Shout Out Out Out Out - Drake Underground (July 3, '14)

It was the oddest night for SO4 and I say that having seen this crew a good number of times during what they meekly admitted to being their decade long existence. Firstly I'd like to air my grievance with the Drake who do next to nothing to promote their shows ahead of time and often leave worthy bands playing to a mostly empty underground. With no openers to kill time the six of them had to make their own introduction. This proved easy for Nik on this evening. Normally a quiet frontman, focused on the vocoding mic, on this evening he gabbed on and on, and even sang into his non-effect microphone. However those in attendance seemed die-hards and hung on his silly words as the banter kept piling on and became a joke in itself. It got to the point where Clint (known as The Kid ten years ago) took over the mic for an awful impression of a rambling story but quickly got cut off.

Anyway..this is supposed to at least resemble a concert review but with no new material the music was what we've come to expect from the live-band producing electronic music with their synths, guitars, bass, vocoder and double drum sets - playing through Bad Choices, Lessons in Disappearing, Dude, Forever Indebted. Before departing for a much-needed pee Nik promised to come back and play another song for us but in the meantime a couple members remained onstage and plotted a duet that was quashed by the end of the urination. A quick round of the beloved "Jaycie, fucking Jaycie" before they ripped through an encore that aptly wrapped with In the End and the dancers on the floor got one more chance to wile out.

Evening Hymns, Andy Shauf - Drake Underground (Nov 14/13)

An amazing performer in an intimate setting made the most of the opportunity. Jonas has been touring the magnificent Spectral Dusk for over a year now and despite being impressed by the album release show, this, the first show of the final leg, made it clear that there is no ceiling for this talented musician. He opened solo, primarily playing his (out of place, shiny,silver-speckled) electric guitar often into loops, while adding from his keyboard and his excellent voice poured into a couple of mics. There is just something about him that is captivating and this night was no different. He worked some more delicate songs like Arrows early, giving a personal intro to his brother who was in attendance and about whom he had written You and Jake. Still by his lonesome he debuted a new song for the very first time live, Light as a Feather, which was very short and may take a couple more listens. All this before building it up with an awesomely layered Mtn Song that built and built as did the glee in the room.

This was only the first half of the set and we'd already experience so much greatness. His performances are intense and exude emotion which really makes for a captivating atmosphere. To aid in this a bass player and opener, Andy Shauf, joined him on the drums. Andy played with great intensity which was much appreciated especially on some of the louder songs that they played in the latter half. Included in this bunch were another two new tracks which may be included in the upcoming album he is to write after this tour completes that will assuredly not be entitled Draft Dodger (as per his banter). Rescue Team was a slight departure from Spectral Dusk that hit a little harder while the other new song followed the Hayden cover (Dynamite Walls) and actually took a few cues from it, which was most definitely a good thing. They actually used this as their exit before we begged Jonas to return and he agreed with one song. Just as he had begun the show he ended it by himself on stage playing the title and final track from Spectral Dusk and leaving us devastated by the music yet elated. That is power in song.

Andy Shauf

To be honest when I first saw Andy play it was a bit of an odd experience which may have lead to my mixed feelings. This time around I didn't have to deal with this and listened more carefully to the oddly literal lyrics in his distinctive voice and appreciated the whole experience a great deal more. The story within Hometown Hero for example paints a very vivid picture in the mind of the listener while still being an enjoyable aural experience. Once again his banter included the odd yet giggle-inducing "does anyone have any questions?" which seems to set people at ease so I guess it does it's job, as does his simple, solo guitar set.

River Tiber - Drake Underground (Nov 21/13)

Adding to the six neon words already up around the Drake Underground in bright orange read a stylized "River Tiber". In front of this sign stood the four piece making up that entity. Seemingly the brainchild of multi-instrumental singer (keyboard and electric guitar on this night) the group was fleshed out by a full time guitarist, bassist and drummer fitted with electric drums in his kit. Combined with the backing samples, the electro keys and synthesized voice they came across as an indie rock band with a noticeable electro edge. As previously noted the droning and building upon this structure comes across like a not-half-bad Kid A-era Radiohead. It seemed well thought out and meticulously arranged which is why it was especially irksome that what sounded like a recording from a police scanner cut from underneath many songs, even when it was quite out of place. The album, Synapses, and The Star Falls EP, for which this served as the release party, are quite good and the music translates to the stage but the band could give more of a presence. The various projections behind them, from birds to army parachuting in reverse, lent an interesting distraction briefly until it began to loop. An encore showcased a couple older tunes, one of which proved they used to unabashedly rock rather than the more balanced new approach (which I much prefer). The final featured only the two guitarists on a 'very old' (3 years old) tune and wasn't the best way to end a decent show but happened regardless of my say.

Imaginary Cities - Drake Underground (May 28/13)

Imaginary Cities seemed dreadfully aware of the nearly empty room they were playing to for this essentially unadvertised, free, early, album release party. Opening with the first single from Fall of Romance the band did their best to soldier on, disappointingly utilizing a violin track as they were playing as an ordinary five piece. By the end of this tune many of the back of the room dwellers had sauntered up to become mid room dwellers (this is Toronto after all) and whoop their appreciation for Chasing the Sunset. From here the band confided in us about being nervous about playing songs for the first time live, and the first time ever with their new bass player, but this didn't detract from the performance. The room seemed to be filling in (relatively) as they polished off the acoustic album opener, All the Time. With that out of the way the rest of the set was a breeze as Marti's vocals hit the spot and played off or with Rusty's throughout the performance - even when he sang the role of Ewan from The Sheepdogs on Who's Watching You. The only Temporary Resident was a clear and confident version of Hummingbird which was appreciated by the crowd. Seeing as there was a time limit on the stage they told us to pretend the final tune was their encore and they played the album closer. As a first taste of the new record it was a small, yet sweet nibble.

Wildlife, Jane's Party - Drake Underground (Dec 21/12)

Wildlife
Wildlife are doing it all right but haven't yet caught the break they deserve to launch them into orbit. If there is justice in this universe their forthcoming album, due in March, will be their spaceship. The new material which was justifiably featured in this last minute, hometown, headlining gig is strong on first live listen and if it's anything like Strike Hard, Young Diamond, their previous effort, will merit repeated headphone listens. Even with only a semi full Drake Underground they were grinding it out and giving us an early Christmas gift of a show. After a debut or two they played the When I Get Home into Drunken Heart combo that has that beloved transition from the album. Added to the mix were Sea Dreamer (with a hilarious, poorly executed slide whistle), Stand in the Water and closer Killing For Fun but it was really a chance to tempt us with the new year's offering. In short time it'll be a story to tell "I remember the time I stood front row and they played this tune." Let's hope!

Jane's Party
Jane's Party were meant to get the party started and while there was plenty of milling about on stage - of the four members all but these drummer were swapping instruments on every other song - the rest of the crowd participation wasn't up to snuff. Mind you it was an opening band for a last minute show with early set times so things weren't in their favour. The bass player, ahem, the longer-haired fellow who primarily played bass had a solid set of pipes, though everyone seemed to lend a voice whether taking their turn in lead or harmony. It didn't sound bad but there wasn't much there to set them apart, at least not until the slick final tune which must be the set closer for a reason as it has some potential.