In a city like Toronto, there’s rarely a shortage of music venues. From the good (Lee’s) to the bad (Kool Haus) and even to the ugly (Sound Academy; at least the trek there and back is ugly), we’re surrounded by various options but hey, the more the merrier…right?

The newest addition to the Torontonian family is the Garrison, an east-ender bar and music venue, diagonally-across from the Dakota Tavern that’s better known as the new home of the weekly Wavelength Music Series (previously held at Sneaky Dee’s).

This past Thursday was my first time there as I went to catch Toronto’s very own Diamond Rings and Katie Stelmanis (who, on a side note, were both spectacular; also I arrived late and therefore missed out on P.S. I Love You’s set) and upon arrival I immediately thought: “This needs work.”

Two things struck me right away when I walked past the front room, which emulates the appearance of a regular restaurant/bar, is that it is mighty dark and loud in here. Loudness could probably be attributed to my damaged hearing but from what I gathered from people struggling to carry proper conversations (again, it could be just me and my hearing), it was loud. I doubt that’s an issue every time but still, the sound in there is one of my concerns in terms of improvements that can be made. The darkness, on the other hand, is not as big of an issue as a concert-goer/reviewer but as I’ve heard from several photographers lately, will definitely pose a problem for those with cameras. It’s pretty evident that no proper lighting has been set up (yet?), making it a nightmare to capture good shots. So note to photographers – don’t bother. I’m sure the odd genius will be able to pull something off (I’m looking at the Joe Fudas and David Waldmans of the world) but if you’re a point-and-shooter, save yourself the effort and just settle for dancing during the sets instead.

On the positive, the size of the venue is fantastic. More spacious-feeling than the Horseshoe but still more intimate than the Mod Club, the amount of space provided was something I liked. The space is fairly bare still, with an odd pool table moved to the side and bar directly to your left when you enter the backroom. More can and probably should be done, fingers crossed.

Like what many have said, the Garrison is a neat venue that I can see myself spending many nights at (pending I remember to bring earplugs), but its opening was truthfully a tad premature. With some time though, I’m sure it’ll be one of the better venues in town. And it may be far to people on the west end of the city (i.e. myself), but hell, I’d rather get there any day than find my way to the Sound Academy.

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For listings of upcoming shows at the Garrison,

Website: http://www.garrisontoronto.com/