Out Of This Spark Records
Friday marked the third anniversary of Toronto record label Out Of This Spark (congratulations!) and by the looks of ticketless people on the streets being rejected one by one at the doors of the Garrison, this was definitely the hot-ticket of the night.
This year’s festivities were moved to the Garrison as opposed to the Tranzac last year (fun fact: the label’s second anniversary was the night time show following the Singing Lamb’s launch party) and the room gradually filled up with each act.
The night boasted performances from all of the artists from OOTS including Jenny Omnichord, Evening Hymns, Forest City Lovers and The D’Urbervilles. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take in all the sets, leaving shortly after Forest City Lovers but for further coverage of The D’Urbervilles and the mini-set performed by a group comprised of all the bands, read Jen Polk’s review here.
Jenny Omnichord is the Laura Barrett of omnichords. Her simplistic take on songs melodically and witty lyrics concerning “babies and skeletons” are endearing and definitely something much more worthy of a smaller, quieter audience. With a new album coming out this year, definitely keep an eye out for this minimalistic, charming artist.
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jennyomnichord
This was, believe it or not, my first time seeing Evening Hymns. Jonas Bonnetta, backed by a full band including The Magic’s Sylvie Smith on bass and Forest City Lovers’ Tim Bruton, Evening Hymns was able to achieve a fuller sound more reflective of the atmosphere of the his album, Spirit Guides, but even bigger. Though powerful and moving, I find Evening Hymns to be more of a sit-at-home-on-a-rainy-day band, or even better in a more intimate space, not to say they didn’t do a phenomenal job in the space they were given. Of all the bands, this is the one I am dying to see again.
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/eveninghymns
Forest City Lovers were the last band I caught before leaving the party. The band’s sweet folk-rock tunes were delightful, fun and definitely got the crowd moving, being the most danceable of the night thus far. The last time I saw them, the band was sans violinist Mike Posen so to see her back added a welcome touch, bringing the songs back to its folk charm and away from the more guitar rock prominence of their performance at Pop Montreal. They also debuted a few new songs, which I’m sure hooked many in the audience, making them die with anticipation.
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/forestcitylovers
Congrats again, OOTS. May the new year bring more good times and good tunes.
