The Balconies were one of two surprise guests Tuesday night at Sandman Viper Command’s February residency – the other half being Hollerado – here’s a video taken from the show!
Posts Tagged ‘the balconies’
Resonancity’s “Bands To Chase 2010″ – The Singing Lamb’s Picks!
January 16th, 2010 | By: Melody Lau
Sheezer
I had the pleasure of partaking in Resonancity’s “Bands To Chase 2010″ list recently where we got to pick bands we think are going to be big in the new year. Here are links to all the lists:
Here are my official picks:
The Balconies – If the end of 2009 was any indication of things for the Balconies, 2010 should be the year they take over the music scene. This Ottawa power-pop trio (recently relocated to Toronto) comprised of brother-sister duo Jacquie and Stephen Neville and drummer Liam Jaeger released their self-titled album late last year to much praise and admiration from local bloggers and music fans. Bursting with catchy melodies, dynamic vocals and a maturity that some bands on their third or fourth album strive to achieve, things can only go up for these guys in the new year.
Diamond Rings – John O’Regan (The D’Urbervilles) a.k.a. Diamond Rings was the toast of the local music scene, international artists (opening for La Roux) and even Pitchfork last year with his breakout YouTube hit “All Yr Songs”. But the video and the song are only a little sneak peek into the spectacle that’s to come. In the midst of finishing up his debut album, Diamond Rings will finally release his much-anticipated album this year and if his live material is a sign of anything, it will be incredible.
Novels – This super-band made up of Will Currie, Graham Wright (Tokyo Police Club), Luke Lalonde (Born Ruffians), Dean Marino (Ex-po) and Jason Sadlowski (Jay Sad) is basically destined for success. Though the band won’t be selling their debut EP in stores (the band has opted to just let people download it for free online), their music will undoubtedly reach a wide audience and gain lots of press, as it has already in the blogosphere.
The Elwins - This Newmarket duo of Travis Stokl and Matthew Sweeney are certainly an up-and-coming act to watch for this year. With a full-length on its way, the Elwins’ brand of sugary sweet pop-rock is comparable to The Strokes or friends, Tokyo Police Club and The Bicycles. It’s definitely cheerful and a ray sunshine into your ears.
Sheezer – This all-girl Weezer cover band debuted on New Years Eve at the Tranzac and literally blew everyone away, even if you weren’t a Weezer fan. The band’s made up of Dana Snell (The Bicycles), Laura Barrett (The Hidden Cameras), Magali Meagher (The Phonemes), Robin Hatch (ex-Sports The Band) and Alysha Haugen and even though they don’t take any particularly unique approaches to covering hits like “Buddy Holly” or “My Name is Jonas” they do a hell of a job rockin’ them out. Fingers crossed for more shows soon! If they wanted to, I think Sheezer can take over the world; one Weezer fan at a time.
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Check out Resonancity – fantastic new blog and deserving of many, many visits and reads! Blog love!
Show Announcements
January 4th, 2010 | By: Max Mertens
David Bowie
Happy New Year y’all! Here are some shows/events that might tickle your fancy for the month of January and beyond.
Ottawa up-and-comers The Balconies will be playing one of my favourite new places to see a show, The Supermarket in Kensington Market, this Wednesday. This show is pay-what-you-can and their set time is 10:30.
Burlington’s Sandman Viper Command will be playing the Casbah in Hamilton this Thursday. Details here.
Depending on your feelings for tribute acts (one of my very first concerts was an Eagles tribute band at the South Shore Exhibition – it was magical), then you might be interested in checking out the Tattoo Rock Parlour’s David Bowie Birthday Celebration, with Thin White Duke impersonator Clifton David Broadbridge. This Friday, celebrate the man who singlehandedly inspired legions of eyeliner-wearing male singers today and for decades to come.
I’ve taken a lot of chirping recently from people who weren’t aware that Little Girls is, in fact, THE NAME OF A BAND (I swear, if I hear one more joke about being a pedophile…). But I know better to listen to them, because the Toronto noise-mongers are awesome, and the band will be playing Sneaky Dee’s on January 15th with special guests. Facebook event details here.
