Sorrow and Joy

On Saturday, I was off to the Drake Underground for some live music. The two bands tonight played contrasting styles. Kandle, daughter of Neil Osbourne (54-40), was all darkness and attitude. Despite her sparkly gold dress, her growly voice on songs such as Control Me and Not Up To Me brought a cynical edge to observations about make-ups and break-ups. Her backing band, The Krooks, supplied the swampy bass and decaying guitar.

Fast Romantics, on the other hand, came across like Arcade Fire but less mopey. Every song (Take Me Back, Funeral Song) was up-tempo thumping drums, multi-part chorus, and solid chords. It was all an invitation for sing-alongs and dancing. Amazingly, there were some at the front that broke from Toronto's nodding heads to dance and even wave their arms. Tonight, the band introduced new members Kirty Scholte and Kevin Black (ex-Hands & Teeth). I liked their music but after a while, the relentless cheeriness got a bit tiresome. It was like spending time with an extroverted friend who needs to dial it back now and then.