Ben Fox and Branko Scekic - Photo by Amanda Macchia
The Horseshoe Tavern was hit by the innovation and rich ambience of three unique bands last Saturday night; a foursome from Brooklyn, NY sandwiched between two hometown units.
After an opening set by Seas, Toronto’s The Darcys flooded the venue in their typical fashion – stretching syncopated dissonance to all four corners and gliding through bending transitions and twisted structures. “House Built Around Your Voice,” among others, demonstrates the flattering juxtaposition of frontman Jason Couse’s only slightly calloused vocals with the general harmonious chaos and intricate arrangements of the band’s instrumental elements.
Bear Hands then proceeded to deliver their colourful indie rock to the northern crowd. Although the mood they instill musically is far from the spectral area of which the sound of The Darcys and Dinosaur Bones reside, the jittery, electric elements of their style and the simplicity of their melodies was a fresh turn for the line-up to take.
To close the show, headliners Dinosaur Bones showered the warmed-up audience with a balanced blend of melodic balladry and moody, electric progressions that may have become the signature sound of the five-piece Toronto outfit, as they consistently draw music-listeners to their live sets. The shuffling rhythm and crying blues licks featured in tracks like “Royalty” demonstrate the band’s ability to integrate traditional elements of rock into their innovative craft. Meanwhile, the classic structure of “Sharks in the Sand,” paired with its authoritative melody and muddy descending minor chords offers listeners an idea of the strong visual element of the band’s artistry. And so perhaps the name rings true: Dinosaur Bones are of significance today, but with a constant reminder of the ways of yesteryear.