The author of the new book, Treat Me Like Dirt: An Oral History Of Punk In Toronto And Beyond (1977-1981), Liz Worth, will be talking to Fucked Up’s Damian Abraham about the history of Toronto punk at the Gladstone Hotel on Jan. 18th. Doors open at 7p.m., admission is free with the purchase of the book ($5 otherwise), and there will be live DJing from Mark Pesci.
Love Music Volume 1 is a one-night-only event set to take place Jan. 23rd at the Sound Academy. This year’s lineup features Switch, The Martinez Brothers, Pat Mahoney (LCD Soundsystem), Hercules & Love Affair & more! This show is 19+ and tickets will set you back $29.50. More details here.
Toronto-based independent music label Out of this Spark will be celebrating their third anniversary at the Garrison on Jan. 22nd. Music will be provided by The D’Urbervilles, Forest City Lovers, Evening Hymns, and others. Tickets are $8 in advance from the usual suspects, or $10 at the door.
If you live in Halifax – or Nova Scotia for that matter – and you consider yourself a fan of good live music, than chances are you already know about the Paragon Theatre. This is for those of you that haven’t, or are planning to making a trip to Halifax in the near future. Reopened this year under the new name, in the building which used to host the iconic Marquee Club, the Paragon has quickly grown a reputation for drawing some of the biggest local, national, and international acts from indie rock to electro and every genre in between. But this January, it’s all about the hip-hop. Just some of the names set to appear this month: rap pioneer Afrika Bambaataa, Scratch from The Roots, East Coast DJ Skratch Bastid, and Wu-Tang’s GZA. Get all the details on these shows and more on the Paragon’s Facebook page, Twitter, or website.
This show announcement might be a little premature, but I was excited to recently learn that one of my favourite new bands of last year (that feels weird to type) are coming to Toronto. West Palm Beach’s Surfer Blood will be playing with Nashville’s Turbo Fruits (containing former members from Be Your Own Pet) at Sneaky Dee’s on March 6th.
This year’s Canadian Music Week will be taking place March 10th to 14th, and is set to see over 700 artists play 45 venues in Toronto. Among the initial acts announced to play the festival are Our Lady Peace, The Trews, Joel Plaskett, Constantines, K-Os, The Rural Alberta Advantage and many, many more! Two acts that I’ve already put in my “must-see” column are The Mountains & The Trees, aka Newfoundland folk singer-songwriter Jon Janes, and American triple-threat (DJ/producer/musician) RJD2, whose work you may have heard recently on a little-known TV show.
Happy show-going!
The Singing Lamb’s 12 Days of Lists – Day 12: Melody’s Best Albums of 2009
December 24th, 2009 | By: Melody Lau
Green Go - Borders
Like I’ve mentioned before, music in 2009 kind of kicked 2008’s ass. Personally, it was really difficult to narrow lists down, so much so that I’ve created separate categories at the bottom, just because I didn’t find it fair to categorize some with the other. For example, putting the Dark Was the Night or Friends In Bellwoods compilations in my list just wouldn’t be fair because it’ll kick everyone else’s ass. But regardless, what I’m trying to get at was 2009 was a good year and kind of shines a light of optimism as we head into 2010. Good job, everyone! Here’s my best of 2009 (in no particular order or rank):
The Balconies – The Balconies
If you didn’t guess this one by now, you clearly don’t read this blog enough. I don’t think I’ve shut up about The Balconies’ debut album since August, when I picked it up at one of their shows. This Ottawa trio’s self-titled debut album is packed with pop-rock punch from beginning to end, arguably one of the catchiest records of the year. Definitely the most exciting new band of 2009; I can only imagine the good things that are ahead for the Balconies in 2010.
May I Suggest: “300 Pages”, “Battle Royale”, “Ghost Fever”
Dan Mangan – Nice, Nice, Very Nice
Dan Mangan, I find, has been a hit or miss this year – either you love him or you find him utterly boring. But what some has perceived as dull and unexciting, I see as simplistic and quite amazing. Sure, Mangan isn’t breaking ground on anything new; his acoustic singer-songwriter card is quite common among the sea of music we drown in today but there’s a reason this particular album has risen above the rest, even winning him Artist of the Year at this year’s XM Verge Music Awards. The combination of that distinctive voice (seriously, how do you not love that voice) and phenomenal songwriting is really a combo to be reckoned with; Mangan produces some of the most heart-warming, cheerful and comforting tunes of the year. If this album was a person, it would be like an old friend that you’d want to cuddle up on a couch with a cup of cocoa with and just talk for hours with.
