The Rest has released what I believe to be the top album of the year so far, it’s okay if you haven’t heard about of them yet. They played their record release show to a sold out show at The Tranzac Club. I got to meet Paul at Wolves, Hawks and Kites who I talked to for quite a bit and his musical project that he’s engulfed with, Dog Is Blue.
This was the first time I got to see the Tranzac from the inside, I always knew where it was – due to my time volunteering for The Fringe Fest. It was a cozy venue, with an 11pm curfew. which I wasn’t too ecstatic about (I was excited to see The Rest okay?). The set up was interesting with chairs in front of the stage and a stand up section in the back, kind of like a sports venue. Anyway onto the music.
The Rest got on stage with The 39 Steps by Alfred Hitchcock playing in the background. They had more of a post-rock ensemble with 4 guitarists but I knew that heading into the show, evidenced by their YouTube videos. Like their album, Everyone All At Once – The Rest were amazing live. First, Adam Bentley’s vocals are as advertised, every note is perfect and has an impeccable vocal range. He has serious skills and he isn’t afraid to let loose, erupting with an enormous amount of energy. Musically they were intricate as the album, adding in the subtle details that’s normally left behind with the typical band. While it was very album quality-esque it wasn’t a carbon copy of the album, they chose to experiment in the right moments – resulting in something truly epic without overdoing it. While I wasn’t a big fan of the crowd interaction (I think the setup and the CD being largely new has something to do with it), I think that comes with time. But based on pure quality of their music this concert has definitely been one of my favorites (yes I haven’t been to a lot). These guys are just so incredibly talented.
While I don’t think the press was on hand for this show, they missed out. They also have a Take Away Show which should be amazing, if their live performance is any indication.
Ketch Habour Wolves, I’ve heard some mixed reaction to. I’ve heard good things from Rob as well as hearing how good the EP from both I(heart)Music and Herohill. Their live show got panned by Frank of Chromewaves. To me, while they weren’t bad, they weren’t impressive. They were plagued by some sound issues early, some buzzing but they adjusted. I kind of feel as if they give off a National feel to their music. I have hard time getting into the lead singers voice (not knocking it though) the music itself is decent. Being unknown, it’s hard to have a great performance without significant crowd interaction (I think their live performances in the future might be driven by this). Moving forward, they probably would fare much better but it’s not like they were bad or anything.
Amanda Zelina was great in the short time she was on stage. I’m not quite sure about her songs but she really has got a pair of lungs. (She’s also quite attractive which elicited more then a few whistles). I’m sure she could win Canadian Idol though that’s hardly saying much. She was quite impressive and can really hit the high notes with ease. She was applauded into giving a quick encore. I definitely need to check out some of her music as it was a very quick set.
Pictures after the jump.
(Click photo for hi-res version)
The Rest:
*Note I didn’t get that many photos, I think I was too into the performance to stop and take a photo. I tend to do that.
Ketch Harbour Wolves:
Amanda Zelina:
