffering)"

"Yer Spring"

"What Arrows"

"Welcome"

"Bandages"

"Kintsukuroi"

"Harriet"

"Red Heart"
Hey Rosetta! at The Danforth Music Hall February 13, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures