By: Sheena Lyonnais and TJ Liebgott
June 11, 2012
Full disclosure, we couldn’t agree on a single top ten list for NXNE 2012 so we just decided to each make our own. Even this proved difficult and daunting, the hallowed task of narrowing down some 50 plus accumulative picks, but we finally did it. In no particular order, here are the bands we’re most excited to see this week – 3 a.m. time slots and all.
Sheena’s Picks
Young Empires
The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern Saturday, June 16 @ 12AM
Toronto’s own big bold disco indie band. They call it “world beat haute rock,” but this rose of another name is fantastic regardless. Blending big pop sounds with wild African-influenced rhythms and melodies, Young Empires runs a solid parallel alongside bands such as Friendly Fires and Foster the People. On May 31 they were featured in Fast Company for releasing the world’s first Facebook connect interactive music video for their single “White Doves” AND their debut album was mixed by MSTRKRFT. In conclusion, this will be a tough show to gain access to if you try past 10 pm.
{http://soundcloud.com/youngempires/sets/white-doves-single}
The Strumbellas
Rivoli Friday, June 15 @ 11PM
Oh alt-country, I blame my semi small town upbringing for your permanent residence close to my heart. This isn’t any ordinary alt-country, it’s drenched in something that resembles whiskey and laced with some sticky tavern pop. “I aint trying to die, it’s just my style,” sings Simon Ward amidst a plea to reason. Religious songs aint normally my style either, but these ones sink in like a childhood prayer.
{http://soundcloud.com/the-strumbellas/indiana}
The Ascot Royals
El Mocambo (Upstairs) Thursday, June 14 @ 11PM
Supermarket Saturday, June 16 @ 9PM
I’ve been meaning to see the Ascot Royals for a while now yet have somehow managed to miss every Toronto performance since I discovered their existence sometime last year. I love it, everything, their energy, lyrics and conviction. They have that distinct working class sound paired with radio rock you want to (and do) embrace. Two performances this year, wish me luck.
{http://soundcloud.com/ascotroyals/think-youre-better}
Eight And A Half
Yonge Dundas Square Friday, June 15 @ 7:30 PM-8:10 PM
I always thought if a perfect band existed it would be a blend of Broken Social Scene and the Stills – and here we are. Eight And A Half are a band made for me. It’s dark yet embraces synth pop and it’s so indie swagger I can barely breathe. If both bands failed to reunite and I was left to my own defenses with only Eight And A Half to suffice, I would no doubt maintain a nauseating level of happiness.
{http://soundcloud.com/eight-and-a-half/eight-and-a-half-go-ego}
CTZNSHP
The Rochester Friday, June 15 @ 9PM
The Garrison Saturday, June 16 @ 3AM
CTZNSHP remind me so much of Tiny Victories from Brooklyn (who I first saw awkwardly at Czehoski’s where they tried to look like they weren’t on drugs while people ate their fancy dinners confused as to why a synth band was playing). Actually, if I had to set a scene to CTZNSHP’s music it’s kind of like that too, possessing an element of moodiness maybe the product of some alluring existentialism. Like we’re here, but maybe we shouldn’t be anymore. I just get lost to it sometimes.
{http://soundcloud.com/owlindie/c-t-z-n-s-h-p-summer}
Bleached
Silver Dollar Room Thursday, June 14 @ 12AM
Silver Dollar Room Friday, June 15 @ 12AM
Silver Dollar Room Saturday, June 16 @ 1AM
Bleached is this year’s Crocodiles, playing three back-to-back nights of Silver Dollar Room magic. Bleached is airy yet punky, maybe also a little whimsical, Californian grrl music I almost look forward to getting overly sweaty to. That sounds suggestive, but it’s really a jab at Silver Dollar Room’s total lack of air conditioning combined with very likely over capacity shows. I only go there when I have to during NXNE, which I do because I’ve wanted to see Bleached for weeks.
{http://soundcloud.com/indie-weekly/bleached-think-of-you}
Cai.ro
The Piston Thursday, June 14 @ 10PM
Cai.ro has that it factor you just don’t hear very often. A powerful frontman and memorable melodies that play slightly into pop rock anthem sounds like the Killers, but do it in a way that’s captivating and unique. They possess a sound that’s very distinct to them, mashing moods from melancholy all the way through to dance-til-you-die verses and choruses. Playing the itty bitty Piston, things will only go up from here for these hometown boys.
{http://soundcloud.com/wearecairo/all-these-colours}
Brasstronaut
The Gladstone Hotel Ballroom Friday, June 15 @ 12AM
Yonge Dundas Square Saturday, June 16 @ 1:00 PM-1:40 PM
The press release for Brasstronaut’s recently released sophomore album Mean Sun was one of the most beautiful releases I have ever read. It poetically described the concrete sound the band has evolved into and for once it was actually right. Vancouver’s Brasstronaut have created a consistent ambiance that thrives off the successes of its predecessor and pushes its boundaries just a little. Its wispier yet stronger. It takes you in its hold and leads you along with a tender yet confident hand. Plus, it’s alleged they put on a dynamite show that attracts a rather eclectic crowd.
