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REVIEWS
GSM Beats Inc.TM
Event and Artist Reviews
Reviewing Events, Artist and New Releases
GSM Beats Inc.TM
reviews page features editorials on shows and artist that we
have visited. We hope that you will find these reviews
informative. If you have an upcoming event that you will like to
let us know about, then drop us a line at:
djdarby@gsmbeats.com
GSM Beats Inc. Review of NXNE for
Saturday, June 19th, 2010
By Don J. Darby
I went to Toronto to catch some of the
NXNE shows this year. I set out to conquer a list, and I
soon realized leaving the car parked by Bloor & Ossington
wasn’t the best decision if I was going to meet my tight
itinerary. Before departing, I used the NXNE guide that you
find at many of the venues in combination with the NXNE
website. It’s great how they have all the bands searchable
on the site so you can plan your night. I did carry my
festival guide in my back pocket for reassurance and ended
up using it when I realized how long Queen Street really is.
First I saw
The Jessica Stuart Few at The Piston on Bloor
West. I caught the end of the show with vocalist Jessica
Stuart playing guitar, Dan Fortin on upright bass and Nico
Dann on drums. I had hoped to hear the sounds of the koto,
which was on stage, but was nonetheless pleased with the
trio’s pop/jazz fusion flavor. This was a refreshing change
from much of the usual NXNE fare. Jessica is a strong
vocalist who reminds me of Ivana Santilli. Jessica Stuart is
an accomplished jazz guitarist and plays in several other
groups. Who says 80’s retro theme songs can’t be showcased
at the same event as Iggy and the Stooges? I also received a
really cool free button.
I tried to make it to the Velvet Underground for the next
band, but I was too late. I then proceeded to Bread and
Circus in Kensington Market to check out
Airheart. They were well received by the
audience, but the duo’s performance seemed a bit immature
with singer Stacy B clicking on a PlayStation controller for
vocal effects. Mason Bach, DJ and gizmo-whiz guy sported a
single turntable, an electric violin, a mixer and a laptop
from which he produced big techno sounds with crackly 1940’s
spoken-word samples. Very danceable but check your decibels.
Speaking of decibels, I checked out
Teenanger at the Silver Dollar and I’m not sure
why anyone would put a Telecaster through a Fender Twin at
that volume. Next time it’s earplugs. Teenanger has a solid
performance though. This not-exactly-punk band reminds me of
the Ramones or the Sex Pistols. Easy on the vocal reverb
Alex, your voice doesn’t cut through the other instruments.
These guys and gal have been practicing for their showcase
however, and have an exciting, road-worthy performance.
I did make it to the Horseshoe Tavern for what ended up
being my last show of the night where I saw
Huron. Cam Malcolm and Aaron Goldstein provide
vocal and guitar harmonies, add pedal steel and organ with
drums and bass guitar and you have a solid performance at
probably the best venue in town, with the best timeslot for
a rock band in Toronto. Huron is versatile, with both
bassist Adam “Hank” Melnick and Drummer Peter Hall providing
additional vocals and Adam handling the organ. These guys
don’t sound like Wilco or Tom Petty per se, but I’d put them
on the same playlist. Peter Hall your drumming is solid.
>
Click here
to visit The Jessica Stuart Few
>
Click here
to visit Airheart
>
Click here
to visit Teenanger
>
Click here
to visit Huron
>
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