Hello, Toronto

Saturday night at Lee's Palace was a big night for local rock band The Balconies. It was the CD release party for their 2nd album. I was in fact one of the backers for their crowd-funding on Pledge Music. With the money, they hoped to have a more professional release than their first effort. However, local alt weekly Now Toronto gave Fast Motions a negative review, decrying the "glossy production".

It was a night of pedal to the medal rock music, with no indie-pop reticence or equivocation. Alright Alright started the night with some furious 2-minute songs. The singer had a growly strangled yelp that took some getting used to. They then settled down to tunes that had an early 60s feel. Say Yes, on the other hand, channeled prog-rock metal. The bassist, with his long wavy hair and bushy sideburns, could have travelled straight from the 70s. It was head-banging music with numerous sectional changes.

It has been a long time coming for The Balconies from playing to empty room and passerbys. Tonight, they got the "rock star treatment", as a nearby attendee commented. It was true. From custom mics, to a meticulous sound-check, to a roadie to help with the set-up, it was a change from rushing to plug in all your gear. The capacity crowd was anticipating a big show, and they got it. From the first to the last number including a raucous version of Lady Gaga's Applause, The Balconies played tight and fast. I suppose with numerous catchy hooks and sing-a-long choruses, it could be labeled "glossy" or perhaps "radio-friendly". But the energy they brought to the songs got the crowd rocking and dancing all through to the encore. Of course, the spotlight remained Jacquie, the singer/guitarist. With her struts, lunges, head-bangs, and dancing, she drew most of the attention and cheer. But the other members also got quite animated tonight. It was no doubt because of the special occasion. As Jacquie pointed out: "There's nothing quite like selling out a show in your home-town".