AWmusic

Gladstone Hotel; a hidden gem in Toronto’s West end for anyone willing to travel west of Bathurst played home to one of the opening venues for Canadian Music Week. The mellow and relaxed atmosphere of the hotel’s northern ballroom showcased The Job, Everything All the Time, Foxfire, Lioness and Mansion. Although I didn’t stay for Mansion’s entire set, there was one word that could describe the evening in its entirety, energy. Each band had a strong presence from set to set giving the crowd more and more as the night progressed.

The Job began the evening with a post-hardcore vibe, splitting their time between existing tracks and unreleased material (available for purchase in an after party). After giving their album a run through cover to cover, I can say with confidence they sound better live. The CD does not do the band justice. There are a lot of minute details you can make out in person that makes The Job shine. It’s an appreciation that I’m grateful to have experienced.

The Job – Problem

Everything All The Time approached the stage for setup to a crowd with positive apprehension in their eyes. “How could this momentum continue?” the crowd thought but did not utter. “Ask and you shall receive” was the message the group returned as they began. This was the first moment; I got the impression of energy. From something as simple as a tempo change to a moment as profound as the crowd cheering the lead vocalist to hold a pitch note, Everything All The Time did everything right in my eyes.

Everything All The Time – Lazy Days

Following the theme of energy Foxfire took it to another level. Prior to this venue I had never heard any of Foxfire’s material so I wanted to keep an open mind. One of the things that caught my eye immediately was the amount of energy lead vocalists Neil and Hannah had. Jumping, clapping, joining in the crowd and sharing microphones exemplified a lot of minor actions visually, but it demonstrated the amount of heart Foxfire puts into their craft. They finished their set with an extended version of the song ‘Your Love is Not Enough’. The music didn’t appeal to me but I will not be so quick to dismiss it completely.

Foxfire – Love is Not Enough

Rounding up my evening was the band I was looking forward to the most, Lioness. Lioness combines a good helping of rock and soul. The first time I heard the song ‘Harder They Fall’ I immediately made a connection to The Bellrays. Secretly I had my fingers crossed behind my back hoping the crowd would enjoy them as much as I was going to. After their first song I scanned around to see roughly 100-200 pairs of eyes glued to the stage in awe. It was nice to see them move, tap and shake their heads to songs like ‘You’re My Heart’ and ‘What You Do Will Come Back to You’. Venessa Fischer has a booming voice that helped make the bands presence known.

Lioness – You’re My Heart

Gladstone Hotel’s northern ballroom provided the perfect atmosphere to tonight’s headliners. The crowd responded well throughout the entire evening. Each band provided their own flavor but from my perspective it felt like Everything All The Time and Lioness stole the show. I spoke briefly to members from The Job and Everything All The Time after their sets and it was unique to hear their perspective from the stage. All this energy after just day one, not bad for a little hidden gem west of Bathurst.

George’s schedule for tonight: Thursday @ Cadillac Lounge: Andy Stedman, Agpak Mum, Captains, My Jerusalem, The Rosie Jones Band (Toronto/myspace)