Concert Review: Purity Ring w/ Blue Hawaii @ The WECC

Purity Ring w/ Blue Hawaii

Wednesday, May 1st

The West End Cultural Centre

Winnipeg, MB

It’s been a banner year for Canadian electro-pop band Purity Ring.  They began making waves in 2011 when a steady drip of songs were picked up and hyped online by Pitchfork, and have gone on to garner buzz at SxSW and, more recently, a high-billed slot at Coachella.  Their July 2012 debut record Shrines was hotly anticipated and did not disappoint, receiving near universal plaudits from across the blogosphere.

Blue Hawaii kicked off the evening. Despite releasing an underwhelming sophomore record, Untogether, earlier this year, its set was altogether more expansive and developed and earned a warm reception from the audience. And a highly rare encore song (from an opener!). Look for vocalist Raphaelle Standell-Preston to return to her other project Braids soon; the follow-up record to Native Speakers will be released later this year.

Finally, came Purity Ring. Making its second stop at the West End in less than a year, it is evident Purity Ring has cultivated an impressive live show, which revolves around a multimedia, translucent-paper-cocoon-lantern light show.  It was a long developed project in which they sought to both create a more interactive audience experience and make themselves feel more comfortable on stage.  It presented itself nicely on Wednesday night, in a well-versed and tight 45-minute set that spanned its debut plus a cover.  Throughout, Roddick conducted musical proceedings while James drifted around stage and evoked a séance medium persona amidst the shimmering cocoons and smoke.

Maybe one of the reasons that Purity Ring has achieved such success is owing to the different aural spheres that both Roddick and James are working from.  Roddick creates sounds that have a sweet otherworldly aura with elements of R n’ B and these stylings fuse brilliantly with James’ delicate and highly literate vocals.

The capacity crowd at the West End certainly agreed.

-Will Burton

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Concert Review: The Men w/ The Hoots @ The WECC

The Men w/ The Hoots

Sunday, April 14th

The West End Cultural Centre

Winnipeg, MB

The Men don’t fuck around.  Their no-nonsense style offered at the West End Cultural Centre on Sunday night showed that there is more depth to their simple name than expected.  Garage, rock, indie, alt-country songs have all been put to disc by The Men in their short-yet-prolific, four-records-in-five-years history, and their raucous garage rock show drew from this array of styles.

On Sunday evening, the Men mainly pulled from their two most recent albums -- Open Your Heart (2012) and New Moon (2013) -- but also previewed new material, which recent interviews suggest is ready for imminent release via Sacred Bones.  If listening to their sound didn’t hint enough toward the influence, guitarist Kevin Faulkner adorned a 2008 North American Tour t-shirt of Winnipeg’s Golden Boy Neil Young.  The show evoked the aggression of Young, particularly in his raw, Crazy Horse moments.

The Men blazed through the hour-long set with a professional, workman-like attitude, efficiently shared vocal responsibilities between the three guitarists and lone keyboardist. Very little banter was had. They closed with set highlight New Moon closer ‘Supermoon, and 8-minute, slow-building number that winds into a manic, yet methodical, jam.  The Men have something that other bands towing the same musical line don’t – they have big hooks, intensity, variance, and undeniable songwriting consistency.  It was a powerful, masculine-charged performance, and it’s clear that their relentless energy is not solely directed to their shows, but musical output too.  Neil Young would, no doubt, have approved.

Fortune favored the few who had arrived prior to 8:30 with local act The Hoots (off I’m Trying Records) opening.  They were great. Their shoegaze-psychedelica and sprawling, winding guitars paired muffled vocals fed nicely into the headliner’s set.

- Will Burton

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Concert Review: TRUST @ The WECC

TRUST

The West End Cultural Centre

Winnipeg, MB 

February 28, 2013

Robert Alfons of TRUST 

Photo by K. Protulipac

The 2012 debut record from TRUST, a project of Toronto’s Robert Alfons was a sleeper hit on Canadian label Arts and Crafts.  The dense, synth-driven pieces that made up TRST paralleled fellow-Torontonian’s Crystal Castles, but dropped the demonic shard sounds of Alice Glass in favor of Alfons’s deep-nasal vocals.

Local act Kindest Cuts kicked off the show with a set that evoked a shattering, dark Depeche-Mode vibe.  Second on the bill was Brooklyn-based ERAAS who served up muffled, preaching vocals overtop a foundation of deep bass guitars and sullen, emotive electronics.

Finally, came TRUST. Backed with a drummer and a synth player, leader Alfons hopped around the stage front, and it was evident the lead man was certainly immersed - if not totally present - into his tight set that rarely deviated from the actual sound on the record. And, though compelling, Alfons exhibited minimal crowd interaction other than infrequent and meek gratitude, and he often darted to the side stage between song breaks.

