TWM 32 was a legendary kind of a year opening and by FAR one of the best shows Dan Wolowick and the Two Way Monologue team put together. It was quite the trip. It seems every band seems to take us at different places.
Opening the evening was my current heartthrob, Bellewoods. I've been listening to them almost none stop since I found them. With a realism that still seems to transport you into another world or in another time, their singer's voice carries a ghost of a sorrow-filled northern woodsmen who lives for the memory of his lost love. It goes without saying that there is a definite timeless essence in Bellewoods' sound that seems to grip you at the guts with their stretching guitars and dramatic violin arrangments (if they sadly did not have that night... the violins that is). Bellewoods has an authentic folk sound that I find incredibly surprising for a band located in the heart of Toronto. Now, none of that feel was lost on stage which totally blew me away. Even more when the lead singer's mic turned off and he finished the song, sung at the top of his lungs. Just plain amazing...
Next up was the Whale Tooth, who I have to admit; I underestimated. They are a box of fun. A mix of ska, rock and crazy mad guitar picking that makes their music into a bundle of party dance rock. After the intensely heartfelt performance from Bellwood, Whale Tooth took the stage by storm and bombarded the audience with energy bombs thrown at us by all band members. Between the riduculous guitar playing, electrifying antics, shimmying bass lines and non-stop drumming and the added bonus of Elise Le Gros' swanky voice, it is was just incredibly fun. This band has convinced me that they are looking toward making the best that there is and to as far as they can. Another local band to keep your eye on for 2009. SYLSB
The Whale Tooth's Myspace Page
Finally, my love of 2008, Amos the Transparent came on the stage. I was looking forward to this particular set after the news that Amos would be performing in a 6-piece band that night. Usually, 4 men on stage, it always felt like something was missing with the absence of female vocals, since the album has them on almost every track. With the joining of Dan Hay on guitar and Kate Cooke on vocals, it just seemed like the perfect ensemble. Hay and Cooke have brought an edge to Amos, both bolder but without in any way, taking away from the soothing and quiet intensity. A week later, as I'm writing this, I really believe that this was another memorable night at Rancho for Amos, surrounded by a rapidly growing number of fans, such as myself. The new material is just as promising as their first release. Since last Friday, I can't seem to be able to stop to listen to it... again. (I think my iPod as memorized the location of Everything I've Forgotten To Forget) Let's all cross our fingers for a new album soon!
Amos the Transparent's Official website
Pictures of TWM 32: Amos the Transparent w/ Whale Tooth and Bellewoods
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