Review: HEALTH play spontaneous, relentlessness set at Sneaky Dee's

by Anne T. Donahue

June 18, 2010

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Anybody familiar with HEALTH most definitely went into their only Toronto stop at Sneaky Dee’s last night prepared for the intensity that comes with seeing the Los Angeles four-piece live. (And if it was your first-time catching them up close and personal, your expectations for the rest of NXNE will undoubtedly be ridiculously high.)

Anybody familiar with HEALTH most definitely went into their only Toronto stop at Sneaky Dee’s last night prepared for the intensity that comes with seeing the Los Angeles four-piece live.  (And if it was your first-time catching them up close and personal, your expectations for the rest of NXNE will undoubtedly be ridiculously high.)

There’s a reason that despite the recent popularity of the west coast music scene that HEALTH continues to stand on its own.  Not only exuding an energy often lacking in most current underground rock, the group presents itself with a rawness that re-iterates the fact that the band is deserving of all praise, and that their live shows are something to be a part of and not to simply observe.

Appearing on stage slightly before their scheduled 12 a.m. set time, the band ripped into their first track to a jam-packed venue, as the tiny space was pre-emptively filled with the most enthusiastic and appreciative music fans.  Playing with a sense of spontaneity that comes only with years of honing a specific type of musical union, HEALTH head-banged, jumped and guitar-dominated (if that’s a thing) its audience, as onlookers literally scoured the walls in hopes of catching a better glimpse of the band in action.

Though despite the obvious talent of John Famiglietti, Jupiter Keyes and Jake Duzsik (on bass, guitar and keyboard), the true star of the 35-minute set appeared to be drummer BJ Miller, whose mix of strength, quickness and relentlessness helped make it seem like the floor was about to give way beneath us.  (Therefore proving that “feeling” is a major aspect of their live gigs – both in regards to emotion and to the physicality of being literally moved).

With cheers following every song – specifically crowd-favourite Die Slow – HEALTH proved that despite their dynamic visual aesthetic (if you’ve seen their album or promotional art, you’ll understand) they mean business.  Clearly enjoying themselves yet conveying an intensity that showcases their talent, heart and earnestness, HEALTH’s performance at this year’s festival will be referenced far past June 20, as the infectious enthusiasm – and cries of “I want to die slow” – of the audience have gone on to further solidify the band’s fanbase.

Photo by: Ryan Muire, Flickr.

Tags: Music, Health, NXNE

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