Brasstronaut twice (NXNE June 15,16/12)

First it was a midnight set at the Gladstone Hotel that was the first time I'd seen Brasstronaut in Toronto and only the second time ever! Mean Sun had been played relentlessly since its release and so I was terribly excited to see them perform it. And perform it they did - in fact they only played songs from this release which may have disappointed some, but considering how well they were done I was not complaining. Their music is just so lush and seemingly complex, it is unlike mainstream music yet is still accessible despite the jazzy influences. The dynamism of the album translated live as the excellent bunch of musicians (trumpet, clarinet, synths, guitar, bass, drums) recreated the sound and feel with an urgency that could be felt. Falklands was especially powerful, though Mean Sun and The Grove also stood out strongly.

The second show was in the heat of the day at Yonge-Dundas Square and even though the setlist was simply a subset of the previous night's show it was still a treat to see them perform again. Hell, I've listened to the album more than once in a day, it's not a stretch to see them twice within 13 hours! Again Falklands was a standout. The relatively small crowd was appreciative of Brasstronaut's performance as they once again closed with Revelstoke Dam.

Utidur Opening at the Gladstone was Utidor from Iceland who had been handpicked by Brasstronaut to open on their North American tour. It could be understood why as the 8-piece had a similarly full, orchestral sound using a bodyless violin, trumpet, male/female vocals as well as sparingly a melodica, double-drums and hand claps. Some songs were Icelandic while others such as Birds Moving Slowly featured interplay between the violin and trumpet for a nice effect. They were definitely a nice way to warm up for Brasstronaut..

CMW: Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, Scenic Route to Alaska (Mar 21, '12)

It takes something to stand out in the singer-songwriter category, especially during something as hectic as CMW. Michael Bernard Fitzgerald seems to have some of whatever it is going on, though even after his Gladstone show on opening night it's hard to pin down. Fronting a five piece he primarily strummed his acoustic guitar while playing both upbeat numbers, as well as a couple he dubbed 'lovey dovey'. Old favourite Movie Life started on the right foot while the following love-dove had to compete with side conversations despite a call for quiet. To combat this he quickly reverted to a jumpier number featuring synchronized guitar strums with the drummer in the end. His two backing females features prominently as well, on vocals for Man Overboard and keys on others. As the set found its groove he slotted in another older tune in Maxine before the standout Brand New Spaces which easily improved on the already-stellar recorded version - not just for the 'Shorty Got Low' verses rapped at the end. Keeping the fun up we stomped and sang along to the oft-covered Boss' Dancin' in the Dark. In finale, now that he had the crowd, the band stepped aside and allowed him to pick and pour out the lyrics asking 'Can you hear me?'. MBF you're coming through just fine!


Scenic Route to Alaska drove (presumably the scenic route) from Edmonton to Toronto for their first Toronto show ever, taking part in CMW. The standard three-piece was instantly likable, playing the much-less-than-capacity room with spirit and charm. It must have been the slight twang of the electric six-string that conjured up Elliott Brood and Harlan Pepper references to mind, yet sounding quite different from both of these at the same time. The lead's confident vocals rang clear and were nicely accompanied by opener Alana Clark on one song as well. Some promise from these lads. They know how to have a good time too, dropping a Beatles cover in I've Just Seen a Face amid their toe-tapping tunes.