Music

CMW 2014: Who you shouldn't miss on Friday, May 9

by AUX staff

The Dirty Nil are trending upwards, and we’re predicting—more like guaranteeing—they’ll destroy the Bovine tonight.

Oh, what a feeling. Festival indecision, how we’ve missed you (said no one ever). Today marks a high-water mark for the festival portion of Canadian Music Week—and if you’ve invested in a wristband, expect to get your return tonight. The marquee acts tonight are clear-cut: beloved Brooklynite rap crew Flatbush Zombies take to the Phoenix tonight; No Age and Red Mass split the bill at the Hard Luck Club; amazing amazingcore coremen Comeback Kid bring the co-ordinated stage jumps to the Mod Club. But we won’t be at those shows. Why? Because we’ll be checking out these six bands.

 

The Dirty Nil

The Dirty Nil are at a crucial point in their admittedly young career—anyone whose seen their explosive live show has immediately been captivated by it, and they’ve quickly and quietly built the back catalogue to match. At this point, there’s every indication that they’re about to blow up, with a raucous, punk infused rock sound that beckons a bygone era with an all new energy. This is their second showcase of the week and, if things keep trending upwards, maybe the last time you’ll get to see them destroy such a tiny, intimate venue. (TM) (12:00 A.M., Bovine Sex Club, 542 Queen St. W)

 

 

Fan Fest

So, here’s the thing about music festivals. The big shows are the ones most likely to sell out of tickets beforehand and the ones most likely to draw the biggest crowds for wristband entry. Advance tickets for Fan Fest this year are already sold out, and while limited wristbands/passes are being accepted, you’ll probably wanna grab a snack at the Queens Quay Loblaws and be prepared to get in line early for this one.Tegan and Sara, Ellie Goulding (both AUX–beloved, natch), Andrew Allen, Alyssa Reid, and more. Plus fans! Because it’s Fan Fest! This is not Tegan and Sara singing “Closer” but it IS Choir! Choir! Choir! singing “Closer,” which you never know MIGHT HAPPEN at Fan Fest? Fan Fest! (NV)(6:00 p.m., Kool Haus)

 

Highs

Highs is a band I don’t know much about but whose recent CMW set I saw many mentions of in the Timelines of all my various #Networks, and that’s kind of the best way these festivals can operate, at least for the bands playing handfuls of shows—word of mouth. If Highs’ moody, tense alt-pop isn’t draw enough, this is apparently a FREE POUTINE PARTY also? (Could be because this is an M for Montreal x Bonsound gig, as well as Audio Blood, who are wonderful but we less immediately associate with poutine.) (NV)(11:00 p.m. Sneaky Dee’s)

 

Ice Cream

Since Ice Cream landed on our radars in January—first, thanks to their robotic debut track “Science,” then, later, the sunnier stargazing “Fired Up”—this post-punk duo have emerged as one of Toronto’s most talked-about bands. And for good reason: The duo of Carlyn Bezic (also known for her work with Blonde Elvis) and Amanda Crist (of Huckleberry Friends), though they’ve only released two tracks, dabble in iced-out perfection. And even if they trade in chilly synths and vacant vocals, they’re still comfortable being sandwiched between, say, adventurous rappers like Bizzarh and future-soul The Internet, as they were at a recent show at the Hoxton. They’ll be in good company at the DIANA-curated show at the Drake Hotel with House of Monroe and Pacific High, the new project from Wyrd Visions’ Colin Bergh and Scott Seewhale. (MT)(8 p.m., Drake Underground)

 

Petra Glynt

Petra Glynt’s Of This Land is an unstoppable release, and one that’s generated significant chatter. While some have labelled it tribal (which… please don’t), it’s best described as shapeshifting: At times, Alexndra Mackenzie’s music swirls around rumbling drones. Other times, her cascading, often indecipherable vocals are the focal point. Then, there’s the relentless percussion, tying the whole package together. And she’s part of one of the strongest top-to-bottom bills tonight: Silent Shout’s showcase brings Sexy Merlin and Pat Jordache, among others, to the Silver Dollar tonight. (MT)(9:00, The Silver Dollar)

 

Tupper Ware Remix Party

You might have seen Tupper Ware Remix Party before, busking last spring and summer on a Sneaky Dee’s adjacent corner clad in intergalactic outfits that fall somewhere between Transformers and Power Rangers, but their stage show takes the curiosity to the next level. Their choreographed antics and impeccable musicianship will, as always, likely take a backseat to just how fucking fun they are. Their sound is self-described as a mix between Iron Maiden and Daft Punk, and odd as that might seem, it’s true. Forget Dance Cave—this is the right way to finish out your night cutting the proverbial rug at Lee’s. (1:20 A.M., Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor St. W.)