Concert: DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979 at Sound Academy

Band: Death From Above 1979
Venue: Sound Academy
Date: Thursday, October 27, 2011

It’s a funny thing, finally getting to see a band you never thought you’d have the opportunity to see. When Death From Above 1979 announced they were getting back together and playing shows, it was a moment of surprise and happiness. I remember, back in 2005, recommending my friend buy a copy of You’re A Woman, I’m a Machine… because it was a time when I was just discovering the world of indie rock and DFA1979 just happened to be label mates with Metric, one of my favourite bands at the time (and now). My friend took my advice and bought the CD. She absolutely hated it. And I mean hated it. But I harboured a soft spot for them, which is a bit strange given they’re not typically the type of band I listen to. Long story short: They broke up, I never saw them, it was sad. I did see Sebastien Grainger & the Mountains, but it only made me want to see the band that started it all. And last night, it finally happened. Getting to see Black History Month live? Thank goodness for reunions and thank you Matt for the ticket.

Here are a few photos from the show and expect a full set up on Press+1 soon.

Concert: MUMFORD & SONS at Sugar Beach

Band: Mumford & Sons
Venue: Sugar Beach (102.1 The Edge Studios)
Date: Tuesday, October 25, 2011

So, first off, huge apologies for my lack of (re: non-existent) blogs. I’ve been busy at school and photographing/reviewing shows and, as a result, this blog has taken a bit of a back seat to those other commitments. I’m going to try and be better though (I swear!) and try and get some photos finally uploaded on here. But what better place to start than the most recent?

Today I headed straight from school to The Edge studios for another free show at their lakefront location. This time around they were welcoming back one of the biggest folk rock bands around, England’s Mumford & Sons. I’d actually seen the band play at the same studio last year. It was a great show back then and it was a great (/busier) show this time as well. I’ve seen Mumford & Sons twice now, but I’ve yet to see them play a proper, full set. They’re playing at the Air Canada Centre tonight but my student wallet prohibits me from attending the show. But I digress… According to them, their show tonight will be the biggest indoor show they’ve ever played. Quite the accomplishment for a band with only one LP to their name (2009′s Sigh No More). And apparently Torontonians really love folk rock. I guess I can understand that.

Concert: CITY AND COLOUR at Sugar Beach

Band: City and Colour
Venue: Sugar Beach (102.1 The Edge Studios)
Date: Monday, June 6, 2011

Monday night I was at The Edge studios for the free ‘Record Release Party’ of City and Colour‘s Little Hell. I’ve seen Dallas Green play under the City and Colour moniker once before and was admittedly impressed by his live set. While Monday’s set was an abbreviated performance, it was certainly nice to hear new material. In terms of sound, Green’s new material seems headed in a heavier direction – though it’s still a far cry from his Alexisonfire efforts. No complaints on my end about that. Also? Holy massive turnout. Sugar Beach was packed. And I mean packed. The last band I saw play Sugar Beach was Mumford & Sons, and they didn’t get close to half Green’s turnout. I guess that’s what happens when City and Colour + The Edge + NXNE join forces.

As for what’s coming up… with North by Northeast officially on the horizon, I’m looking forward to my fair share of late nights and great live sets. Guess this was just a (much needed) warm up.

You can check out my full set of photos on Facebook.

Interview: THE JOY FORMIDABLE

A little while back, I interviewed The Joy Formidable for Press+1. Despite having a long day of press, Ritzy and Rhydian were super nice and chatty. I’m expecting some great things from this band. Next time they come to Toronto, I’m really going to have to see them live.

Concert: STORNOWAY at El Mocambo

Band: Stornoway
Venue: El Mocambo (College & Spadina)
Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Check out my review of the show and a full set of photos at Press+1.

On Tuesday night, I went to see Stornoway. I’ve seen them play the El Mocambo once before and went again because they’re a terrific live band. Their debut album Beachcomber’s Windowsill was one of my favourites of 2010 and their folk tunes have drawn comparisons to Bombay Bicycle Club and Noah and the Whale. If you haven’t heard of them, I’d absolutely recommend checking them out. Preferably you’d do this in person, but I’m guessing it’ll take a bit of time (and a new album) for them to get back to Toronto. In the meantime, try this BBC video of them doing ‘Zorbing‘.