Funeral for a Friend - Farewell Tour - Institute - Apr 13, 2016

The opening band had five members convulsing around the stage. Their name was Zoax which I believe was meant to rhyme with "hoax" but really rhymed with jokes! (ha) The singer staggered around the room singing into people's faces and then climbed to the balcony to do the same. Only thing was it was a corded mic so the real drama was watching the Tech wrangling wires up to the second deck. Overall they were okay, bit more screamo than I'm into these days, but improved as the set went on.

Shai Hulud just didn't have a melody. I don't know how FFAF said they were all fans before they even met each other and it was their one combined influence. The final song was dreadful and I was waiting for it to pass. My friend, who had tickets for both nights (Casually Dressed was the next night), was wondering how she'd get through them again Thursday but I believe it was Shai's last night on tour.

FFAF compared to these guys sounded crisp and solid. The chugging bass riffs and soaring guitars lit up the audience who had not reacted much previously. A sold-out place - it was packed - but on the opening bars of Hours the pit started and the air changed. The album live was awesome and it brought me back to my red VW Golf on highway 9 between Bradford and Guelph in 2005. I stood too long with my petite friend at the back before giving into the itch to mosh around track five. Some burly, topless men raged - I watched one have his bro yank his meaty arm to pop his disjointed shoulder back into place - but it was all in fun. Wasn't sure what the post-Hours set would be like or if there even would be. The band left and the singer did a solo tune with an electric guitar. It wasn't terrible but it was too slow after the vibe of that album, which already ends with a couple more restrained tunes. He jokingly chided people at the beginning to STFU but it wasn't an actual joke and they still didn't. You know what they did? They clapped along to this ballad - such wankers. Band rejoined and they ripped through a healthy extra half dozen songs, none of which I knew because they weren't Hours or Casually Dressed (for obvious reasons) but sounded alright. I made my way back to my friend and was glad she wasn't annoyed with me for having buggered off. The singer got sentimental about the last night and seemed authentic about it which was nice, however it was made awkward by the "how many of you are coming to see us tomorrow? Well, this isn't for you" introduction. Overall I was pleased that I went never having seen them before and think higher of the band having seen them in their send-off.

Ohbijou Farewell - Great Hall (Sept 7/13)

The current Ohbijou lineup consisting of six members who will go down in the Toronto music scene history books began the night with a standout set of Ohbijou's better known songs. To be frank, I am a discriminating fan who enjoys a number of singles but has also fallen asleep at previous shows (mind you they were in the grassy sunshine). With hits like Black Ice, Niagara and St. Francis it wasn't hard to retain rapt attention for this initial 40 minute offering. From here we had a break to commiserate over the lose of the Toronto gem before a whole host of local musical celebs paid tribute to a band who had shown such grace and generosity throughout the years. It was a veritable who's who of Live In Bellwoods with Nils from the RAA, Evening Hymns (Jonas and Sylvie), Gentleman Reg, The Acorn lead singer, Kat Burns formerly of Forest City Lovers, Neil Haverty (of Bruce Peninsula playing drums in a threesome calling themselves Pumpkin Foot), Wooden Sky, and Snowblink. Casey and sister, Jennifer, watched from the balcony, beaming at the outpouring of love. Further showered by John O'Regan aka Diamond Rings, Lisa Bozikovic and Nathan Lawr each doing a different take on an Ohbijou tune.

It was bittersweet then when the band returned for a final set of deeper cuts. Personally I wasn't enthralled the entire time but it was nice and a few guests came through to join them. In the end ALL the guests came out for one final crescendo to close the Ohbijou chapter. We will see what life is like without them (and hopefully what other artistic endeavors the members are now free to pursue).

Notes

Niagara flaws
St Francis. Extra drumming
Black ice
Other side

Reg violin guitar and cello just 4
Evening hymns.
Moving lights background video
Snow blink
~

Nils, banjo
Acorn, surging urgent

Kat burns solo, Casey singing along
Wooden sky
Jonas Sylvie evening hymns. 6 years only playing music. Tumble weeds
Acorn 2
Neil haverty drums pumpkin foot
John o Regan, e looping
Lisa bozikovic, Sylvie
Reg looping vocals . Weird
Snow blink

Nathan lawr, barking at your door singalong.
~

Encore
Casey around the floor, clap and laying. Neighbourhoods.
Finale x everyone. Come on!