The main set featured almost all cuts from the debut – the peak being the post-bridge from TRST finisher ‘Sulk’  complemented by the smokes and duel-pulsating strobes on stage.  The fair-sized WECC crowd was even treated to a three-song encore that included a new tune, suggesting that TRUST has even more quality music on the way.

- Will Burton

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In The Flesh...Bahamas @ The Park Theatre

Bahamas

The Park Theatre

Winnipeg, MB

November 30, 2010

.

Outside: snowy, windy, and cold.

Inside: inviting, intimate, and warm.

But just a little too warm for Afie Jurvanen. And he calls himself Bahamas.

“So, uhh, I’m wearing long johns right now,” confessed the songsmith, halfway through the main set. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

The discomforting heat source? A combination of an SRO crowd at the Park Theatre and the many new jaunty and upbeat songs he debuted throughout Tuesday night’s terrific double-encore-inducing performance.

From first note to the final acoustic strum, Jurvanen and his one-person touring band (Jason Tait, the man behind the Weakerthans’ kit) entertained a rapt, enthusiastic crowd with his unaffected songs, rumbling baritone, and off-beat charm.

What’s truly appealing about Jurvanen is his quirky stage presence and idiosyncratic personality. Many times he half-danced while playing guitar, and these playful moves brought fun and spontaneity to the intimate show. Many times he sparked big laughs during his candid song preambles (one story he told bordered on uncomfortable; ever the perfectionist, Jurvanen instantly admitted plans to edit the tale in the future).

And it’s this level of open honesty – whether preamble or instant self-evaluation – that lent a magical charm to the whole evening. A thunderous set of handclaps encouraged him out for an encore (after he shed the long johns somewhere backstage).

Then ecstatic clapping brought him out again.

And we all know it’s the double encore that’s truly special.

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In The Flesh...Japandroids @ The Pyramid Cabaret

Sunday night shows that start late must be tough on a band. Surely, they're cognizant that the majority of fans have work or school bright and early the next morning, and, if they do not immediately make an impact and engage their audience, clock watching will occur. And, slowly, people will trickle out.

Last night, Japandroids were well aware of this, cheerfully reminding the 150+ male-dominated population at the Pyramid that they too have to get up early and start the long trek to their next show.

Their message: Forget tomorrow. Rock out with us now.

Of course, when your live show is as loud, dynamic, and tempestuous as these two-man garage-rockers consistently is, it’s a pretty easy message for fans to grasp. Speeding their way through most of their catalogue to-date, guitarist Brian King and drummer David Prowse brought an enviable energy and undeniable presence to the stage, a liveliness happily mirrored by the crowd. The mass shout-a-longs during the appropriately anthemic “The Boys are Leaving Town” and the propulsive, melodic “Sovereignty” were ear-splitting highlights.

The energy of the place did wane from time to time, however, and some involuntarily yawns were spotted toward the end; but, that’s not a knock on Japandroids ferocious live show. After all, it was approaching 1 on a Sunday night…

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In The Flesh...Arcade Fire @ MTS Centre

Arcade Fire w/ Calexico

The MTS Centre

Winnipeg, MB

September 23, 2010

Calexico

Arcade Fire

For the second time in three days, our city was the place to be for transcendent live music. Take that, rest of the world.

Now I must admit after Tuesday’s eye-popping, jaw-dropping, synapse-frying Flaming Lips experience, my expectations were low heading into last night’s Arcade Fire show. No way, I thought, Arcade Fire come close to that.

Should’ve known better.

Arcade Fire are easily deserving of the all the hyperbolic ballyhoo that blazes behind them like a comet’s tail. Critical praise? Deserved! Billboard #1? Deserved! The only band to play the Daily Show in, what, two years? Deserved! And, most importantly, they deserve their incipient reputation as a killer, must-see, top live entity, with last night epitomizing everything an arena concert should be: engrossing, rocking, moving, rocking, inspiring, ear-splitting, energizing, rocking and, well, just amazing.

Part of the magic behind the evening was the over-caffeinated energy and assured presence all eight members of the band brought to the stage (and sometimes into the crowd). Part stemmed from the carefully considered set list (Funeral tracks were interspersed throughout and consistently triggered minor explosions of delight). But, most importantly, part sprung from the collective good time everyone seemed to be having.

And as someone naturally reserved about singing and dancing along, even I couldn’t resist joining the raging party.

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In The Flesh...The National @ First Avenue

Have you ever left a show thinking, "that's it! I'm for sure starting a band!" then spent the rest of the evening fantasizing about performing in front of a thousand adoring fans who sing along to every word while togged out in your ultra-chic merch?

Such was my inspired headspace Friday night as I shuffled out of First Avenue alongside 1500 plumb pleased concert goers. For over two hours, Brooklyn-via-Ohio's the National tirelessly soared through a lengthy 22-song set of their awe-inspiring, venerated indie-rock.

