Here’s the deal: NXNE has begun with a pretty serious bang. In the schedules of 50+ bands you’ve all made to see this week I sincerely hope The Dodos are one of them. They’ll in town tonight for what should be an incredible show at the Phoenix with the amazing Deerhoof. The only catch is that it’s sold out (whomp, whomp!) but get there early with wristbands securely fastened and you may be granted admissions.

If you don’t already know The Dodos from their unique approach to soundscapes (or their Miller Chill beer commercial) Logan Kroeber helps fill you in on all you need to know to love them – just in time for their show tonight!

The band: Meric Long and Logan Kroeber + a second touring guitarist which they swapped with the vibraphone

File alongside: Born Ruffians, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Fruit Bats

The skinny: From San Francisco, CA, The Dodos have been playing their jam band-style rock since early 2005, building more than just buzz; establishing a name for themselves in the indie world. ‘No Color’ the band’s fourth album was released March 15, 2011 and features the much adorned chanteuse Neko Case. Logan explains that the inclusion to have her on the album was very organic, “We toured all last summer with the New Pornographers all over North America and just sort of got to know her. We finished our tour with them at Lollapalloza and Neko came out and sang some songs with us and I think after Merick told her we were going to record our next record and just asked her, plain and simple and she just said yes.”

Must hear track: ‘Black Night’

Favourite song to play live: “I use to really like the last two songs together, but I really like ‘Going Under’ as well.”

Favourite new band area band: From San Francisco: “There’s tons but one that I’ve heard about for awhile but just started getting into is The Sandwitches. I’ve only been listening to recordings but when I get home I’m going to pick up their records. They’ve got like freaked out guitars and duo female harmonies that are spooky but still tuneful.”

At NXNE you’ll find them… Playing with Deerhoof of course, but after “we’re going to run around the city after the show and catch a few bands. After NXNE we’re heading back to play a show July 3rd show with Neko.”

Grab this free download of ‘Don’t Stop’ and then bike to the Phoenix as fast as you can for their show tonight.

Words by Kate Masewich

I love the nightlife, I got to boogie…well, you know where I’m going next. I don’t know what I love the most about a sweaty dance party but in my opinion few things make for a better time. Nightbox gets this concept completely and make danceable rock-based songs with just the right amount of electro to facilitate such an occasion. Between their CMF spots I caught up with the boys at The Underground Garage (in the men’s washroom, obviously) to discuss their interesting band origins, their adrenalin pumping EP and texting with Sebastien Grainger.

Nightbox already have such a colourful history. A five-piece who met and began playing together while attending high school in Ireland, they got their first big break after winning the BlastBeat music competition. From there, they secured a one-record deal with Grouse Lodge Studios where they recorded an album. Nick Bitove explains that everything just seemed to fall into place so they collectively decided to make the move and ‘give it a crack here.’ ‘Relocate You’ jokes aside, with roots in Canada, the US as well as Ireland they’ve chosen, at least for the time being, to call Toronto home.

With an EP produced by Death From Above 1979’s Sebastien Granger and MSTRKFT’s Al-P, they’ve found themselves in good hands here in the city. Their EP release held at Wrongbar featured a surprise appearance by Mr. Granger himself which as Jake Bitove explains was a surprise even to the band, “I texted him just asking him if he was going to come to the EP release show and he’s like ‘I have some other things going on but if I can make it I’ll try to swing by’ and then just as a joke I was like ‘Oh shit, cause we were hoping that you’d like sing in our set.” A couple of minor scheduling adjustments later and this was the end result:

Nightbox w/ Sebastien Grainger – Pyramid from Last Gang Records on Vimeo.

Suffice it to say that for most bands influences are subconscious when it comes to writing music; you can’t help but be drawn to a band that sites ‘Donkey Kong Country for Super Nintendo’ as an inspiration for their sound. Nick explains with a chuckle while remaining entirely serious, “We grew up playing that game and the soundtrack is real like ambient and kind of dance-y tracks.” While they may have their differences in opinion regarding what levels are the best/most difficult, they all can agree that their end game is to make music with ‘floor to floor kick and dance elements to get your feet moving’.

Much alike their Kitsuné playlist cohorts Two Door Cinema Club and Phoenix, Nightbox are a rock band that layer their dance and electronic elements subsequently. Nick expands on this concept further, “We’ve seen a couple other bands and they kind of do the same thing that we’re doing with dance music except they don’t have a live drum kit and they don’t use real instruments, so it’s more just on the electronic side. We’re trying to fuse the two together and have the real dance elements while having a full live rock band to back it up.”

Nightbox will be playing a few Toronto dates coming up, one being this Friday at Supermarket followed by an April 23rd spot at Velvet Underground. Be sure to catch at least one, but try for both. I promise you’ll be dancing your ass off in no time.

Words by Kate Masewich

Don’t call him a dubstep DJ! Skrillex wants you to know that he is an artist making not just dubstep but electronic music for the masses, although he has just been crowned ‘the current prince of dubstep’ (by MTV).  His newest EP, “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” has been climbing up the iTunes charts gaining fans in the electronic community and beyond.  His tour has taken him across North America landing him in Toronto on Feburary 19th at the Phoenix, a significantly larger venue than his last stop in Toronto.  So who is DJ Skrillex (aka Sonny John Moore), this barely 23 year old from San Francisco?

No matter where you turn on the internet, the first thing you will learn about him is that Skrillex used to be the lead in a emo-hardcore band titled From First to Last. When I ask him about this, he sounds slightly annoyed.  “You know, the thing is I didn’t transition from my band to becoming a DJ.  I had been going to raves since I was 13 years old, so it was like I just kept growing as a person.  I’ve always been listening to electronic music, I like what I like.  But I don’t want to be known for just being that guy in a band.”  He kind of laughs a bit.  “I think that’s the longest answer I’ve ever given about the band thing.”  And fair enough, I guess getting the same question all the time would be annoying.