May I Suggest: “Robots”, “Sold”, “Tina’s Glorious Comeback”
The Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
Like I mentioned on my “Best Shows of ‘09” list, I wasn’t able to fully appreciate Bitte Orca on record till I saw them live in July, and again in November. But man, when I finally got into this album, I really got into it. The meticulous instrumentation, including the use of female vocalists Angel Deradoorian, Amber Coffman and Haley Dekle as the band’s secret weapon instruments, creates musical masterpieces within every song. There is something innately original about the Dirty Projectors and that’s why I love them; only this band can pull off what they pull off – a unique brand of Mariah Carey-esque vocals backed by rhythmic perfection, sharp riffs and exceptional song structures.
May I Suggest: “Remade Horizon”, “Stillness In The Move”, “Two Doves”
Green Go – Borders
Out of all the albums on this list, this was the one I probably listened to the most throughout the whole year. Ever since January, I developed a school-girl crush on Green Go and their music. Refreshingly energetic, Green Go’s music was definitely some of the most fun times I’ve had this year. Borders is chock-full of synths, beats, hooks and some of the best lyrics to scream along to, whether you’re in a car, a bar, or just your own bedroom (there are others out there who do this, right?). As I already mentioned, Green Go, hands-down, hottest band of the year and there will always be a place in my heart for these guys; words can’t even explain how happy they make me. If this album was a perfect ice-cream sundae, it would be topped with a disco ball instead of a cherry.
May I Suggest: “Put On Your Specs Boy”, “You Know You Want It”, “Ghosts Of The Future”
Jenn Grant – Echoes
Am I the only one who feels that this album is completely underrated? Jenn Grant’s second album Echoes is a beautiful collection of songs of heartbreak, captured in the moment. Not only are these songs relatable, but they literally reach over the headphones and Grant’s voice weaves a thread between herself and the listener, making it an intimate affair when you hear a song like opener “Heartbreaker”. Musically, Grant’s instrumental arrangements are impeccable, offering many layers that need multiple listens to truly appreciate and understand. Honestly, Echoes is an album that I’m shocked didn’t more lists this year. You guys are missing out.
May I Suggest: “Sailing By Silverships”, “Blue Mountains”, “Heartbreaker”
Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
This is the album that mainstream media and I agree on. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is just pop at its best and you can’t deny it. Regardless of your knowledge or opinion of the band prior to this album, once you’ve listen to this album, you’re immediately a converted-fan, and if not, you’d at least leave humming a melody or two. I mean, how do you not fall in love with hit singles like “Lisztomania” and “1901”? If “1901” is car commercial-worthy, its catchy shit. But don’t get me wrong, the rest of this album is just as addictive. Bon travail, Phoenix.
May I Suggest: “Lisztomania”, “1901″, “Lasso”
St. Vincent – Actor
Imagine smashing a guitar over a fairytale-esque Disney movie – the result you’d get is St. Vincent’s second album Actor. A brilliant collection of part whimsical, part intensely dark songs that only Annie Clark can master, Actor’s aesthetic reflects Clark’s signature style of heavy guitars paired with an angelic voice. Taking off from where her last album Marry Me left off, Actor is the perfect soundtrack to a twisted Disney classic of some sort and each song is hypnotic, compelling and as addictive as a poisonous apple that Snow White can’t put down.
