Pay To Play

I was at The Drake Underground on Monday the last show of The Diversity Tour. This tongue-in-cheek headline was a winking reference to the currently in vogue idea that racism is over now that we have "diversity".

Unsurprisingly then, that both acts were fronted by performers who have something to say about this sort of tokenism. First up was the South Asian brother-sister act of Too Attached. Trans woman Vivek Shraya had plenty of experience on that subject, including being fired from mostly white "diversity office" of Toronto. Meanwhile, Alanna Stuart of Bonjay was too black for the Ottawa suburb of Orléans and too "white" for Rexdale. Both their music were electronics and synth heavy, although Bonjay's influences came from Dance Hall and Reggae.

I wished I had enjoyed the night more. Unfortunately, there were too many speeches between songs. I recognized the importance of articulating these thoughts and memories. But these lengthy breaks killed any momentum and energy from both sets. This was a shame, since along with quite catchy songs, Bonjay had outstanding and cohesive visual effects to enliven the show.

Noodling Around

On Friday, I was heading home early from work around lunch-time. As I was feeling peckish, I decided to stop at Yonge and Sheppard for food. I opted for Golden Rice Noodle for two promising reasons: it was packed and all the customers were Asian. Looking the mostly noodle dishes, I settled on the "pickled cabbage rice noodle with fish slice" ($13.99) and a glass of soy milk ($1.50).

A bowl of broth arrived at my table. Where were the other ingredients? They came separate, each in their own little container. This odd arrangement was based on an old folk tale/tradition. There was quite a variety: soft tofu, crunchy wood-ear mushrooms, chewy bean-curd skins, sweet corn. Along with the fish, there was beef and chicken, too. The noodles were toothsome and did not get too soggy. It was a nice lunch with a range of flavour and texture though I needed extra paper napkins to wipe off all the sweat beading on my brow.

Indie-pendence Day

This week was the inaugural Estonian Music Week promoted by the Estonian Embassy (and business sponsors) to mark the 100th anniversary of its liberation. A number of Estonian and Estonian-Canadian artists were playing at various venues around the city. Friday night was Indie night at Lee's Palace.

First up was local songstress Kaili Kinnon. She was probably already well-known in the community for her church activities. With a throaty voice and a penchant for funky vibe, she entertained the already large audience. Although if she wants to achieve Charlotte Day Wilson's groove, Kinnon may need to dial back the transitions.

The next two acts hailed from Estonia, neither one of which required any proficiency in the language to enjoy their music. Erki Pärnoja, recent winner of Male Artist (Estonia Music Awards), played a muscular instrumental rock. His set got a lot of heads nodding. In contrast, Pia Fraus played softer shoe-gaze. But the knob-fiddling came from the synths and not guitar pedals. They also sang in English. Unfortunately, the introspective set thinned out the crowd quite a bit.

So local Canadian act (no Estonian link) Diana played to a sparse room, composed of mostly local fans. This was a shame because their only show this summer was a set of catchy 80s flavoured dance-pop. In fact, the few remaining newbies (Estonian or otherwise) joined in the fun because Diana's music was eminently dance-worthy.

Slurp Burp

Though Café Diplomatico has lasted for decades at College and Clinton, over the last 10 years several restaurants have rotated through the cursed spot at the opposite corner including a Jamaican Jerk spot (AF1 Canteen). The latest contender is Tondou Ramen.

On Friday for lunch, I stopped by for a half-size bowl of shio ramen ($9) and some gyoza ($5). They were both good and on par with the better ones. Not a bad feat as there are now many ramen joints in Toronto. What made this spot a stand-out for me was the bevy of free condiments from soy-infused garlic to spicy bean sprouts.

