The Dakota Tavern is a wonderfully intimate place, and the Bruce Peninsula band is full of wonder that best rubs off in an intimate setting. Having played a slew of shows in Toronto since reviving the revue not even half a year ago, this one was not to be missed not only because the new album has now had time to resonate but it would be in this small space. As an additional bonus they displayed some of their sometimes overlook wonders by opening for themselves. Yes, a novel idea where they allowed their members to showcase some of their solo or side material, or just to have a different tank on BP mainstays.
Starting off this quirky set was a solo acoustic guitar under the the Choir of the Bruce Peninsula. Following we heard from the Tamara-led, also acoustic, Weather Station, and one from Andrew who traded his bass for guitar and vocals. The band reconvened for the new Or So I Dreamed before a personal highlight in Eons that included Matt's vocals alongside the four females and lap steel. Micha set the entire band rolling with their a capella parts and then sang over it to great results. Ensemble they slowed down Shutters before the drummer stepped forward. First he gave a history of popular drummer-cum-frontmen before singing a song that was quite enjoyable, pausing in the middle for a seemingly incongruous ramble about a classic Christmas film, before he finally brought it back around tying it in to vocal rhythms. And then split the crowd and asked us to provide the vocal rhythm to complete the song - it was quirky, funny and fun. Neil Haverty, 'lead singer', brought it down a little with a slower number on electric guitar before Micha led us in a Sesame Street singalong 'bout jelly. Don't ask - it fit somehow. In first set finale it was a live favourite in their take on Loudon Wainwright III's Swimming Song that was as strong as ever.
The "ten minute break" before the main set stretched much further but it wasn't as if anyone was going anywhere. Bruce Peninsula were about to play their new material plus a smattering of old favourites. In fact Neil had the idea of opening with Satisfied to get things rolling off the top. Good call! Following that was a joyous set of new Open Flames, As Long As I Live, Pull Me Under and single, Your Light amongst them. This was done with a full contingent of nine members squashed on the tiny stage, as their tour manager joined them to add double percussion throughout (yay!). Playing a bass and lap steel on the same track is impressive and was often accomplished. Another highlight was the new Say Yeah which started slower but built up so, so well. Adrenaline further proved how versatile and great the new material is with it's unique percussion. Micha led what I believe was a cover about a lying salesman before they hit us with Inside/Outside into Steamroller. Honestly, I swear it never gets old.
No chance were they getting off that easy - despite playing practically their entire repertoire. They did a number by a preacher with a gusty call-and-response chorus and then surged the night to climax with a rousing Crabapples in closing. Tastes just fine to me!
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