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.