A++ Would Hear Again

Wednesday night, I went down to the Drake Underground for a live show sponsored by Red Bull. With excitement for headliner Allie X, there was already a line-up early in the evening. The first act was Animalia who combined a light alto, skittering synth-pop, and furious beats. With the addition of a live drummer tonight, there was a wild feel to her set. Although the crowd enjoyed her songs, Animalia's tendency to go into the audience to sing and dance disconcerted the typically reserved Toronto scene. Many would back off to give her some and awkwardly try to look elsewhere.

Animai was a total 360 turnaround. Instead of trying to engage with the audience, this trio spent most of their set practically motionless. Backed by sparse drums, guitar drenched with drone feedback, and long, drawn-out notes, it was a challenge for people expecting more dance-friendly fare. I was entering a fugue state listening to their music.

The crowd was packed for the Toronto debut of Allie X, Allie Hughes' moniker after her move to Los Angeles. She has gotten a lot of online buzz by releasing odd synth-pop but with catchy hooks and refrains. The accompanying videos, usually done in "animated gif" style, were also strange. She came out in a short tulle dress and proceeded to wow the crowd with her huge voice. Her set was tightly choreographed with Hughes adopting weird, robotic arm gestures. Even her smiles were deliberately synthetic and slightly off. Now and then, she sat at a large old synth to bang out some wavy chords. Her band members consisted of a synth drummer, a guitarist, and a "slave" wearing a hooded mask whose job was to move Allie's piano bench/throne around. The audience loved it all. I've seen her at this venue before with a big crowd (such as at her "wedding"), but not so mainstream and singing along to every song (Prime, Bitch, Sanctuary). It looks like Hughes has found a winning outlet for her strange sensibilities.