White Denim bring the wow factor to The Horseshoe

Wow. Just, wow. I kept saying it after just about every tune on Monday night at White Denim's Toronto show at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern.

I guess I'm a little late to the White Denim party, since I only have their latest album Corsicana Lemonade. I was impressed enough with their sound to head out to the show. Then came the fact that this Monday night show was sold out. Then came the fact that after spectacular opening act Districts, I couldn't leave the stage-front or I would lose my photo location. I had the feeling I was going to see something special.

The musicianship of this band is absolutely incredible, almost to the level of being ridiculous. There are also a ridiculous number of genres that these guys straddle. I won't even start. Each member of the band is a master of his instrument. And they play together on a psychic plane.

James Petralli, singer and guitarist, weaves the songs together with his vocals, solid rhythm guitar work and inventive leads. Joshua Block is a monster on the drums, playing complex bits while never not servicing the song. Bass player Steven Terebecki's fingers fly over the Ricky fretboard as intricate parts lock in with the drums, much to the delight of some front-row fans. Additional guitar duties are provided by Austin Jenkins who plays perfect parts and soulful solos while making it look effortless.

Their setlist was gigantic and ambitious - 25 songs in all. I was amazed at the length of the list, written in small printing on little pieces of paper. Again, wow.

Check out some tunes while I continue to dig through this amazing band's back catalog.

Set opener, "At Night In Dreams"


"Pretty Green"

"Drug"


"Anvil Everything"


"Street Joy"

Hue bring all their instruments to Tattoo Rock Parlour

On Friday, February 28, I headed down to Tattoo Rock Parlour on Queen West to see The C'mons celebrate the release of their new EP Places. I was also looking forward to checking out the other bands on the bill.

Up just before The C'mons were Hue. It looked like they brought every instrument they had. In addition to the standard drums, bass, guitars and keyboards, they produced flute and trumpet. And they switched up instruments between band members throughout the show. Thankfully, they have their switch-overs down to a fine art.

Hue put on a fun live show with lots of dancy fun tunes and even a hint of alt-country in some of the harmonies. They're a super-talented and fun band that I'd certainly see again.

Check out some tunes. Their album Starting Fires is available now.

"Follow"

"The Bump"

"Colours / You / Wood"

Cayucas warm up Toronto

Last night, Cayucas brought rays of California sunshine to The Garrison in Toronto. It may have been -24°C with the wind chill factor outside, but the California band made it feel like we were on the other side of the continent for an hour or so.

They brought all their hits from their début album Bigfoot and got the crowd dancing and swaying along. They hit up "Cayucos" early in the show and saved "High School Lover" for almost the end, as one would expect.

They even dragged out a tune they hadn't played in "years" for a reluctant encore.

Good times!

Here are a few of my faves: "Cayucos", "High School Lover" and "East Coast Girl".

The C'mons celebrate release of new EP Places

On Friday, February 28 a huge crowd braved the frigid temperatures to head out to the Tattoo Rock Parlour on Queen West to celebrate the release of The C'mons new EP Places.

Their bio proclaims The C'mons to be, "...a violin-infused indie-rock band with a sound that will rip out your heart while you tap your toes." That pretty much sums them up. The songs are amazing - passionate and emotive with barely contained energy and broad dynamic range. They put on a polished and honest performance with great pacing and presence.

The band consists of Steph Bosch, lead singer and guitarist, backup vocalist and bassist Jamie McDowell, violinist and keyboardist Roslyn Green, guitarist Scott Hanenberg, and drummer Cory Snider. Together they make a wonderful noise that comes across magically on their recorded material and live.

I caught them when I attended Indie Week and loved what I heard. I've really got to make a more concerted effort to get out to the various festivals and showcases around town. There's a lot of talent in this town just waiting to be uncovered. I've said it before and I'll certainly say it again - anyone who says there's no good music coming out these day just isn't looking.

They brought a special guest (whose name I missed) up on stage for their rollicking cover of Outkast's "Ms Jackson".

Check out some of The C'mons brilliant music:

Show opener "Set a Fire"


"Better & Kind"


"Only Ghost"


"Paper Walls"


"Poison"


Set closer "Go Go Go"

My advice: buy their EP and keep an eye out for their next gigs. You won't regret it.

New DZ Deathrays tunes from forthcoming Black Rat album

DZ Deathrays have a new album, Black Rat, coming out May 2. We already heard "Northern Lights" and now we get to check out "Gina Works At Hearts". This is a heavier, pounding riff-fest. Looking forward to seeing these guys live again...