Lost In Translation

On Saturday, I went to Tacos Baos near Ossington and Bloor. This was a sort of fusion place where you can order Mexican-style tacos or Asian-style bao. I opted for a steak asada ($4.50), a pino breakfast bao ($4.50) and some fries ($2.75). None of it was very good for the price. As I was eating my meal, I reflected that these were the dishes that places like El Toro (high-quality taco) and Momofoku (open-faced bao) started offering 5 years ago. Now they have finally gone mainstream/fast-food if a spot like Tacos Baos is opening. This was good news overall except that they are charging Momofoku prices with nowhere near the quality.

Update: Unsurprisingly, this restaurant has closed. Even if this neighbourhood is chi-chi enough (which it is in the process of becoming) for this sort of eatery, the execution wasn't there.

Charge It Up

On Thursday, I was at The Baby G to see a few acts. Lately, this venue has been the go-to for smaller bands. First up was Nyssa. Her short, blonde cut, cowboy swagger, and deep voice fitted perfectly with her new songs that sounded like a cross between Meatloaf and Johnny Cash. Next was Ice Cream. They debuted big with a sold-out show at Smiling Buddha but have struggled to keep that momentum going. I still like their dissonant poppier Nine-Inch Nails aesthetic. Finally, Negative Gemini from New York took the stage. There was nothing wrong with the oomph-oomph dance beats, but they needed a bigger dance crowd and especially a much better sound system than the anemic one at this venue.

Beach Blanket Bam-Bams

On Friday, I went to The Opera House for the last show of The Beaches first head-lining tour. First up was Goodbye Honolulu. These pop-punk dudes looked to be as young as The Beaches themselves. They played some energetic tunes though perhaps a little too enamored with musical changes within the songs.

Next up was a 3-piece band headed by Taylor Knox. Though a drummer for other bands, he is the lead guitarist and singer for his own outfit. On the skins was Liam Jaeger, lately of The Balconies. They played a muscular psychedelic pop with an updated take of the 60s vibe. Definitely several crowd pleasers in their set.

As a nod to one of their idols, Avril Lavigne's oeuvre started playing about 10 minutes before The Beaches' came on stage. However, their entrance was signaled by My Humps. Perhaps ironically (as a middle-finger to people who dismiss all-female rock bands) or maybe as an inside joke (since they do sell a tee with the phrase "itty bitty titty committee"). The sold-out crowd knew almost all their songs (T-Shirt, Money) and sang loudly along. With an assured stage presence despite their age, high-energy music (a combination of "indie cred" and mainstream appeal), and photogenic swagger, they will likely break out soon. They've already won a Juno for Breakthrough Artist this year.

Git Along

I was at The Mod Club for a mid-week concert. First up was Jeremie Albino. The best way to describe his set was honky-tonk Elvis. Head-liner Lindi Ortega took the stage shortly after. There were a couple of new Lindi Ortega fans around me and they drank in her performance. Certainly there's both vulnerability and power in that quivering voice. I didn't love tonight's set as much as her previous visit. The songs from her latest release are interesting as a cohesive concept album, but they don't have the same emotional impact as her older work. There was a little bit too much spaghetti western in the sound. Hannah Georgas and JJ Shiplett came on as musical guests, but the mix was off tonight and you could barely hear them.

Is There Time Enough?

Saturday at The Baby G, two tiny women put on big shows. First up was Language-Arts fronted by Kristen Cudmore. Their set was a combination of dense lyrics with noisy prog-rock/jazz influences. This was the first time I saw Cudmore's dog Sprout at a show, though she has a song dedicated to him. Luckily, he had on a pair of doggy head-phones to keep the volume down.

Anne Douris of Bossie really went all out for the release of her debut album. The stage was decorated with huge props including giant comb and lipsticks. At one point, dancers dressed as lipsticks did a choreograph routine. Her sound, an updated take on 80s bubble-gum pop had plenty of fun hooks. She also did some great covers including The Sailor Moon theme and 9 to 5. Douris had great crowd-pleasing sing alongs including Meteor and the even catchier There Will Be Time.

