NXNE 2017: Cold Specks at Portlands - Concert Photos

You can always count on Cold Specks to deliver her unique music with intensity. She certainly did not disappoint with her NXNE 2017 Portlands set that included some new, some old, all soulful, introspective and beautiful music.

"Blank Maps"

"Hector"

"A Season of Doubt"

NXNE 2017: The Regrettes at Portlands - Concert Photos

The Regrettes kicked things off for my NXNE 2017 Portlands experience. I loved their fun, bouncy retro-tingled, garage-pop tunes delivered with punky attitude and tight harmonies.

Check 'em out:

"Seashore"

"Hey Now"

"Hot"

NXNE 2017: Marlon Chaplin at Cherry Cola's - Concert Photos

I discovered Marlon Chaplin last year and covered a great show at Lee's Palace. When I heard he was playing a NXNE showcase, I knew I had to be there. I love his genre-crossing, heartfelt songwriting, strong singing and timeless stage presence.

His set featured lots of new stuff mixed in with songs from Wanderer by Trade and his previously-released singles. I love the familiar tunes and I'm definitely looking forward to Marlon's next release, as you should.

Give his music a listen and do yourself a favour, go see his next show.

"In Stars"

"Carmeline"

"Fossils"

"Skeleton Key"

"Annabelle + Someone"

NXNE 2017: Beautiful Nothing at Cherry Cola's - Concert Photos

Beautiful Nothing impressed with their NXNE 2017 show at Toronto's Cherry Cola's. I'm always a sucker for a good cover, and Beautiful Nothing's cove of Tears For Fears' "Shout" definitely qualifies, and it was a good fit for their overall aesthetic.

Beautiful Nothing delivers emotionally intense and intensely melodic rock music pulling from influences that run from the classic to the new. They have plenty of solid hooks and catchy choruses. They made a very impressive showing for the first band up on the first night of the festival.

Give them a listen and check them out if you have the chance.

"Must Be Dreaming"

"Million Different Ways"

"The Unknown"

NXNE 2017: The Lifts at Cherry Cola's - Concert Photos

The only NXNE club show I caught in 2017 was at Cherry Cola's on June 16. Not sure why the festival didn't publicize any club shows this year. Catching up-and-coming bands in club shows has always been a highlight of the festival for me.

I enjoyed the tunes that The Lift's delivered. They showed off varied dynamics, heavy riffing, intricate noodling and shifty tempos veering into jazz territory.

Check them out below: