Wildlife, Bravestation - Lee's (Nov 9/13)

Perhaps one of Toronto's most underrated bands (still!) Wildlife played yet another excellent set, this time to a decent-sized Lee's Palace weekend crowd. Once again with all members donning the band uniform, this time all black with a yellow band, they put on quite the performance. Not as coordinated and cohesive as some of their previous shows that seemed to be rehearsed down to the second this gig was a great opportunity for them to play their ..On the Heart material for the hometown crowd after a long delay since it's release early this year. The evolution of the music is exciting as it takes what Strike Hard, Young Diamond did and furthers it. Born to Ruin for example has that killer kick drum that thuds throughout both on record and in a live setting. They didn't forget the previous album however, going back to standout Stand in the Water before closing up with the excellent Killing for Fun which included an unintroduced extra member playing and singing along. With the appetite for it they returned for an encore to satiate us after their welcome return.

Bravestation, another hometown band, mentioned that it had been a dream to play on the Lee's Palace stage which is understandable as it is a beloved Toronto institution (despite the bathrooms). They did a stand up job of it too, in part because their drummer forewent kick drums or even a seat to pound his kit while standing in his toque and headphones, while also working some electronic drums and a laptop. Besides him there was a bass and an electric guitar that filled out the rock band who didn't make a bad showing of it all told.