Bangers

On Wednesday, I went to a high-energy show at The Mod Club featuring 2 artists from New Orleans. First up was rapper Alfred Banks. As he was in the business for 10 years, his style is not the newer trap or mumble rap. It had a bit of an older technique. He was able to urge the laid-back Toronto crowd to get more rowdy after a couple of songs with the help of his hype-man/DJ. The latter's favourite move was blasting horns, usually only heard at sports arena. The newer material centered around Banks' success in the last 3 years including a Volkswagen TV spot that allowed him to move from the grittier Magnolia Projects to the Garden District.

The crowd didn't need to be hyped for headliner Tank and The Bangas. The Mod Club is smaller than The Bangas last visit at The Danforth Music Hall. But tonight's audience was louder and more animated. They were rewarded with an ebullient and eclectic set from this large band. There were so many elements in their music: rock, gospel, hip-hop. And whether it was singing, rap, or spoken word, lead singer Tarriona Ball kept the mood joyful throughout the evening. The addition of a co-singer and background vocals (and hype-woman) compared to the last show added more musical fun.

Last time, I was preoccupied with some work worries for the next day and only half-listened to their set. But I was fully engaged with their show tonight and worked up a sweat dancing and singing along. What a wonderful way to energize for the rest of the week.