May I Suggest: “Actor Out Of Work”, “Marrow”, “The Strangers”
Timber Timbre – Timber Timbre
Hauntingly captivating and the record of the year that got me through those dark, rainy days, Timber Timbre’s self-titled album is seriously an exquisite piece of work. Fantastically sombre, every track on this record is chillingly personal and intimate. As our guest contributor Lauren Schreiber put it, “Taylor’s talent is otherwordly…”
May I Suggest: “Demon Host”, “Magic Arrow”, “Lay Down In The Tall Grass”
Think About Life – Family
Albeit, Think About Life will always be a live-over-record band for me, Family was still a phenomenal album and definitely worthy of being one of the best albums of 2009. Bursting with oomph and energy, Think About Life’s second album is made for dancing, singing along to and yes, is occasionally mosh-pit-inducing. The main point of Think About Life’s music is to just enjoy life, live in the moment and party like a rock star and that is all you can do when you listen to Family. Combining clever samples and original melodies and instrumentation, this band pulls off some of the most entertaining tracks of the year that I never thought could be pulled off.
***
Honourable Mentions:
The Wooden Sky – If I Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone
The Wilderness of Manitoba – Hymns of Love and Spirits
Evening Hymns – Spirit Guides
Bruce Peninsula – A Mountain Is A Mouth
Great Bloomers – Speak of Trouble
Tegan and Sara – Sainthood
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!
Young Galaxy – Invisible Republic
Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees – Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees
Patrick Watson – Wooden Arms
* Note: I didn’t include The Rural Alberta Advantage’s Hometowns and TuneYards’ BirdBrains because I consider them 2008 releases. Also, The RAA was on my “Best of ‘08” list.
Best EP of the Year: (tie) Sports The Band and Everything All The Time
Best Soundtrack of the Year: Where the Wild Things Are (by Karen O & the Kids)
Best Compilation of the Year: (tie) Dark Was the Night and Friends In Bellwoods II
Best Video of the Year: “All Yr Songs” – Diamond Rings
Best Triple Album of the Year: Joel Plaskett – Three
Best Instrumental Album of the Year: Bell Orchestre – As Seen Through Windows
(Diamond Rings – “All Yr Songs”)
***
Till next year! Happy holidays, everyone!
xoxo
The Singing Lamb’s 12 Days of Lists – Day 10: Melody’s Favourite Shows of 2009
December 22nd, 2009 | By: Melody Lau
As much as I make a big fuss about writing year-end lists and the joys of compiling your favourites of the year, I actually find it to be a very difficult thing to do. Part of the reason why I found it hard this year was the vast amount of good music I’ve listened to; narrowing down my very favourites became more difficult than choosing which chef to root for on Top Chef (admit it, you kind of liked everyone in the final four). And once that’s decided, the writing process just gets trickier because now that you’ve chosen the best you really want to make sure you can get it across to the readers just how much you loved these albums, shows, bands, etc.
The following 9 shows (yes, I’m going with the oh-so-witty approach of doing ‘Top 9’ lists this year) were the ones that truly blew me away, gave me the chills, and left me wanting more.
1. The Dirty Projectors, TuneYards @ Opera House – November 14
The Dirty Projectors on record hadn’t impressed me much before and it wasn’t till I saw them at Lee’s back in July that I was officially converted into intense Dirty Projectors fandom. Following said show, I had their latest album Bitte Orca on heavy rotation and it seemed like every other word that came out of my mouth was “I love the Dirty Projectors!” So not only was this show at the Opera House one of my most anticipated shows of the year but also the one that delivered the most. Opening for the Brooklyn art-rockers was Montreal’s TuneYards, an act of whom I had been beating myself up for missing since May of this year. Not only did TuneYards front woman Merrill Garbus steal the show but she left me speechless, literally with my jaw down and staring at the stage in complete awe. Garbus’ use of looping vocals and instruments built an incredible room of sound that just blew everyone away, sending the crowd into a paralyzed state of disbelief or in a crazed state of dancing. The Dirty Projectors were equally as mind-blowing, giving yet another amazing performance of unbelievably flawless vocals (delivered by Angel Deradoorian, Haley Dekle and Amber Coffman – hailed as the Mariah Careys of indie-rock) and some of the tightest, most astonishing musicianship today. Can’t appreciate a band like the Dirty Projectors? See them live; almost guaranteed to convert even the coldest of indie hearts. Hands-down, the best show of 2009 from the best pairing of artists.