Three nights later and my blood is still buzzing.

Joined on stage by a three-member horn section and occasionally, as noted below, can't-miss singer-songwriter Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver fame), the dynamic sextet proved why their haunting, brooding tones are so widely cherished: the emotional response was instantly undeniable and near-palpable.

Opening with stately "Runaway", off May's High Violet, the band quickly won over the forest-thick, bristling crowd (including yours truly), constructing a setlist that paid tribute to at least four of their albums. This included a five-song encore, a finale to this amazing show that left me slightly confused: I got the distinct impression the band wanted to keep playing and playing (according to forms, this was one of their longer performances). But in the end, I suppose the reality behind touring reared its ugly head and they had to go.

And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go blow the dust off my electric guitar.

----

Set List

Main

1. Runaway
2. Mistaken For Strangers
3. Anyone’s Ghost
4. Bloodbuzz Ohio
5. Baby We’ll Be Fine
6. Slow Show
7. Squalor Victoria
8. Afraid of Everyone (with Justin Vernon of Bon Iver)
9. Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks (with JV)
10. Available/Cardinal Song
11. Conversation 16
12. Apartment Story
13. Lemonworld
14. Abel
15. Daughter of the Soho Riots
16. England
17. Fake Empire

 Encore

1. 90-Mile Water Wall (with JV)*
2. You Were a Kindness (with JV)
3. Mr. November
4. Terrible Love (with JV)
5. About Today (with JV)

*about this song, singer Matt Beringer stated, “I don’t think we’ve ever played that song live before.” It was that kinda night. 

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In The Flesh...NXNE - Saturday Night Edition + Toronto Island Festival

A shirtless punk god. THE lo-fi rock legends. A-list indie bands. A bearded, balding, and big-bellied frontman, also sans a shirt.

This past Saturday was a glorious, indulgent and unforgettable day of live music.

First up, a ferry trip over to Toronto Island for the annual namesake festival headlined by the immortal and seminal Pavement. Also appearing Broken Social Scene, arguably Toronto's biggest (literally and figuratively) indie exports ever; the increasingly popular dream-pop pair Beach House (plus an additional touring member); and jangly, folksy roots-rockers Band of Horses.

Beach House surprised. I've previously declared, rather emphatically to anyone who'll listen, that Beach House's Teen Dream is my favourite record of 2010 so far, but I was admittedly uncertain whether their breezy, hypnotic sounds would translate to a festival-sized crowd. Much to my delight, they were entertaining and had undeniable stage presence, leaving more than a few wanting a couple more tunes.

But, as with the NXNE festival, the Toronto Island festival ran like clockwork, so the stage was stripped and reloaded for Band of Horses. I've sorta lost track of Band of Horses after their stunning breakthrough, Everything All The Time. From what I heard throughout their set, they haven't missed a beat, evolving their earthy sound to a more confident, produced, pop-inflected one.

The last time Broken Social Scene played Winnipeg was at the now-extinct Le Rendevous. That show really turned me off the band for quite some time. Their performance was listless and Kevin Drew seemed indifferent to the crowd and was, at times, mopey (he was still upset about the band's last gig in the city where an irreplaceable pedal was stolen by a thoughtless ass). Anyway, I jumped at the opportunity to see this talented collection play on home soil in front of fans who've been supporting the band from their inception. People who don't pilfer pedals, I suspect. Materializing at 6:45 sharp Broken Social Scene exceeded expectations and brought EVERYONE along for the wild, wild ride - Feist, Emily Haines, Sebastien Grangier, Lisa Lobsinger, a pair of violinists, two drummers (one from Sea & the Cake), a sprightly horn section and a few backup singers. Total body count on stage in the bottom photo: 19. Might be 20. Best hour-and-a-half of music I've witnessed since, well, maybe Sigur Ros in Minneapolis.

Kevin Drew noted this about Pavement, "Without them, Broken Social Scene wouldn't be there". Still, I wondered how Pavement would fare following-up to Broken Social Scene's sure-to-be-talked-and-twittered-about-for-awhile set. Should've known better to doubt. There's a veritable reason Pavement are the godfathers of that fractured lo-fi indie-rock aesthetic and the half-hour or so I saw was incredible.

Pavement fans are probably wondering "TF did you only stay for a half hour, mate?" The music nut in me just had to see Iggy & The Stooges who were playing a free show at Young-Dundas square at the same time. Didn't matter who was playing Toronto Island, this pull was irrepressible. Y-D square was utter madness. 20, 000 people, maybe? In the top photo you can actually, sorta, maybe see Iggy Pop (still shirtless @ 62!). The pic required the full utilization of my 12X zoom, the crowd being the largest mass of people I've ever been a part of, concert or otherwise. The grandfather of punk rock's endless energy was enviable, shaking to the core any preconceptions about sexagenarians slowing down.