{http://soundcloud.com/brasstronaut/03-mean-sun}
Amos The Transparent
El Mocambo (Main Floor) Wednesday, June 13 @ 11PM
Rancho Relaxo Sunday, June 17 @ 11PM
I have friends from Ottawa who hate me because I haven’t reviewed Amos The Transparent. “But they’re SO good,” they’ll say and so I make promises to go see them and for some reason or another I never make it. Amos The Transparent has made a liar out of me and I don’t like that. Essentially I need redemption but more so, their music is brilliant and it’s about fucking time I go experience it for myself. You should too, my friends say.
{http://soundcloud.com/45records/track-amos}
Gloryhound
Bovine Sex Club Thursday, June 14 @ 11PM
My list wouldn’t be complete without a Bovine band, especially one with old punk rock souls. These guys were signed to eOne Entertainment last month and are prepping for the re-release of their debut album Electric Dusk, a solid effort that previously landed the East Coast band supporting slots for Deep Purple, Sam Roberts and Thin Lizzy. If you’re not convinced yet, go listen to “TKO Tokyo” and yell it out loud (it’s okay). The track will be released as a single later this summer and will most likely find its way on many a party playlists.
{http://soundcloud.com/gloryhoundband/gloryhound-tko-tokyo}
TJ’s Picks
South of France
El Mocambo (upstairs) Wednesday. June 13 @ 11pm
This indie pop duo from Colorado sing songs about their travels with a dreamy, lo-fi sound that has already earned them accolades from Filter Magazine and Under the Radar.
{http://soundcloud.com/south-of-france/kings}
We Were Lovers
The Boat Wednesday, June 13 @ 1am
You would expect more line dancing from a band from Saskatchewan, but We Were Lovers brings their blend of electro, synthpop to this year’s NXNE. There will only be two types of people at their show at the Boat. Those shaking their booties on the dance floor and those sitting in the corner, sobbing and reminiscing of unrequited love. Which will you be?
{http://soundcloud.com/we-were-lovers/islands-we-were-lovers}
Bran Van 3000
The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern Thursday, June 14 @ 1am
Why? Cause I have not heard from these guys since “Drinking in L.A.” made its way onto Big Shiny Tunes 2 and I’m curious to see what the Broken Social Scene of the Electronica world have been up to.
{http://soundcloud.com/bran-van-3000/05-bran-van-3000-you-feat}
The Water St. Projects
The Annex Live Thursday, June 14 @ 3am
Guelph band The Water St. Project combines lo-fi, shoegaze and anti-folk and mixes it with computerized beeps, beats and choppy effects. The juxtaposition of analog against digital sounds coexist quite organically. They are not the most commercially appealing band, but could be one of the more unique and interesting bands of NXNE.
{http://soundcloud.com/out-of-sound-records/the-water-st-projects-june}
Papermaps
Rancho Relaxo Thursday, June 14 @ 11pm
Football Factory Friday, June 15 @ 9pm
Of a Kind (NXNE In-store performance) Sunday, June 17 @ 7pm
Toronto band Papermaps (previously Ex~Po) play a slew of NXNE shows and after listening to their self titled debut album, it’s easy to see what all the hype is about.
{http://soundcloud.com/papermaps/05-complicate-things}
Cai.ro
The Piston Thursday, June 14 @ 10PM
Having only been together for a short time, Toronto band Cai.ro has already been making waves since their debut EP Young Love was released last year. NOW! Magazine called them a “must see” band at the last Indie Week, let’s see if they still live up to that reputation.
{http://soundcloud.com/wearecairo/all-these-colours}
These Electric Lives
El Mocambo (upstairs) Friday, June 15 @ 8pm
Ever since These Electric Lives won Indie Week two years ago these guys have been on my radar. Their sets are filled with energy, dancing and infectious melodies. Their recent cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” have helped TEL make waves amongst industry heavyweights like Alan Cross.
{http://soundcloud.com/tel/we-should-be-believing}
Die Mannequin
Virgin Mobile Mod Club Friday June 15 @ 9pm
It would be foolish of me not to include Toronto’s most dangerous and entertaining band. Die Mannequin never fails to blow up any stage they grace, Toronto or not. Plus it’s their only Toronto stop on their Danceland tour.
{http://soundcloud.com/user8480148/dead-honey}
CTZNSHP
The Rochester Friday, June 15 @ 9PM
The Garrison Saturday, June 16 @ 3AM
Hailing from Montreal, CTZNSHP sings catchy, upbeat indie rock filled with melodic choruses. They come with the stamp of approval from POP Montreal whose showcase they will be playing on saturday at the Garrison.
{http://soundcloud.com/owlindie/c-t-z-n-s-h-p-summer}
Limblifter
El Mocambo (Main Floor) Saturday June 16 @ 12am
It’ll be interesting to see if Limblifter wrapped themselves in enough “Tinfoil” so they didn’t spoil. The only questions are whether they have any new material or will treat the fans at the El Mocambo to a wave of late 90’s nostalgia and if Kurt Dahle will be returning to join his brother, behind the drums.
{http://soundcloud.com/wellsound/ariel-vs-lotus-limblifter}
TMS Honourable Mentions
This Hisses, Army Girls, Animal Talk, Hooded Fang, The Heartbroken, Lytics, Parlovr, Bad Religion, Matt Good, Drugs In Japan, The Heavy Horses, Opopo