But as he’s progressed as a musician he’s had the opportunity to play larger venues (compare his last gig in Toronto at Wrongbar – 300 capacity to his upcoming gig in Toronto to the Phoenix – 1000 capacity, much larger!), work with great producers and musicians (he’s currently signed to DeadMaus5 label mau5trap and Big Beat) plus, on his Twitter recently – he alluded to some potential work with Electronic Arts and Activision.  When on the phone with him, I ask about it to which he replies, “I might be doing some work with them (EA and Activision).  I can’t really talk about it.  But yea, the video game designers are geniuses.”  So it could be entirely possible we’ll hear some Skrillex beats alongside a video game in the future.

So what’s next for Skrillex.  He tells me he’s always making music, even while on the road.  Nothing has stopped him.  He will be releasing two new tracks in February, so that should tide his fans over while he is on tour.  Tickets for this show in Toronto on Feb. 19th  are SOLD OUT with limited tickets available at the door.  He will be playing alongside NERO that night at the Phoenix Concert Theatre.  Check it out.

Young Galaxy’s third, and most recent album, “Shapeshifting”, is pretty damn gorgeous. It reminds us of so many other artists we love but in a new way where it sounds entirely their own. There’s a distinctive “album” feel throughout, which is to say you can just press play and let it go. It’s got all the airy ethereal stuff we like about Bat For Lashes, but it’s also got that sunny Sunday morning omelet making feel that early Phoenix albums had. If that makes any sense at all. In any case, we think you can listen to this album while you study, at your mom’s place for dinner, or in bed with a lover. It’s hopeful enough that it sounds upbeat and happy, but not so up-tempo that you can’t listen to it at the office. It’s gonna sound great outdoors on the concert circuit this summer for sure. Shit, we’re even digging the cover artwork. Just go buy it. You won’t regret it. Besides, you can say you were one of the firsts when they’re up for the next Polaris. Oh, and band mate Stephen Ramsay took our 20 Qs. Look at that, fun.

1. What is your dream of happiness?
Pantless afternoons full of Ayahuasca, Pimm’s and Ginger, and lawn bowling in pristine white suits

2. Blonde or Brunette?
Rodent

3. What is the quality you like most in a person?

Killer abs

4. What do you fear most?

Tied for 1st: death and eternal life

5. 808s or 909s?

606s!

6. What’s your biggest regret?

Not becoming a professional athlete

7. What’s your fav bar or club in the world?

Tied for first: Cafe De Dokter, Amsterdam and The Angel’s Share, Manhattan , NYC

The Crow and Gate, Nanaimo , British Columbia

Some crazy bar in Tokyo with a bar shaped like a triangle that sat something like 4 people and had a tiny deadlocked japanese girl playing devastating dub reggae

8. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

The front door key to my apartment

9. What are the 3 musicians dead or alive you’d like to see perform?

John Bonham

Syd Barrett

Jesus

10. What is your favorite decade in music?

September 1973

11. If you had to choose, would you rather go blind or deaf and why?

What a horrible question! I guess blind, seeing as I’m a musician

12. How old is too old?

Me

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

See question one

14. Who’s your hero?

No more heroes

15. What’s your favourite colour?

‘My favourite colour is gold’

16. What song could you live without ever hearing again?

What’s playing on commercial radio this moment?

17. Metallica or Madonna?

Madallica, the perfect rock beast. Less effeminate than Metallica, less manly than Madonna

18. What’s your most hated vice?

I don’t hate my vices anymore. We have an understanding. Is eating too fast a vice?

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?

Poor Billy Mumphry, who died from ‘unbridled enthusiasm’

20. What are the top three live shows you have ever seen?

The Verve, 1991, Vancouver – Space rock is amazing when done well and you happen to have eaten hash brownies

Spiritualized, 1995, Vancouver – Space rock is amazing when done well and you happen to have eaten hash brownies
Tindersticks, 1995, Vancouver – Art rock is amazing when done well and you happen to have had 25 glasses of red wine

You knew it was going to be a special kind of night.  The weather held up, the humidity was getting guys and girls alike to strip down to barely nothing and the epic bill of Chromeo/Holy Ghost were playing at the Phoenix.  I remember I have been trying to see Chromeo since their last tour, I even had tickets too – but then I ended up having to sell them and not go due to family commitments.  Well not this time, this time I was going to experience it all.

Arriving at the Phoenix, Kelly and I walked mid-way through the set of Brooklyn’s own Telephoned.  Currently signed to A-Trak’s Fool’s Gold imprint, Telephoned were simply put – a cover band.  While they took recognizable songs and mashed them up, I felt like I was trapped in a Korean karaoke lounge with a friend who had potentially brought their own CD of beats. It got me head bobbing, but it wasn’t exactly mind-blowing.

Next up was Holy Ghost!, also hailing from Brooklyn NYC, who laid down the perfect groundwork for the evening.  Complete with synths, cowbells and the occasional symbal crash, Holy Ghost brought their disco-ladden and new wave sound.  Maybe it has been the touring with LCD Soundsystem, but they were channeling some serious Hot Chip and LCD vibes in this set.  The only complaint I would have to say about the Holy Ghost set was that it seemed so short.  In the blink of an eye, it was all over.  That’s when you know you’ve been completely wrapped up within the music.  You don’t even realize you’re there anymore.