2. Broken Social Scene @ Harbourfront – July 11
I think it’s apparent from my list last year of best shows that I’m a fan of Broken Social Scene. Always was, always will be. So it really shouldn’t be shocking that my favourite Toronto collective is back on this list this year. Unfortunately I had missed BSS at Harbourfront back in 2004 but thanks to the cancelation of this year’s Olympic Island festival (regularly held by the folks of BSS), the band returned to the Sirius Satellite Radio Stage for a free show…yes, free. Needless to say, the place was packed, all the way to the edge of the water; I’m sure if people were desperate enough, they’d be watching the show on a boat. But it wasn’t because this was a packed show or because it was free that won me over; the spectacle of a Broken Social Scene show that wins me over every time is the band itself. And in this instance, we were all treated to a reunion of the lead female vocalists (Amy Millan, Emily Haines and Leslie Feist) and what ensued was clearly the best performance the band has given in a very long time. Hearing from several members days, weeks, even months after the show, they knew it was a magical moment that night and the most important thing is that everyone had fun. And what’s a show without an equal amount of great musicianship and fun. (video by staff photographer, Stephanie Luong)
3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Kool Haus – August 5
Okay I’ll admit, Karen O is my idol and I kind of worship the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. So yes, I’ve been waiting for this show for many, many years. But don’t get me wrong, if this show sucked, it wouldn’t have made this list. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are known for their highly energetic performances and that is exactly what I got. Lead singer Karen O is one of the most entertaining musicians I’ve ever seen onstage, running frantically around (in her signature Christian Joy costume), even lending the mic to the audience during “Cheated Hearts”. One thing I remembered thinking throughout the night was “Man, she just doesn’t stop smiling. I love it!” Underneath the wild leather jackets, capes and makeup, regardless of where you are in the venue, you can see the sincerity in Karen O’s face. Guitarist Nick Zinner still remains to be one of the best guitarists I’ve ever seen and even though Karen O takes centre stage, Zinner and drummer Brian Chase were the musical gems of the night. Albeit it was at a venue I’m not crazy about but for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, I’d even trek to the Sound Academy. On a sidenote, I went to this show injured; that’s how much of a fan I am of this band. I went with a busted ankle and left limping (for several weeks, actually).
4. Everything All The Time, The Magic, The Balconies @ Horseshoe – August 26
Could that line-up be any more awesome? Three of my favourite local acts under one roof, I’d kill to see this line-up again and again. As much as big extravaganzas at the Kool Haus or Harbourfront were amazing, a show like this one, celebrating the release of Everything All The Time’s EP, was just equally as incredible. It almost goes without saying anymore that I love the Balconies and both live and on record, they consistently blow me away. This show marked the first time I finally got to see them live and they didn’t disappoint. Strong dynamics and vocals between brother-sister duo Steve and Jacquie Neville, backed by the drumming talents of Liam Jaeger, it is almost alarming how talented these guys are for such a young band. I think Bob Battams of It’s Not the Band I Hate Its Their Fans says it best: “Their debut album encapsulates a brave form of ambition that most bands save up for their third or fourth album. This means that, in theory, their third or fourth album is going to be the greatest thing ever.” The Magic, another band I’ve consistently watched throughout the year, is just packed with a ridiculous roster of talent and onstage, they’re a band that I want to see more of every time. Everything All The Time has seriously become on of my favourite bands of the year. Their unique brand of electro-pop meets Diana Ross is infectious and nothing makes me happier than listening to the band’s EP. From playing a headlining show at the Horseshoe to opening for Thunderheist at the Mod Club, EATT never disappoints.
5. Think About Life @ everywhere – throughout the year.
I’m breaking the rules for this one. Think About Life is quite possibly one of the most exciting, most exhilarating and most fun bands I’ve seen in years. These guys are just so phenomenal live that I couldn’t pick out one specific show of theirs I fell in love with because to be honest, I fall in love with them every time I see them. From confetti to balloons, these guys pull out all the tricks live but it doesn’t come off as cliché, in fact it heightens every performance to a new level and you really just feel like you’re part of the party. If you go to a Think About Life show and you don’t dance, you have no soul. Okay, that’s a little harsh – you have a soul; there’s definitely something wrong with you though. How does one not dance to Think About Life? I need some serious answers.
