The Elwins are a keen, likeable Toronto-via-Keswick band that try to befriend everyone and have grown a large community of friends and followers. Doesn't hurt to give out cookies at your shows either. But bribery and effort can't make up for the unknown element that takes live music from enjoyable to blissful. Their tracks, whether from their debut or this record release, are poppy enough and they seem to be enjoying themselves onstage and yet I have never been able to get truly excited before, during or after a show. Breaking out old single Stuck in the Middle second in the set seemed like a good move to set a good mood but it just didn't carry all the way through. The highlight for me was when the bassist grabbed a guitar and took over leading vocals. Another touch of fun was (High Like a) Bubble during which the cookie lady went through the crowd with a bubble gun. Following a brief departure they returned for a two-song encore that closed with their Beyonce Countdown cover though unfortunately Luke Lalonde, who they have recorded this with previously, was absent. There was nothing inherently wrong with the show but perhaps it just isn't for me.
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