I will make this comment about Chromeo, they don’t have any quasi-celebrity hang-ups about them. Dave-1 from the band came out into the crowd several times prior to the show actually starting to check out Telephoned and Holy Ghost, without too many ladies bothering him.  Since he was standing beside me, I got to listen in on one of these conversations.  It consisted of music, Toronto and just general chit-chat. But as soon as the clock struck, 10:55PM – he dashed away.

Without further adieu, Chromeo took to the stage launching into their new single, “Don’t Turn The Lights On” from the album Business Casual.  The strobe lights show was intense (especially for someone who is epileptic, like me!), but I managed to find a safe haven where I could still see the stage without getting killed by the lights.  Dave-1 and P-Thugg definitely know how to give a crowd what they came for, pulling out all the classics from their previous album “Fancy Footwork” like “Tenderoni” and “Bonafied Lovin”.  The Phoenix was one big sweat pit of bros, hoes, and fans alike. The set was danceable and funkadelic.  Gave an awesome preview of the album to come.  Personally, I had not seen Toronto go that hard on a Tuesday night in awhile.  I’m so happy this was my first Chromeo experience.

Photos by Kelly McElwain

Elliott Brood and Calexico @ The Phoenix July 22

Remember really good house parties? The ones where you are surrounded by awesome friends and solid tunes that you just never want to end? Elliott Brood is that kind of party. They’ve managed to find a way to harness those good party vibes and translate them to a rockin’ live show. Their self-proclaimed “death country” style of music provides a rollicking soundtrack that you can’t help but embrace. Watching their “Bron-Y-Ar Stomp” approach to preforming could get anybody moving and a quick scan of the crowed proved just that. No pleading was necessary to get the crowd singing, dancing and stomping their heels.

For a trio they have a very well-rounded and complete sound and are all multi-talented. Both Mark and Casey interchangeably played various string instruments and Steve often joined in backing vocals. Mark’s vocals however are incredibly distinct. His boisterous Blake Schwarzenbach-esque voice tore through the crowd reaching the very depths of the room. I was looking forward to playing some kitchen utensils during “Write it All Down for You” but apparently silverware is costly and they sounded tight without adding those little extras.

While they put forth an extremely raw and energetic show, it was their stage presence that resonated most with me. For some bands letting their music speak for them in favour of crowd interaction is fine. For the Brood though, their approach is to engage the audience and make them entirely part of the show. From the moment the first chords struck they had the full attention of the crowd.  They chit-chatted as though they were amongst friends, embracing drunken howls while cracking jokes. Because they broke down the barries the stage often creates they maintained full attention even while tuning their instruments. In keeping  with this personal approach to preforming the set ended on a sweet note with “Miss You Now” being dedicated to a friend who was moving away from the city.

What I found interesting about the night was that while some of the Brood’s crowd remained for Calexico, most dispersed after the set and an older crowd moved in. Calexico’s set created a mellow, easy going vibe. Watching them was like relaxing after a long day at the office. There was a lot less energy in the crowd, although you could tell they enjoyed themselves. While their sound is nearly two decades old and they’re certainly talented and experienced musicians, I can see them being appreciated more in an outdoor  festival. Or, as a soundtrack to a Spaghetti Western.

Black Mountain and Quest For Fire @ The Horseshoe July 23

I’m calling it now ladies and gents, rock show of the summer! It had everything you needed from a show: mega loud, mega rammed and mega sweaty.

I’ve always felt like I was born in the wrong era. Rubber Soul is my favourite Beatles album and I find myself unable to take Fresh Cream out of my vinyl rotation. Possibilities of time travel aside, I will never be able to experience the birth of psychedelic rock or the subsequent Haight-Ashbury heydays. Fortunately, there are bands of the likes of Black Mountain and Quest For Fire who share a nostalgia for mid-60s to early 70s psych-rock and sometimes we get lucky and they’ll play a show like Friday and tear the place up.

First on the bill for the night: Quest For Fire. Like many the proverbial side-project-Phoenix rising from the ashes of a now defunct band, Quest For Fire is comprised of two former members of garage rock darlings The Deadly Snakes. Having never seen them I’d heard a lot of buzz surrounding their live performances and they definatelty blew away what little expectations I did have and put on a killer show. A lot of riff-heavy songs with extended instrumentals. Their solos weren’t overly concerned with being technical but were purposeful and effective in building peaks and creating climaxes. With much of their songs hitting near and even above the five minute mark there was plenty of time to pick up what they were laying down.

After such a solid opener the crowd was left thirsty for more and Black Mountain entirely quenched. They played for what seemed like forever, pounding through a set which incorporated songs of past, present and future. Then, when you thought they were finished and it couldn’t get any better they played some more. Total set clocked in somewhere near the hour and forty-fiver mark including a slamming encore. Their songs are skillfully crafted and make great use of textures and layering intersections. Each takes you on a different journey. Some start as a slow burning flame before bursting into a blazing fire while others erupt immediately and carry that jam all the way through.

Steve McBean is undoubtedly a musical genius, but Black Mountain without Amber Webber just wouldn’t be the same. Webber is a hauntingly accurate portrayal of everything a front-woman of the past was, only she stripes down the showmanship aspect and throws all her weight behind her talent. She stands stoic-like behind the mic stand only occasionally moving to hammer the wood blocks or the jingle the tambourine. She was like a sedated Patti Smith or Janis Joplin and her gaze was dead-set on the back of the room, nearly boring a hole through the wall. Yet her indisputable talent commanded so much attention. Webber and McBean’s vocal chemistry is also invigorating despite being seemingly detached. In fact, its almost as though Black Mountain is a sum of its individual parts which somehow manage to coagulate and flawless execute their brand of psych-rock.