6. No Shame 100 feat. Green Go, Ruby Coast, Pick A Piper, The Skeletons Four @ Horseshoe – September 18
This show was literally one of the best parties of the year. Great music, great people, an amazing and lovely promoter – what more can you ask for? Green Go was, without a doubt, the band of the year for me. I had voted Green Go number one for my list of ‘Hottest Bands in Canada ’09’ for i(heart)music but seeing as how they somehow didn’t make it on the list, here’s my little blurb about them:
“Rarely do I discover a band that I can watch and listen to over and over again without getting sick of but Green Go definitely has a spot on that list. Having seen them seven times in 2009, I’m still left wanting more as the band just gets better with each performance. With the release of their debut album, Borders and a slew of tour dates everywhere across the country, this was clearly the year of Green Go. Simply put, the hottest Canadian band of ’09 – and deservingly so.”
7. Timber Timbre, Emma McKenna @ Church of Redeemer – July 17
I’m a big fan of church shows and you couldn’t get more perfect than having Timber Timbre play at the Church of Redeemer this year. The entire evening was a subdued, relaxed affair and even though energetic shows can be fun and exciting, I find shows like this one equally as exciting and enjoyable. Taylor Kirk’s hauntingly beautiful voice, backed up by a band which included Forest City Lovers violinist Mika Posen filled the room remarkably well. Every song crept around the church in a slow, almost mesmerizing manner. It’s almost impossible for me to Timber Timbre in any other type of atmosphere anymore.
8. Beirut, The Dodos @ Phoenix – July 9
This was my first time seeing Beirut and The Dodos and since this was a last minute opportunity to see both bands, I almost died of excitement. I almost prefer the Dodos live as opposed to on record because seeing the dynamics and musicianship of lead singer Meric Long is great. As for Beirut, I’m still pretty speechless from their live performance. Just watch the video below and tell me you’re not in love with Zac Condon. (You can’t do it!)
9. The Singing Lamb Launch Party feat. Hexes & Ohs, The Winter Gloves, Green Go, Sports The Band, Maylee Todd @ Tranzac – January 10
You didn’t think I’d forget this one, did you?
***
Honourable mentions to: Parlovr, Diamond Rings, Bruce Peninsula, The Happiness Project, Ruby Jean & The Thoughtful Bees, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Thunderheist, Jenn Grant, Katie Stelmanis, The Ruby Suns, Julie Doiron, Ume, Woodhands, and Olenka & The Autumn Lovers.
Contest: Audio Blood Xmas Show
December 3rd, 2009 | By: Melody Lau
What a bloody amazing lineup!
It’s that time of the year again – Christmas shopping, gingerbread cookies and of course, holiday parties! This year will mark Audio Blood & Third Estates’ 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Rock (taking place Saturday December 12th) and to help you save some money for those gifts, we want to give you some free swag! In this lovely bundle prize, we have a screen printed show poster, Exclaim! merchandise courtesy of Third Estate, a pair of tickets to the show, and cds from all the artist’s playing in exchange for the promotion!
Now who’s playing, you may ask? This year’s lineup includes the Balconies, Clothes Make the Man, Make Your Exit, and headliners Oh No Forest Fires! Watch out for a daily feature on all four bands starting next week in preparation for this event!
To enter, all you have to do is send the Singing Lamb an e-mail (melodylau.620@gmail.com) with the title “An Audio Blood Christmas” in the subject line, and include your full name, address and phone number!
Check out the bands here:
Oh No Forest Fires: http://www.myspace.com/ohnoforestfires
Make Your Exit: http://www.myspace.com/makeyourexit
Clothes Make The Man: http://www.myspace.com/clothesmaketheman
The Balconies: http://www.myspace.com/thebalconies
Review: Dog Day, Immaculate Machine, The Balconies @ The Horseshoe, Nov. 5, 2009
November 6th, 2009 | By: Leah Robinson
The Balconies
When crowding around the table to share that heaping plate of late-night nachos, it’s common knowledge that the plain tortilla chips at the bottom, though fundamental to the dish, are not the most exciting part. And just as the gooey cheese and toppings steal the show in this delicious dish, the opening bands at Thursday’s show at The Horseshoe Tavern proved to be the extras that made the evening a true success.
