The Elwins' End-of-Summer Party (photo by Kim Pourazar )
Friendship is not uncommon between bands. Particularly in Toronto, everyone in this so-called music scene is connected in some way – it’s almost incestuous. And through such friendships sometimes emerge great collaborations, side projects, and amazing shared line-ups.
Remember that awesome End-of-Summer Party we suggested you should trek to Newmarket for? Tokyo Police Club’s Graham Wright shares with us his thoughts and impressions of that night and raves about pals The Elwins. After all, we all get by with a little help from friends.
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When I was growing up in Newmarket, I went to exactly one local show. It was the standard multi band bill, featuring the standard mix of punk, hardcore, and ska bands, attended by what I assume was the standard crowd. A kid sitting on the curb outside, mohawked and adorned with chains and safety pins, looked up as we walked past and yelled “faggots!”
Wait, what? I thought that these were supposed to be the outcasts, coming together in a safe place. Besides, this guy’s pants were way tighter than ours. Anyway, we never went to another show, and that was my last impression of the Newmarket music scene.
Which is why I was so impressed by the crowd and the scene at The Elwins End Of Summer Party at the White Rabbit. It was a great example of how much things have changed, for the better.
Overzealous security and inadequate alcohol stocks notwithstanding, the White Rabbit is a bona fide rock and roll venue, and The Elwins packed it. The crowd’s numbers swelled throughout the night, peaking during The Elwins set. They danced, they clapped, they sang along, and they had an awesome time. And even though I felt uncomfortably old in a room full of enthusiastic high schoolers, it did my heart good to see such an explosion of warmth and joy in the old town.
Oh yeah, and The Elwins? Well, as usual, they were incredible, playing a mix of old and new tunes with exuberance befitting the celebratory atmosphere.
So, in closing, way to go Elwins! Way to go Newmarket! Hooray!!!
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(review by Graham Wright)
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Another well-put-together show is the Southern Souls showcase at the El Mocambo this coming Friday, Sept 17th. And incidentally, The Elwins are playing along with Make Your Exit, Teenage Kicks, and Cam Malcolm and the Owls.
See Facebook event.