Most tracks translated near perfectly in the venue. I will say this about the Horseshoe though; your enjoyment depends entirely on where you situate yourself. Spending the better part of the first half nestled in the front then hanging back by the soundboard for the second half made a profound difference. Sure, you can argue that as long as you hear the band what difference does it really make, but I’d just rebuttal that it makes all the difference. Nothing beats watching McBean pound down on the pedal halfway through “Wucan” to throw into a killer jam session. Nothing!

Words by Kate Masewich

Elliott Brood are a serious force of nature. Their sound is sympathetic to the past yet eager and adventurous towards the future. They have a live show that is raw, energetic and entirely unique. Pink Mafia was fortunate enough to speak with Casey Laforet before tonight’s show about their progression in sound, what the future holds for the band and Samsonite suitcases.

Most will agree the best live shows are the ones where everyone is intrinsically involved. Singing, dancing and feeding off each other’s energy. A party where everyone is invited to attend, something that Casey says the band strives for. “We always tried to make that effort to break down the barrier between the stage and the audience, to have that house party idea. What Elliott Brood does is try to make it a giant house party that everyone can join in. Make it an experience that is worth telling someone. I think that’s the way we got people on our side from the beginning. We’re really comfortable up there and we feel like our fans are our friends and family. It’s a very intimate thing for us, even if it is a big crowd.”

Their sound is as big as the crowds they draw; a combination of many things which shape it’s full body although they’ve taken a simplistic approach. “Mark and I write most of the lyrics and its the kind of music we like. Bob Dylan, Neil Young and oldtime storytelling. At the same time I was raised listening to a lot of grunge music like Dinosaur Jr., Alice in Chains…that sort of loud crunchy guitar. Casey describes in which their sound came to be as “kind of happening by accident, really.” Their level-headedness and creative control allows for their sound to remain, in fact, their sound. The lyrical content is refreshing. They aren’t singing songs of their own pain and sorrows, another nod to their lack of pretentiousness. Instead they write in narrative and take cues from folklore then juxtapose it with their distinct sound. “From the beginning we’ve tried to remove our own personalities from the songs. Its not us, its us telling someone else’s story. Conveying the story, not being the center of it.”

The band has come along way. Since releasing the critically acclaimed Mountain Meadows in 2008 they’ve headlined a tour, been shortlisted for a Polaris Prize and played Whistler for the 2010 Olympics. Yet through the success they’ve remained an entirely humble and approachable band. “We know that this could end at any moment and I think we take it all with a grain of salt. We’re very happy and proud its happening and its an amazing thing. Sometimes you don’t know why, you don’t control it necessarily. We go out and we play as hard as we can. We sweat it up and have a good time and it just seems like people just keep telling their friends about it.” Something that every band strides for no doubt, yet they seem to be surprise that it is actually is happening to them.

As up and down as the journey may have been through Mountain Meadows, they’ve taken that penchant for adventure and incorporated it into who they are as a band using various locations and even objects to round them out. “Mark has always said he considers the room an instrument. Wherever you are it gets into your head and gets onto the tape…it definitely comes through.” Their appreciation for how elements can impact the sound paired with their experimental nature makes them who they are. “We’re never shy about adding instruments that we don’t know how to play.” Evidently so, as they once used a Samsonite suitcase as a bass drum! “At first it was just Mark and myself and I would stomp the floor. When Steve became the drummer he wanted to replicate that as much as possible without it being a huge kick drum.” Although it has since been retired Casey maintains, “you never know, it may come back.”

So what does the future hold for the band? “I don’t know what to tell you about it other than the songs are going to be a little thicker.” He modestly adds, “we’ve learned a lot as musicians and we’re actually getting better! You can expect more traditional songs and some that are definitely amped up. There are going to be songs where you’re like ‘is this Elliott Brood?’ but you’ll hear it actually is..I’m really happy with them, and that’s huge because I hate everything!”

Catch the Brood tonight at the Phoenix playing along side Calexico. More information here. Come join the party, wont ya?

Words by Kate Masewich

Photos courtesy of Six Shoot Records

Safariing through Pennsylvanian tunnels and a New York City hangover, Two Door Cinema Club‘s fair-haired and seemingly arcane front man, Alex Trimble has PinkMafia curiously drawn to the forecast at Wrongbar for today’s SOLD OUT show.

Curt through and through, here’s a glimpse beyond this Irish tiger’s eye:

PinkMafia: You formed your band not too long ago, in 2007. If you hadn’t started a band, what do you think you’d be doing now?

Alex Trimble: When I left school I was going to go study music production. I would probably still be doing that if we weren’t touring.

PM: What inspired you three to start this project in the first place?

AT: We met in high school when we were 16. We just started to get on because we realized we were listening to the same kinds of music and were different then all the other kids in our school.

PM: After your myspace success and your album release in 2009, you were on the list of bands to look out for in 2010 according to the Metro UK. Did you think you would gain such success so soon? How is it affecting you?

AT: I think we were kind of ready for a bit more attention. We’ve worked very hard and done a lot of touring so we were in a position where things were ready to go. I think in a way we kind of wanted it. Not that we were necessarily expecting it, but we were ready for it and because of that we’re doing pretty ok.

PM: For your first time in North America, how are you finding people are receiving your music here?

AT: It’s been good. We started off touring with Phoenix. Playing support shows to someone else’s crowds we were getting really good reactions and some kids at the shows even knew our songs. It was incredible to see people singing along.

PM: What do you want people to take away from your music?

AT: We write music because we enjoy it not because we want other people to enjoy it. When people hear our record, we want them to feel good. The album is really positive and it’s supposed to be uplifting. In terms of our live show its upbeat and we just want people to have fun.

