They focused on new songs from the recently released We Come From The Same Place and although it was my first listen it proved that the new material is up to snuff. A particular standout from the new music was History Lessons, a softer number that deals with the past not being as perfect as recollections might make it out to be. Besides Dreaming, the first album didn't have much representation, no Silver Dollar or Kiss Your Lips(!), but a few from Europe, including the title track did make it onto the list. Bill offered vocals on a track while the song Paul sang on was a new fan favourite based on the rousing applause. Later in the set they hit Let's Go Swimming with the lady's guitar now swapped for uke following the midway point. A sincere encore call brought them out but just for a single song despite the pleas from a solid turnout to the Drake on a Tuesday. Running an hour and a quarter I couldn't see anyone being disappointed in their first Toronto gig since that 2011 El Mo show they fondly recalled.
Showing posts with label allo darlin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label allo darlin. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Allo Darlin' - Drake Underground - Nov 4
This seemingly unassuming band split out of England and Australia are so darn likable and their tunes are lovely as well. Although the leading lady, with her short cut and swooning voice is the focus, her bandmates are no slouches either. Bill, the bassist, is especially enjoyable to watch for the sheer joy it seems he has playing. With ease, charm, humility and humour they entertained with stories and road tales while tuning (which they said was boring but important, like taxes.. or foreplay).
They focused on new songs from the recently released We Come From The Same Place and although it was my first listen it proved that the new material is up to snuff. A particular standout from the new music was History Lessons, a softer number that deals with the past not being as perfect as recollections might make it out to be. Besides Dreaming, the first album didn't have much representation, no Silver Dollar or Kiss Your Lips(!), but a few from Europe, including the title track did make it onto the list. Bill offered vocals on a track while the song Paul sang on was a new fan favourite based on the rousing applause. Later in the set they hit Let's Go Swimming with the lady's guitar now swapped for uke following the midway point. A sincere encore call brought them out but just for a single song despite the pleas from a solid turnout to the Drake on a Tuesday. Running an hour and a quarter I couldn't see anyone being disappointed in their first Toronto gig since that 2011 El Mo show they fondly recalled.
They focused on new songs from the recently released We Come From The Same Place and although it was my first listen it proved that the new material is up to snuff. A particular standout from the new music was History Lessons, a softer number that deals with the past not being as perfect as recollections might make it out to be. Besides Dreaming, the first album didn't have much representation, no Silver Dollar or Kiss Your Lips(!), but a few from Europe, including the title track did make it onto the list. Bill offered vocals on a track while the song Paul sang on was a new fan favourite based on the rousing applause. Later in the set they hit Let's Go Swimming with the lady's guitar now swapped for uke following the midway point. A sincere encore call brought them out but just for a single song despite the pleas from a solid turnout to the Drake on a Tuesday. Running an hour and a quarter I couldn't see anyone being disappointed in their first Toronto gig since that 2011 El Mo show they fondly recalled.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Allo Darlin', Rob Moir (El Mocambo, June 11, 2011)
Allo Darlin' must have had a helluva day scrambling to get an entire band's worth of gear together when theirs didn't arrive from Montreal, but you wouldn't know it from their disposition. They were all smiles and even a few chuckles as both the bass player and then the guitarist missed their cue ("Can't you count?" chided the drummer). This cheeriness turned out to be a key component of the show as they delivered their brand of indie pop to a small but devoted crowd at the El Mo. Stockin' footed front woman beamed as she delivered her deliciously cute vocals and strummed her uke, swapping smiles with backing vocalist and bass player. Not only were the tracks from their debut performed well (Silver Dollars a standout) but the new material, especially title track from Europe, excites me for its fall release. The four-piece are new to the game but have already mastered the integration of other songs into their own. Weezer on my fave, Kiss Your Lips, and a non-album song that sings a chorus from Grease (as well as the un-played What Will Be Will Be). The promise of the Brit-Oz alliance's debut looks like it will blossom as the new material sounds great, and the live show is thoroughly enjoyable.
Rob Moir was all alone on stage with his acoustic and it was a good thing he had the space as he paced and staggered back and forth while delivering emphatic singer-songwriter tunes. His voice is strong and enjoyable but in a flooded market it is hard to put him head and shoulders above the rest, even if he does stand on his tip toes the entire time that he sings.
Rob Moir was all alone on stage with his acoustic and it was a good thing he had the space as he paced and staggered back and forth while delivering emphatic singer-songwriter tunes. His voice is strong and enjoyable but in a flooded market it is hard to put him head and shoulders above the rest, even if he does stand on his tip toes the entire time that he sings.
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