Bands to check out on day two of NXNE 2012
Assuming you didn't wear yourself out on night one of NXNE music programming â and, really, that'd be a terrible shame â it's time to dive into the festival with full force. Not to knock yesterday's shows, but more than a few people have muttered under their breath that the real fireworks begin tonight. There's at least a bit of truth to that sentiment, so pull up your bootstraps and get ready for a loud, long and sweaty night two of NXNE. To help you navigate, here are some lovingly curated selected highlights.
Hooded Fang (10pm)
Formed in Toronto in 2007, you can regularly hear their playful blend of old-school pop, doo-wop, disco and rock on CBC Radio 3. That might sound like a bunch of horseshit and maybe it is, so just listen to the goddamn song. But seriously, their show promises to be nothing but fun!
Bran Van 3000 (1am)
Most famous (notorious?) for their 1997 hit Drinking in L.A, this Montreal collective has actually put out 3 full-lengths since including their latest: 2010's The Garden. They're the headliners tonight and I expect it to be packed if only for the sake of nostalgia.
BADBADNOTGOOD (11pm and 1am)
Hugely simplified: This trio met up at the Humber jazz program, covered Tyler the Creator's Assmilk and posted it on YouTube, and shot to viral stardom. Their latest release, which features about half original tracks, was recorded at Revolution Recording where Rush has recorded. They are kind of a mindfuck.
Baby Eagle (9pm)
Kicking off the You've Changed Records Showcase (which he co-owns and operates), is Steve Lambke as Baby Eagle. A member of the Constantines from their inception to demise, Lambke has recorded solo material since 2006 and has put out 4 albums to date.
Julie Dorion (1am)
Doiron was a founding member of Eric's Trip, the first Canadian band to be signed to Subpop. Her solo career has spanned almost two decades and wavered between folk and pop and thrashy rock and she shows no signs of slowing down.
The Black Belles (12am)
I'm still not sure if they are real or a fantasy dreamed up by Jack White. He "discovered" them and signed them to his label, Third Man Records. They are too perfect and must be seen just to confirm their real-ness.
The Men (1am)
The Brooklyn trio's latest album, Open Your Heart got rave reviews and it's easy to see why. Party-time-noisy-time-dancey-rock music. If you hate fun, you should not go to this show.
Hands & Teeth (10pm)
Prominent Toronto experimental pop band and fresh from SXSW, this quintet always puts on a tight show. With their lush vocal harmonies and friendly stage presences, Hands & Teeth make you feel warm and fuzzy.
Bleached (12am)
Ex-Mika Miko sisters exude an effortless cool with their late 70s rock and roll sound. This is a party disguised as a show disguised as a party not to be missed.
Cousins (11pm)
I can't say enough good about Aaron Mangle's Cousins. Likely performing as just a two-piece, they create more than enough noise to fill a room. They play catchy, jangly loud, folky noise rock, and coupled with Mangle's unusual voice it all combines to make a memorable and unique sound. You can also catch them at The Annex Live at 2am.
Special Guest (2am)
In the past, special guests have included Fucked Up, Best Coast, Japandroids, Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall, No Age, and The Stills to name a few. Your guess is as good as mine for who might be playing tonight, but it'll definitely be worth keeping an ear out for.
Young Liars (3am)
From Vancouver, these guys play upbeat poppy, dreamy songs reminiscent of Miike Snow. With just one full length released in 2011, these guys are just getting started and you can expect to hear a lot more from them in the future.
Army Girls (10pm)
Local guitar-drum duo. Carmen Elle's vocals remind me a lot of Elizabeth Powell's of Land of Talk and that's a great thing.
Dusted (12am)
Brian Borcherdt has been a solo artist, a member of By Divine Right and Holy Fuck (among others) and is the founder of Dependent Music. His latest solo effort is a bit moody, a bit dark, and a bit (a lot) awesome. Expect a big crowd for this one.
Thursday night at YDS is full of 90's pop punk. Teenage-boys-turned-dream-dashed-men, rejoice!
- Bad Religion 9pm
- Good Riddance 8pm
- No Use For A Name 7pm
- Slaves On Dope 6pm
- Trouble Andrew 5pm
Photo of Hooded Fang by Bruce Emberley
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