May 19, 2015

NXNE Feature: The New Pornographers, Best Coast, Dilly Dally and Little Scream

NXNE storms into Toronto from June 17 through 21. As usual, it will feature the most up-and-coming grass-roots bands along with huge stars, all covering a wide range of genres. The big, free shows at Yonge-Dundas Square get lots of attention. Last year I was in the crowd for St. Vincent and Spoon's Yonge-Dundas Square performances. The year before, I joined the crowd for The National's performance.

This year, the night of Saturday June 20 features four great bands. Headlining is Canadian indie-rock / power pop supergroup The New Pornographers along with retro indie pop heroes Best Coast, Toronto's own Dilly Dally and Montreal writer, visual artist, and multi-instrumentalist Little Scream.

I've seen The New Pornographers at The Ex and Riot Fest. Their albums, especially Twin Cinema, Mass Romantic and Electric Version are among my favourite albums ever created.

"Dancehall Domine" from their latest Brill Bruisers

"Your Hands (Together)" from Together

"Twin Cinema" from Twin Cinema

"Sing Me Spanish Techno" from Twin Cinema

"The Laws Have Changed" from Electric Version

"Mass Romantic" from Mass Romantic

Best Coast are from California and they tend to sound that way. They have a timeless quality that harkens back to pop songwriting of a bygone era. I've grown to enjoy them more and more over the years and I'm looking forward to catching them live.

"Heaven Sent"

"California Nights"

"Feeling Ok"

"Boyfriend"

"Crazy For You"

Dilly Dally are from Toronto. They play indie rock / alternative music with a sprinkling of grunge and the distinctive vocals of Katie Monks, who growls, yearns and explodes. I have a feeling their music's going to be especially powerful from the YDS stage.

"Candy Mountain"

"Alexander"

"Next Gold"


"Green"


Little Scream's first album The Golden Record garnered tons of critical acclaim and she's finishing her second album Dance In A Void now. It features appearances from Bryce and Aaron Dessner, Sharon Van Etten, and Sufjan Steven.

"Your Radio"