Bad food analogies aside, opener The Balconies jumped into their set with an energy that belied how shockingly empty the Horseshoe was at this point in the evening. Having no previous exposure to their music, I fell in love with the wide-eyed vocal harmonies between brother-sister team of Jacquie and Stephen Neville and the consistent catchy beat delivered by drummer Liam Jaeger. Some dancing would have occurred, if the puny size of the audience hadn’t made it so awkward to do so. Songs like the vocally amazing “Ghost Fever” and bright pop hooks of “Skinny Dipper” definitely made the crowd smile if not dance. All in all and despite the shamefully stoic audience, The Balconies played like there was no place on Earth they’d rather be on. With their first album released this past September, The Balconies are climbing their way to great heights. Be sure to check out these pop-rockstars again at The Horseshoe Tavern on December 12th.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thebalconies
Now before I continue I must say that the next opening act, Immaculate Machine, is an entirely different beast than it was when I last experienced the band live roughly two years ago when it consisted of threesome Brook Gallupe, Kathryn Calder, and drummer Luke Kozlowski. The band has since been shuffled so that the sole remaining original member is frontman Gallupe, now supported by a trio of ladies on bass, guitar, and vox, and a new drummer. This remixed band is great in its own right, and I’ve decided for the purposes of this review not to compare it to the “older” Immaculate Machine combo that I already know and love.
In front of the growing audience at the Horseshoe (it was about time), the band played a good mix of material from their new release High on Jackson Hill and old favourite Fables. As could be expected due to former’s fairly recent release, the biggest crowd pleasers were from Fables including a lively rendition of “Sea Legs” and “Nothing Ever Happens”. The infectious pop sound of these early songs is reborn in newer hits like “I Only Love You for Your Car”. With Brooke’s voice and pop sensibilities front and centre, the only thing more I could have asked for was some extra oomph on the female vocals. Perhaps this was due to the venue’s sound—something only a closer listen to the new album will reveal. The band will soon be wrapping up an extensive North American tour and I strongly suggest that you pick up their new album if you haven’t already done so to fill in as they’re off to spreading their pop magic to more Eastern corners of the globe.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/immaculatemachine
With roots on the East-Coast, Dog Day is a darling rock-pop quartet with an EP and two full-lenght releases under it’s belt. Being a fan of the band’s recorded work, I have to say that I was a bit underwhelmed by this particular live performance. The sound was mixed strangely and as a result, the cacophony of noise that facilitated some major “zoning-out” moments during the performance. Although consistent, the band was noticably overshadowed by the energy of the evening’s earlier performances. The highlight of the set came with the song “Rome” which features female vocalist Nancy Ulrich and is perhaps one of the band’s biggest pop gems off their new record Concentration. Ending with a string-on-string battle between frontman Seth Smith’s guitar and Ulrich’s bass that resulted with Smith lying flat on the floor, this track saved what was otherwise a flat-line performance.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/dogdaytheband
The Singing Lamb Recommends…
September 29th, 2009 | By: Melody Lau
Photo Credit: Alex Cairncross
Sometimes a broken mp3 player is a sign from God that I should take better care of my music players but once in a while, I think it’s a blessing in disguise.
Back in August, when the Singing Lamb had just gone down for construction (by the way – you like?), my beat-up mp3 player also decided to go down, into the permanent flames of technological hell. This led to a months-worth of carrying around my fashionably pink (and perfectly functioning) Walkman CD player; remember those? Coincidentally, this was also around the time I had picked up The Balconies’ debut self-titled album at Everything All The Time’s EP release party at the Horseshoe. And from the moment I put that CD into my CD player, it stayed in there for the rest of my CD carrying days.
The Balconies are a pop-rock trio originally from Ottawa (they now reside in Toronto), comprised of brother-sister duo Jacquie and Stephen Neville, rounded up by drummer Liam Jaeger. Though fairly young as a band, they sure sound like they’ve perfected their formula. Combining sweet boy-girl harmonies, sharp, strong riffs and backed by an equally strong bass, The Balconies create simplistic pop perfection.
