Elwins - Hoxton (Mar 8/15)

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.

Elwins, Dwayne Gretzky (Lee's Palace July 6/12)

The Elwins secured the opening slot for the evening. They played a pretty standard set of music from their initial LP And I Thank You. Tyler, primary Dwayne Gretzky singer, has been playing with them for the past few shows (though not at Zeus) and filled in fine starting on guitar and swapping to bass when Feurd was needed for keys and the like. They did their semi-famous Beyonce cover, Countdown,  and it was the first time I'd seen it live (not overly impressive - granted I've never heard the original and it was sans Luke Lalonde). Actually I've heard so much positive about The Elwins and their work ethic but this set didn't super impress. Maybe I was just disappointed and confused that they didn't do the Fox song and dance (see the Zeus link above).


Dwayne Gretzky did what they do best - playing amazing throwback cover tunes that are not necessarily spot-on but pretty darn close and fun regardless. Dan Griffin (ex?-)Arkell joined them for much of the set and Feurd, from the Elwins, was unmistakable on stage much of the time as well. In addition to their classic set list of Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, The Beatles and Jackson 5 they also added some Queen (Under Pressure), Elton John (Bennie & the Jets) and a surprise, yet personal fave, Cardigans (Love Fool). Plus 80's blast Take on Me and Allie Hughes did a fine representation on Heart's Barracuda. Fun fun!

Zeus, Two Hours Traffic, The Elwins (Phoenix, June 9/12)

The Elwins

This hard working, fun band out of Keswick did a fine job winning over the fast-filling Phoenix prior to Two Hours Traffic and Zeus. The four piece, with drummer playing side stage and Feurd - mustache and all - opposite, played their brand of poppy indie rock that is quickly catching on. The single rang out early, as we entered, and from there they continued on - all upbeat and smiles. Their finale is a bit cutesy and has the potential to fall flat but the crowd was into it and we played along happily to the fox motions and dances, singing and closing out the set with fun.

Two Hours Traffic

About three years since Two Hours Traffic put out any new music and their absence has been felt. The CMW preview was enough to whet my appetite and this gig affirmed that they're still alive and kicking despite Alec's departure. It is still going to be a little while before we get the new album as this was their final show before entering the studio the very next day. This resulted in a sprinkling of new songs - couple off the top,  the one with the French lyric and a couple more - but the old stuff still holds strong from both albums. Liam is a funny sight in his cowboy boots drinking a Labatt 50 but looks aside songs like Daffodils, Sure Can Start, Heroes of the Sidewalk, Weightless One, and Jezabel all still hit their mark. Can't wait until the new stuff drops and they come play it again.

Zeus
People were excited for Zeus on this evening as they headlined a hometown show. Having sat in Jason Collett's shadow for years they are finally recognized for the musicians that they are in their own right. Really good instrumentation and lots of gear swapping made for an engaging set. Personally their music doesn't fully grab me so it wasn't amazing but it was far from agony. They did Kindergarten with an acoustic which I enjoyed, and I Know and Anything You Want with nifty drumming were solid too. They brought out some backing females for a few songs that seemed suspiciously like their girlfriends - no issue there. On another they encircled their drummer while rocking out. My preference was for the songs the spectacled fellow played and sang lead on. They closed out with Are You Gonna Waste My Time but then returned with a somewhat drawn out encore. An acoustic number to open followed by another Zeus tune and finishing off with their cover from the Sounds like Zeus EP of That's All.