Fresh add to Kitsuné (Phoenix, La Roux) in 2010, the grammar school chums named after the mispronunciation of a local movie theatre have been buzzing around the European Blog loop and pleasing critics everywhere. Fired up on a summer of tumultuous festival appearances and an international tour, the NME band to watch break the laws of traditional arrangement. With 50 + shows scheduled around the world between now and November, Two Door Cinema Club and their guitar ramped dance party meet Canada tonight at Wrongbar. Get blasted and dance your little hearts out! We’ll leave you with the video for “Undercover Martyn” our favourite so far.

Words Katherine Alicia Snack

Are you the type that’s always looking for the next big thing?  Then look no further, because Sweden’s Miike Snow are pretty much the definition of eclectic and hot, if their 2009 album self titled debut album is anything to go by.  With an upcoming SOLD OUT gig in Toronto on April 3rd at the Phoenix, I had the opportunity to speak with member of the group, Andrew Wyatt about what the future holds for Miike Snow.

Andrew spoke candidly about meeting bandmates Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg (the heavy hitting producing team, known as Bloodshy & Avant).  “Christian and I met at a recording studio in NYC, our paths just crossed and we had been in touch ever since.  We wanted to create some something together that didn’t sound like a rehash of an old style.  Of course, we appreciate all of the old bands and music.  We wanted to create something that sounded new.”  From that chance meeting, Miike Snow was born.

The music, the image, the symbolism for the entire band was brought together as these three musical heavy hitters, as Andrew explains, locked themselves in a room together and rode the roller coaster together. “All of the first ideas we had, we just kind of stuck with.  Once you start getting them, you can’t stop.  We didn’t want to try for revisions and we didn’t want to try re-inventing the wheel.” With that frame of mind, the self-titled album was born and they’ve made it onto several “10 Bands to Watch” lists, especially with their non-stop touring and epic live shows.

As the band has been touring endlessly across North America, most recently in Austin for SXSW and getting rave reviews, Andrew tells me it’s been great to be on the road with the album.  “It’s great to connect with people and play the music.  Each show we’ve played the crowds have been diverse.  Be it a nice large venue or a small venue, it’s still fun.  It doesn’t effect the music.”  But with all the touring, has the band been able to work on any material for a second album?  Andrew tells me it hasn’t been possible, as the ideas that they have for a second album are not possible to record on a laptop or a tour bus.  But that the ideas are there and they do want to put them into fruition.

Besides the touring and potential second album happening, I asked Andrew what else Miike Snow is planning for the future.  His answer was simple: “Become as much as we can.  Buying our own island.  Building bonfires on this island.  Inviting all of our friends to the island.  Taking lots of psychedelic drugs and going to the place where time never was.  You can come too.”  Well, hey – I like that that answer.

I’m off to join Miike Snow on their private island, but in the meantime – if you’re able to jack a b**ch for some tickets to the Toronto show on April 3rd, I’d highly suggest doing so.  It’s probably something you don’t want to miss

Wednesday Night:

Zeus, Jason Collett, and Bahamas at Lee’s Palace

Bahamas

Jason Collett has always a staple in my music library but for some reason, Wednesday night was my first experience with his backing band Zeus and Afie Jurvanen’s one-man-magical act, Bahamas. The three groups came together in what I would call one of the most incredible collaborations I’ve ever seen live. The stage was set like a cozy living room (equipped with vintage lampshades that kept getting in the way of Collett’s flounce of hair and during Mike O’Brian’s guitar raises) which made the performance feel even more like a family act who’ve been touring together since childhood. It’s going to be hard to listen to any of these three amazing bands alone now that I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them work so well together.

Jason Collett

Zeus

Vivian Girls at Wrongbar

Vivian Girls

My night changed from chilled-out jam sessions to a frenzy of angst, whisky and lo-fi punkrock with Vivian Girls. After dodging a mouthful of Jameson spit out by lead guitarist Cassie Ramone and almost getting punched in the face by a superfan, I found a somewhat safe spot to snap photos and enjoy the raw sound of the Girls’ music. However, that very sound that I fell in love with listening to their CD started to fall short on me seeing them live. Besides girl-crushing on bassist “Kickball” Katy Goodman and her spunky stage presence I can’t call their show a highlight of the fest.”

Review and photos by Courtney Yip

Parallels at The Roosevelt Room

Parallels

Well, I guess I should have known that this was the former drummer for Crystal Castles!  Because Parallels gave off a strong CC vibe as soon as they took to the stage.  I was not familiar with their music prior to checking them out and decided to go in completely fresh.  What did I decide?  Well, I think I like them (dare I say it) – better than Crystal Castles.  I think that lead vocalist Holly Dodson has more flare and charisma on stage.  Plus, Parallels seemed to have more to it than the chiptune / electro sound.  A little more depth and maturity in its sound.  Dare I say, it felt wrong to be rocking out and partying this late on a Wednesday eve but damn, it felt good.  Plus, I think that this performance from Parallels made me a fan.

TV Heart Attack at The Hideout

TV Heart Attack

This Vancouver based four-some took to the stage to a fairly packed Hideout at the beginning of Canadian Music Fest on Wednesday evening. With their catchy indie-pop, it wasn’t hard for them to win fans over.  However, what was unfortunate was the horrible feedback every couple of minutes.  Lead singer Jason Corbett didn’t seem all that impress either stating, “We came from across the country to play for you guys, is it possible to get the sound fixed?”.  Considering all sets for CMF, you get a strict 30-40 minutes to play with and no encore – I could understand the frustration.  However, it didn’t feed into the music as the guys gave a spirited performance.  If you like a generic indie-pop sound, then you’ll more than likely really like TV Heart Attack.  They aren’t doing anything different, but they certainly enjoy what they are doing. Kudos.

