Cold War Kids @the Phoenix on November 4th

Since the release of their third album, 'Mine is Yours' earlier in the year, Long Beach based indie rock band, Cold War Kids, have been non-stop touring across the continents. The quartet returned to Toronto for the second time in the year at the Phoenix on November 4th. 


I settled myself on the second floor on the balcony with my friends to obtain a better view as the venue was already packed due to a late arrival. As I was able to enjoy the sound system and look at the whole venue, including the audience on the floor, it gave me a very different prospective as if I was a third party, not being a part of the audience. It almost made me feel like I was watching a live show DVD or YouTube video. 
(I had once sat at the same spot for the Black Lips' gig as I was scared of the moshpit, but it was the  very first time to observe a show with a mellow atmosphere.)


Cold War Kids slowly warmed up the crowed and took them a little while to set them ablaze. It was when they performed their third song, 'Hang Me Up to Dry', that the audience went nuts and the entire venue sang along with the alluring tune. Since then, they mesmerized the crowed by mellifluous verses created with throbbing drums and bass and a gruff and emotional vocals of Nathan Willett, while banging on the piano. It was a great mix of their three albums, including their hit tracks, 'Hospital Bed', 'Saint John,' 'Something is Not right with me," and 'Louder Than Ever' to name a few. The crowed recognized each song right away by just hearing the intro of a song and grooved along with the captivating tunes.


There were moments, including two or three songs in row that the momentum of the permanence instantly descended. The force of the audience sporadically fluctuated and I couldn't help thinking what a band needs to keep the audience attentive for one and half hours for the full set. Don't get me wrong by what I say here. I don't mean that they are boring to witness. Cold War Kids are one of the best performers that I've seen this year and definitely have great tunes that instantly keep the audience gallant. It was just very interesting to sense the huge gap of the reactions of the audience  between songs throughout the gig. 

Audio Blood's Coffee Shop Project: The Archives

Have you ever wished that we had a local version of Starbuck's 'Pick of the Week,' which the giant coffee chain offers customers a free iTunes download card each week with a new tune?  If you have, your dreams have come true: Audio Blood launched the Coffee Shop Project, (CSP) last month. The free download cards can be picked up at various locations in the city listed below.

This month they are featuring Toronto alternative rock band, The Archives. They are ready to release a new EP, Transitions and will be performing a couple of shows in Ontario, including today's show at Sneaky Dees. With the first listen of the two songs, 'Home' and 'Sheeps Clothing', they made me feel that I would love to see them live due to their energetic sonic sounds. 'Home' is an uptempo tune with encouraging lyrics, which make you feel like you need to get something started. 'Sheeps Clothing', on the other hand, has a very different feel to it. The grungy distorted guitar riff enhanced the darkness of the song, where the grunge and anger is buried deeply in the song.  You can give it a try by picking up the download cards 

The Archives are also heading out on the road, supporting the new release. The Toronto show is tonight at Sneaky Dees. Check them out. 

Participating Coffee Shops:

-  Lit Espresso Bar (810 College St.m Toronto)

-  Lit Espresso Bar (221 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto)

- Jimmy's Coffee (107 Portland St., Toronto)

- Saving Gigi (859 Bloor St. W, Toronto) 

- Capital Espresso (1349 Queen St. W, Toronto) 

- Cafe Pamenar (307 Augusta Ave., Toronto)

- Ideal Coffee (84 Nassau St., Toronto)

- Ideal Coffee (162 Ossington Ave., Toronto) 

- Niche Coffee and Tea Company (626 Queen St. W, Toronto)

- White Squirrel Coffee (907 Queen St. W,Toronto) 

- Bisogno Espresso Bar (61 Sherbourne St., Toronto)

-Tequila Bookworm (512 Queen St. W)

-7th Sister Bakery (53 Roncesvalles Ave.)

2011 Bucky Award Nomination

I cannot believe that it is already the time of the year to talk about Canadian indie music award via CBC 3, Bucky Award 2011.

This year, nominations can be made for the below categories:

Best Song

Most Canadian Song

Best Vocals

Best Live Act

Best Reason to Learn French

Best new Artist

Best New Band Name

Best Lyric

Lifetime Achievement Award

Sexiest Artist

Best Video

Nominations close on Wednesday, November 9th and the short-list voting will start on Monday, November 14th. You can listen to the details on Grant Lawrence Live on CBC Radio 3's website and Sirius 152. 

The Award gara will be also broadcasted live on Wednesday, December 7th. If you know any bands/artists who deserve to be in one of the above categories, enter them now!!!