After a quick refuel (veggie burger, pitcher of local beer, much needed sit), it was off to Wrongbar for a different sorta shirtless icon: Tim Harrington (aka Beardo), fearless leader of Les Savy Fav. The lineup outside the joint was monstrous and the room neared capacity. Fortunately, priority pass holders (which we had) were whisked inside, which, upon reflection, may have been an act of divine intervention. Words and pictures cannot describe the Les Savy Fav live experience. Tim Harrington is just about the craziest effing singer in the indie biz today. Whether wrapping himself with toilet paper King Tut-style, chugging beers then clinking them together in rhythm, licking a seriously enthralled fan's nipple, or pulling mirrors off the wall, the mobile leader of Les Savy Fan offers an unpredictable live show set to equally rambunctious bursts of music.

Still raving about it three nights later. 

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In The Flesh...NXNE - Friday Night Edition

Off to Toronto Island Festival in a bit, so this is written in haste.

9 p.m. Avi Buffalo (mostly solo)  @ The Great Hall

Fresh out of high school and recently signed to Sub Pop Records, Avi Buffalo played a stripped-down, drums-and-bass-guitar free set last night to a threadbare crowd at the stately Great hall. The shifty, quirky dynamics of their sound were lost without the additional band members/instruments making this an overall disappointing experience. Hoping to catch them tonight at Lee's Palace w/ entire band.

10 p.m. Timber Timbre @ Gladstone Hotel Ballroom

Insanely hot and crowded at Gladstone Hotel Ballroom. The only real uncomfortable show I experienced. Too many people. Not enough room. Regardless, Timber Timbre was pitch-perfect and his spooky narratives hypnotized the many, many souls at GHB. 

11 p.m. Wavves @ Lee's Palace

San Diego lo-fi punk-rockers, perhaps best known for mercurial frontman Nathan Williams' onstage meltdown last year at the Barcelona Primavera Sound festival, were all energy and loud, fast guitars. This set the tone for the rest of my evening. 

12 p.m. Japandroids @ Lee's Palace

Japandroids served up the best 40 minutes of music I saw on Friday night. Brian and Dave filled the room with their propulsive energy, guitar-driven melodies, and shouted, call-and-response vocals, vocal lines which were amplified by the many manic Japandroids fans in the joint. "The Boys are Leaving Town" nearly brought the roof down (I seriously looked up, just to make sure the ceiling wasn't quaking ominously). 

1 a.m. Turbogeist @ Comfort Zone

Feeling a desperate need for some non-North American music flavours led me (us, really) to the Comfort Zone for raw, hyperactive UK thrashers Turbogeist. The kinetically charged quartet blitzed through a showcase of power-pop-meets-trash-borrows-things-from-punk tunes propelled along by furious drumming and angular guitars. Great way to seal the night. 

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In The Flesh...NXNE - Thursday Night Edition

After being paralyzed by indecision throughout my first full night of NXNE in Toronto (SO many great bands to see), I seriously hoped this morning would be like Groundhog Day and I could relive the night over and over and choose different concert paths. And maybe learn something about life, love, and relationships in the process! The Russian Futurists, Health, Junior Boys, DD/MM/YYYY, Grand Analog, and Lily Frost each played midnight sets at various venues across the city, and I wanted to attend them all. But, alas, reliving the day was not in the cards (or even possible, really). 

Tomorrow, though, is a fresh morning. 

Below are some photos from shows I attended. All in all, it was a fantastic, lively, and highly varied night of music. My evening started out with thoughtful, well-crafted atmo-rock  from Young Galaxy then shifted to the moody, Gothy soundscapes courtesy of Zola Jesus and her strikingly operatic voice. What a magically elastic set of pipes the young songstress (21) possesses! At 10 O'Clock, Lee's Palace hosted the collaborative efforts of three singer-songwriters: Royal Wood, Amelia Curran, and Andy Maize. This set was easy on the ears and ripe with fun and spontaneity and impassioned performances, but, by hour's end, I desperately craved some upbeat, gut-rattling music. Which brought me to acclaimed dance-pop-rockers The Russian Futurists at El Macambo, followed by up-and-coming electro-dance trio DVAS. Watched and enjoyed them for a bit before ducking downstairs for the tail-end of ramshackle folk-rockers Great Bloomers' energetic showcase. Two shows in the same venue. Very spoiled. 

 8 p.m. Young Galaxy @ Mod Club Theatre

9 p.m. Zola Jesus @ Sneaky Dee's

10 p.m. Amelia Curran, Royal Wood, and Andy Maize @ Lee's Palace

12 a.m. The Russian Futurists @ El Mocambo (Upstairs)

1 a.m. DVAS @ El Mocambo (Upstairs)

1 a.m. Great Bloomers @ El Mocambo (Main Floor)

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