Review and photos by Amanda Scriver

Thursday Night:

Misstress Barbara and Beast at the Guvernment

This was the M for Montreal event, unfortunately hosted at the Guv. I had never been there before, but had heard it was a dive..it was. I walked into the venue and noticed the scarce amount of people in attendance, I was bummed. The misstress was on at this point, and I was actually excited to see her. I had heard about Barbara’s music a long time ago but never really took the time to listen. The juno nominee had the minimal crowd dancing as if the room was full, singing her lyrics like they actually knew them.

Misstress Barbara

Next was Beast. I had seen them before in Montreal last summer, which wasn’t impressive in the least, I was expecting the same at this show. I was wrong. They came on, the crowd grew, got lowder, they exploded. Their show was electric, her voice was loud and their presence was wonderful. Normally I wouldn’t be into this kind of music, but in the case, you can’t help but enjoy what you’re listening to when the performance is good. They should always perform at a smaller venue.

Beast

Review and photos by Dominique Dunphy

RJD2 & Breakscience at Mod Club

Opening for RJD2 was Breakscience, the best surprise of the Fest. Imagine the heavy dubstep sound of Rusko but experiencing the beat dropping with a live drummer hammering out the breaks. Percussionist Adam Deitch and Key-J Borahm Lee make an amazing team and seeing them live is something you want to talk about long after their set is over. Visit their myspace to learn more on how this awesome progression in modern drum & bass was formed and obviously rock out to some of their tunes while you’re there.

Breakscience

RJD2 rocked as always and he opened his set wearing a bedazzled version of a robot costume. Nuff said.

RJD2

Review and photos by Courtney Yip

Donnis at Wrongbar

Donnis

Arriving at Wrongbar to review another band, I found that Donnis was still on stage wilding out, which I was pleasantly surprised.  I’d taken a listen to his Myspace and had him on my list of “To See” but he didn’t make the final cut.  But getting the opportunity just by chance was awesome.  This dude has swagger and can rile up a crowd like nobodies business.  His flow reminded me of a mix between that of Kid Cudi, Drake and Lil’ Wayne – surprisingly all of those artists are somewhat affiliated with Young Money.  Donnis however is not, he’s on A-Trak’s Fool’s Gold label. With A-Trak’s backing and his sound going for him, I see bright things in Donnis’ future.  It seems that already has quite the following in Toronto.  These bros who were standing beside me knew all the words to the tracks (shockingly!) and kept shouting for Donnis to come back out to do an encore after he was done.  Take note Toronto, Donnis is going to be the next best thing.

Review and photos by Amanda Scriver

Keys N Krates at Wrongbar

Keys and Krates

I have seen Keys N Krates now three times and I’ve never been disappointed.  This performances was no different.  A full band set up playing all your favorite hip-hop and indie-rock songs while live remixing them is always a setup for a good time.  I think the thing that makes Keys N Krates so different and unique is the live energy and soul that goes into this group.  For example, drummer Adam Tune drum kit broke mid-set but still kept a beat while trying to fix his set.  The band never lost their flow & kept going.  I’m sorry, but that is skills.  Considering it was also a Thursday night, Wrongbar was seriously busting at the seams with people going nuts. So yea, Keys N Krates isn’t performing their own music.  But they are doing a damn good job of taking other people’s music and making it sound hella good.

Review by Amanda Sriver, photo by Kelly McElwain.

Timber Timbre at The Great Hall

Timber Timbre

Apparently this was THE show to get into on Thursday evening.  I was one of the lucky ones that got in.  Media badge / Performer badge / VIP badge / whatever – it did not matter – you weren’t getting in.  I know people who lined up at 8PM and did not get in.  Lucky me just strolled up to the venue at 10:45PM and happened to get in.  How, I do not know.  But I did.  Regardless, this Timbre Timbre performance was a few things: haunting, raw, emotional and understated.  With just a 3-piece band set up on stage and dim lighting – every note that was hit in his performances hit you in such a way and made you think, THIS is the way blues should be played. While I did find at some points it was a little (dare I say it) slow,  lead singer Taylor Kirk admitted, “We’re playing all our slow jams tonight”.  If he was kidding, I don’t know.  But at least he said it, not me.

Review by Amanda Scriver, photo by Kelly McElwain.

AudioBlood Showcase: Leif Vollebekk, Make Your Exit, Sandman Viper Command at El Mocambo

Leif

Happening at the same time/around the corner from RJD2 was AudioBlood’s Showcase at the El Mocambo. AudioBlood has coveted so much young talent in the indie rock scene, it makes me sick… in a happy amazing way. They manage rising rock group The Balconies (who played an electric show at the Horseshoe Saturday night) and Sandman Viper Command who finished off the showcase Thursday night. Sari Delmar, founder of AudioBlood Media, certainly has en eye for rising talent in the current music scene so be sure to keep your ears perked and eyes peeled for these up-and-coming bands. It also helps that Delmar is an awesome chick who is always down to hang out, drink beers and see great live music, naturally.
Be sure to check out their myspaces and AudioBloodMedia.com to learn more about the acts.

Make Your Exit

Sandman Viper Command

STAR EYES + THE CAPTAIN (TROUBLE & BASS) AT THE SOCIAL – PHOTOS BY AL D

CLICK HEREto see the rest of the photoset

Friday Night:

Vitamins for You at Wrongbar

Vitamins For You

I’ve had the opportunity of seeing Vitamins for You before and really enjoyed them.  They’ve always been on point and really tight.  Whilst they were setting up, it seemed as if they were going to be providing quite the show.  Creepy mask with lights for eyes and makeup. Hooded capes.  Smoke machine.  All of this was on point to providing what seemed to be a very interesting show.  But something seemed to be lacking here.  First and foremost, the set times at Wrongbar were running a bit behind.  Which was fine. But it seriously seemed like they played the same song / same note for a good duration of their set.  Maybe I’m wrong?  I mean, I did enjoy them. But it did seem repetitive.  Stage presence: amazing.  Actual set: not so amazing.  To say the least, I was a little disappointed.  I can’t say that these guys didn’t give it their all.  They looked like a bunch of sweaty drag queens by the end of their set as the makeup sweated off them.  I don’t know what didn’t work.  But something was just off.