Tracks like “Smells Like Secrets” and “Elephant Lamp” highlight their playful, catchy melodies while a slower track such as the aptly named “The Slo” prove that the trio aren’t just a one-note band, which tends to be a fatal flaw in many pop-rock acts today. The Balconies show range but are also simultaneously able to rope everything together into one cohesive album, which already has a spot on my top 10 of ‘09.
As much as Stephen Neville’s tame, almost Dave Monks-like voice animates pop elements of songs, the winning voice belongs to sister, Jacquie. Her voice is one of those voices that people would typically categorize under the “she can sing me the phone book and I’d love it” file; it’s a rare gem and one listen to “The Slo” or “Ghost Fever” and you’ll understand why.
Live, The Balconies are beyond fantastic. If you haven’t seen them live or even if you didn’t like the record that much, the band’s live performance is almost guaranteed to win you over, as testified by a fellow concert-goer/blogger at last Friday’s performance at Lee’s. Jacquie Neville, though fairly fixed within a square foot of the stage, is a firecracker of energy reminiscent of Land of Talk’s Liz Powell. Collectively, watching and hearing these songs live paints a whole new layer of energy and excitement that’s hidden from the album.
I will bet money now that these guys will be ridiculously big soon; 2010 better watch out for The Balconies. I highly recommend you either buy their album, which is available at your local independent music stores, check them out live or even just give their MySpace a visit – it’ll be worth it.
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For more of the Balconies,
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thebalconies
The Balconies are back in Toronto on October 24th at the Drake, opening for White Rabbits! Tickets are still on sale for $15.50!
Let’s Chat: The Balconies
June 14th, 2009 | By: Guest Contributor
The Balconies
The Singing Lamb: You’ve probable been asked this a million times, but what is the meaning behind your band name?
Liam Jaeger: The name was suggested by a good friend of ours (the wonderful singer/songwriter Leif Vollebekk). It stuck for a few reasons… we love balconies, and associate balconies with good times, freshness, somewhere with a variety of things to observe, etc. These are the kinds of things we want people to feel when they hear our music. Also, our apartment has two balconies, so it was kind of funny.
In a recent interview one of your bandmates said “Being an artist in Canada doesn’t really qualify within the general public as being a legit career.” How do you feel about your profession and being a musician?
It’s a tough profession to persue, since there is little to no financial security. Almost every musician I know (even ones that many would call ’successful’ on a moderate level) needs to keep a day job in order to survive. At the same time, there is nothing that will ever make us quit. I’m sure that many people who work in the ‘usual types’ of business see being a musician as an obsessive compulsive disorder that prevents you from securing a financial ’successful’ future. But we could not live with ourselves any other way.
How did you go from classically-trained music students to where you are today?
We are all still students, in that we all continue to study music. I practice about 1-3hrs a day, playing classical guitar repertoire. Steve does the same on the double bass, and spends even more time composing chamber music, and ‘art songs’ on the piano, and Jacquie still keeps up her viola practice. Jacquie and I teach music lessons to make our living, and much of that deals with teaching theory, harmony, history, technique, etc. At the same time, we’ve also all been playing ‘rock music’ since we were we were young (I’ve been playing in bands since grade 5, and Jacquie and Steve started their first band when they were 13 and 11, respectfully). We find it important to continue to play all the kinds of music that we enjoy. It’s nice for us being in a band where each member feels similarly about this.
Biggest difference between Ottawa and Toronto?
Toronto is much bigger, so there is a lot more to do, more venues to play, and more people to play to.
This question is directed towards Steve and Jacqui. How is it like being in a band with your sibling?
Very familiar! In a good way. In this case, it is siblings who are close and get along.
What can fans expect from your debut album?
The official release date will be sometime in early August. We will be sending out promo copies in early July, and selling some advance copies ‘exclusively’ at the Ottawa Bluesfest merch tent throughout the festival. New tracks should be up on the MySpace within the next two weeks.
And finally, if you were a singing animal, what would you be?
A Lyre Bird. (Watch this!)
For more of The Balconies,
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thebalconies
Make sure to catch The Balconies at NXNE this year! They will be performing at The Drake Hotel on June 18th!
Interview By Athena Ngai