The crowd was much smaller than her debut at Smiling Buddha when they packed to see her based on coverage from sites like Now Magazine and Stereogum. I've been thinking about what makes a band break out (Alvvays, Charlotte Day Wilson) and the rest who never get any traction. The factors could be as varied as each success story, but it seems that the ones that do so nowadays tend to move quickly, within 1-2 years of getting that first buzz. If true, the 3 year between Meteor and this album might have been too long. So despite her musical talent and physical attractiveness, a bonus for mainstream success, Bossie may have missed her chance.

Everything Sucks, Not!

On Friday, I skipped out on the headliner of another show to see Dwayne Gretzky's annual 90s theme show at The Phoenix. No regrets though because it has gotten better with the years. Although being the 6th such event, we're approaching the show becoming almost as long as the decade.

In any case, one reason why it has improved with age is with more singers in the band, including the trio of Meg Contini, Lydia Persaud, and Jill Harris of The O'Pears, Carleigh Aikins, and a plethora of guests, the sets have expanded beyond only male rock. So you get gems like No Scrubs, Criminal, and Virtual Insanity. Of course, you also get All-Star. But we can enjoy that too, if only ironically because the performer sang it inside a giant inflatable balloon suit. It's also amazing to think DG has grown big enough to charge $40 and sell out both nights at the 800-capacity venue.

Tastes of the World

The poutinerie at College and Shaw went under to be replaced by the oddly named Fargo (Snack Bar). On Friday, I dropped by for a test. It offered an eclectic menu with Jamaican jerk chicken, Indian curries, and Asian bites. There aren't too many such places in multi-culti Toronto. Rasta Pasta is one such exception.

Unfortunately, Fargo wasn't quite as tasty. The veggie Kottu Roti ($9.50) I ordered was run-of-the-mill and lacked the spice and flavour associated with this rich dish. The location was also problematic. Though Little Italy is closer to Little East Asia nowadays, residents and visitors still expect a particular dining experience around here. This probably explains the lack of customers to this spot.

Update: Fargo disappeared a few months later and was replaced by yet another weirdly named place 'Ronto (likely for Toronto). The new spot still offers similar mix of dishes so it might be the same owners.

Never Surrender

On Friday, Massey Hall hosted Matt Mays. I wasn't actually there to see him, and not just because I had another show to attend. But I mostly wanted to see Kathleen Edwards. I caught her as a guest at a concert and was impressed with her talent. But she left the music business soon after to start Quitters Coffee (wink) in Stittsville with only a few one-off shows. So tonight was my first taste of her original material.

I can see why she still has loyal fans. Edwards is a great songwriter. Her music combined honest and wry observation of everyday travails with sharp and evocative imagery. Whether or not historically accurate, there is a movie trope about salt-of-the-earth people like farmers who possess surprising literary acumen or verbal eloquence. Her set had that feel. Long-time fans cheered when she played new songs inspired by her recent experiences: whether turning 40 or having a new significant other and by extension, inheriting his 4 kids. Like myself, they'd probably hope that these might make it into a new album someday.

Old and New

On Wednesday, I headed to the Great Hall for a mid-week show. First up was Moscow Apartment. These two young women (both approximately 15-17 years old) did a nice set of guitar and vocal harmonies with both taking turn on lead. I was impressed that their songs were mostly not love songs. They sang about body image and little vignettes about cats, plants, and best friends. This is something musicians with years more experience can't manage. The over-representation of banal love songs in most shows I go to bore me to tears. The audience probably felt old since their natural banter used modern references that escaped most people. Even their covers, Radiator Hospital's Cut Your Bangs and Big Thief's Paul, were too obscure for us fuddy-duddies.

It was a large band that backed Ben Caplan. Although he did include some older material, the set was mostly about the songs off his upcoming album Old Stock. These came from an off-Broadway play he collaborated on about the immigrant experience. You come to a Caplan show for the maniacal energy and verbose lyrics. Of the new music, Widow Bride impressed me the most, a sly metaphor on the colonial narrative that North America was "virgin land". All the musicians were supremely talented but Taryn Kawaja (vocals, melodica, alto sax) brings something special to the show.