Review by Amanda Scriver, photos by Kelly McElwain.

The Acorn, Plants and Animals at Lee’s Palace

the Acorn

CMW, or CMF as it is officially now, really pissed some people off this year. We saw evidence this whilst waiting in line for the Chromwaves Showcase Friday for The Acorn and Plants & Animals. Although equipped with Media and Performer passes we still waited in the bone-chilling rain for just about an hour. If you had wristbands, forget it, you weren’t getting in. During the hour we saw a ton of people getting denied, most of them throwing their frustration and “fuck’s!” at the bouncers who shook it off with indifference while they munched away on burritos. Either way it was well worth the wait. Not only were the Acorn and Plants & Animals ridiculously good, the Molson Canadian girls were giving out a free beer upon arrival. Amazing.

Plants and Animals

Review and photos by Courtney Yip

Saturday Night:

Yukon Blonde, The Balconies, The Beauties, The Wooden Sky, Two Hours Traffic, The Junction at The Horseshoe Tavern

Just looking at this lineup I should have known I was in for one of the best concerts of my year so far, let alone just the festival. Guiness in hand, friends all around and a grin from ear to ear, I was so completely blown away of all the performers, especially the first four.

Yukon Blonde
These West Coast rock’n rollers take the cake for my favourite new band of the fest and overall. And I mean not just any cake, I’m talking chocolatey layers of harmonious classic rock iced with early Kings of Leon and topped with a million birthday sparklers all lit at once.

Yukon Blonde

The Balconies
Throw a quirky brother, his electric older sister and her drumming boyfriend into a firecracker and set it off during the middle of the night and watch the confetti of stars and glitter explode in the sky. Ridiculous way to explain a show, right? Well I’ve seen the Balconies play tons of times in the past year, but something about Saturday night was simply too amazing to put into conventional words.

the Balconies

The Beauties
Usually the Sunday night band for the Dakota Tavern, this bluegrass folk rock group thankfully took their famous set to the Horseshoe. This was the peak for me during the night – something about five older men harmonizing to songs about the simple life and love just gets me going. NOW magazine named them the best roots/country band in Toronto last year, and it’s clear to see why.

the Beauties

The Wooden Sky
These alt-country rockers started off their set with a couple of easy-going and gorgeous songs which soon turned into a sweaty mess of sing-a-longs and hair tossing. They pretty much used a form of foreplay on the crowd and we were willingly (and happily) taken advantage of in the end.

the Wooden Sky

Two Hours Traffic and The Junction brought the night closer to a perfect end but paled in comparison to the previous four groups. Both very talented and enjoyable to say the least, I still caught myself thinking about how amazing the last acts were.

Two Hours Traffic

the Junction

Review and photos by Courtney Yip

Electric Six at Lee’s Palace

Electric Six

Dear Electric Six – thank you for coming back to Canada after such a long hiatus.  You have been missed.  It seems though that you have missed Canada too.  Every single time that Electric Six comes to Toronto, Dick Valentine (lead singer) waxes poetic for his love of Canada.  I mean, when you live in Detroit and live so close to the border and your drummer is apparently from Sarnia, ON – it’s no wonder you love Canada so much.  Regardless, I was shocked at how many salacious Electric Six fans there were in the building and it made me proud.  I thought I was the only one and apparently, I’m not.  Thank god.  Unfortunately (like last time) – their synth player Tait Nucleus? could not make the show as he is suffering from Lymes Disease.  So much of their hits (Synthesizer, Gay Bar, Dance Commander, etc.) were played sans synth.  It didn’t really matter because the boys were ready to freaking rock and that they did.  Covering hits from all of their albums and then finishing out the night with some reggae, with some playful banter.  This was the Electric Six show that was three year in the making.  Dick Valentine also let the crowd in on a secret that he’s starting another Toronto based band called Swashbuckler and debuted one of the tracks that night.  Shall we be hearing more of them to come?  Who knows.  What I do know is I’m super stoked I didn’t miss this show.

Review and photo by Amanda Scriver

Hot Panda at Lee’s Palace

Hot Panda

Edmonton’s own Hot Panda have a great sound to them that reminds me a lot of the old Detroit indie scene.  So it’s no surprise that they were opening up for Electric Six, from Detroit, this evening.  This four-piece playing everything from catchy trumpet riffs, bouncy synths, an occasional cowbell or kazoo – it was hard not to get on board with what Hot Panda was selling. Lead singer Chris Connelly is a showman among showman and definitely had the crowd on its feet.  He also let everyone know how proud the band was to be playing on the infamous Lee’s Palace stage.  They definitely made good use of their time and made those in the audience Hot Panda fans.

Review and photo by Amanda Scriver

Sweet Thing at Lee’s Palace

Sweet Thing

I’ve been following this group since they started.  I guess it helps when a friend of yours is in the band.  But regardless, I had yet to see them live.  So when I heard they had been opening up for Electric Six on their Canadian dates, I knew big things were ahead for them.  Fast forward to the show at Lee’s – Sweet Thing is on stage and without bias, all I can say is they have such an infectious stage presence and each member of the group genuinely looks as if they are (dare I say it) enjoying themselves.  Lead singer Owen Carrier engages every member of the audience to join the group with hand claps and sing alongs and by the end of the performance, if you aren’t leaving a Sweet Thing fan – then I don’t know why not.  The music itself is wonderfully upbeat, infectious brand of indie rock. The duelling guitars, soulful harmonies and all those handclaps have got everyone on their feet & ready to dance.  Yes Sweet Thing, you’ve won this battle.

Review and photo by Amanda Scriver

Sunday Night:

Born Ruffians at the Phoenix

Being a huge fan of the Ruffians’ older material, I was extremely excited to see this band perform. Walking in, the crowd was quite large, larger than I had expected. I notice the first bar only served juice, water, and carbonated beverages, weird, so I make my way to the beer, naturally. I had no idea who the band before was, apparently Parlovr, but their sound was completely generic sounding it didn’t stand out at all. Five minutes before the Ruffians’ set Courtney and I make our way to the front, walking by I notice the crowd getting younger and younger, then I realized, ugh. The 13 year olds were going crazy as the band started to appear on stage,  jumping, fist pumping and pushing everyone around. Born Ruffians were good, they played a lot of their newer tunes, along with a mix of their older material. I’ve never seen a crowd try to mosh and crowd surf to a band with a sound like this,  but I guess they knew how to get the fans going. Their stage presence reminded me of the energy Vampire weekend possessed, and overall I was impressed.

Born Ruffians

Born Ruffians

Review by Dominique Dunphy, photos by Courtney Yip

PHOTOS: MATT VARDY

SLASH SIGNING

THE INDIES

For more Matt Vardy, CLICK HERE

Toronto’s own Holy Fuck and France’s golden boys Phoenix rocked the shit out of the stage at the Sound Academy Saturday night. Although the weather outside was a bit on the chilly side, inside was radiating with heat from the energy of the hundreds of people waiting for one of France‘s most famous exports.

As I surveyed the majority of the audience, I was surprised to be among such a variety of people. From an elderly man wielding a
wooden cane to the flannel shirt and beanie-wearing cool and young hipster, to even the sleek and sophisticated business women
in their sky-high killer heels.

HOLY FUCK

-Words Alexandra DeCarolis

Not knowing that much about the band Holy Fuck and their songs, I went into the concert open-minded and ready for some smooth beats. My, was I mistaken. Holy Fuck blew the roof off with their energetic and beat-pulsating performance. Their songs oozed and dripped with mind-numbing and heavy-hitting electric noise that reverberated off the walls and sunk deep into the pit of your cranium. Every song was just as intense and fast-paced as the last. Unlike other electronic bands who pride themselves on their use of computer technology to alter their music (Kraftwerk, anyone?), Holy Fuck keeps it real with their use of Melodicas and heavy bass and drums.  Seriously, if you’ve never heard of these guys before, what the fuck are you waiting for?

PHOENIX

To Versaille. Propelled. Phoenix shocked and swelled the marvel at 11 Polson Pier on Saturday. Lucky stars and brick rocks, Thomas and his reckless schoolboy chums packaged a rouge performance of classics or hits in a visually magnetic forum of chaotic North America. In an escapade of rhyme, reason, and well composed Pop, tickling synth ruminates this record, this tour, this band.  “Rome” flashed sophomore hearts and 19 Remixes later,  “Liztomania” is still a mansion.  Think Is This It. Only Evolved. French. Cute. And named after a deaf genius. Go Platinum Amadeus.

Photos: Rachel Renda

The last time we made a mixtape, our pal took pity on our shit skills and made it into a continuous mix.  Be we’re a bit older and miss the real deal. So here goes.

PINK MAFIA SEPTEMBER MIX

This mixtape is suitable for: Wasting Monday mornings at your shit job, rainy days, heartache, writing love letters, wanderlust, generally being a girl, long train rides, and it’s a pretty sweet way to win a bet with people who think you only know about dance music and oldies. P.s If you’re a video geek like we are, you’ll appreciate that all them links go to vids.

Song List:

1. Drumming Song–Florence + The Machine
2. If I Ever Feel Better–Phoenix
3. Skeleton Boy (GRUM Remix)–Friendly Fires
4. L’Amour Et la Violence (Boys Noize Main Version)–Sebastien Tellier
5. We Own The Sky–M83
6. Stillness Is The Move–Dirty Projectors
7. Another Likely Story–Au Revoir Simone
8. The Sun Ain’t Shining No More (Live)–The Asteroid Galaxy Tour
9. Islands–The XX
10. Russia–Ramona Falls
11. I Love How You Love Me–Camera Obscura
12. Stokkseyri–Jonsi & Alex (or Riceboy Sleeps)

If you want it, then you can search Hype Machine for all these songs, then it’s up to you to find out the downloadable versions. We just don’t have those capabilities.

MIXTAPE UPDATE. our pal Ryan made a REAL mix of this list with a few subs soyou can just click and run through it. CLICK HERE TO ENJOY THE  gl.tch – PinkMafia July09 Mixtape

PINK MAFIA JULY MIXTAPE

For rainy summer days and back yard bbqs

1. The Drums–Let’s Go Surfing
2. La Roux–Bulletproof (Larry Tee and Alexander Technique Remix)
3. Florence and The Machine–Cosmic Love
4. Phoenix–Long Distance Call (Sebastien Tellier Remix)
5. Friendly Fires–I’m Good, I’m Gone (Lykke Li Cover)
6. The National–Mistaken For Strangers
7. Michael Jackson + Telepopmusik–Remember The Time (Sleeper Heartbroken Remix)
8. Miike Snow–Song For No One
9. Sneaky Sound System–I Love It (Fred Falke Remix)
10. The Presets–This Boy’s In Love (K.I.M Remix)
11. DJ Loveboat Feat. Fab Marq–Oh The Bass
12. Girls–121069