While most Torontonians are celeb-spying and checking out the latest flicks, TIFF’s Festival Music House gig brought together movies and music last night at the very exclusive ‘invite-only’ three-day Canadian band showcase in which this reporter made an ass of herself in front of the legendary Brendan Canning.
The Mod Club hosted the second FMH show on Tuesday night, featuring a stellar lineup – electronic duo Humans, gritty howlers PS I Love You, lo-fi outfit Hey Ocean!, troubadour Dan Mangan and pop-punkers Yukon Blonde.
After an electrifying set from Vancouver-based Humans, PS I Love You took the stage. The Kingston pair jetted to the peak of the Canadian indie scene this summer and have garnered nods from the ivory dome of music elitism. And they delivered. Singer Paul Saulnier and drummer Benjamin Nelson jumped right into their latest album, Death Dreams, which was inspired by Saulnier’s recurring dreams involving his own mortality. Freaky.
Seeing PS I Love You live is always a bit of a shock – being just the two of them, they have an unparalleled ability to fill a venue with their loud, brooding and experimental punk. Backed by monster drummer Nelson, Saulnier enveloped us with his trademark yowling, resembling Clap Your Hands Say Yeah’s Alec Ounsworth. Saulnier busting out his double-necked axe for the old fan favourite, “Facelove,” was a definite highlight.
In between sets, Brendan Canning played DJ behind the booth, while libations flowed from the open bar. That last part being said, I hope Canning will understand, that, when I glimpsed the Cookie Duster frontman and former BSSer, I pretty much had to go for it and give him a great big hug. Forgive me, Canning.
With a balloon bouquet and tambourine in tow, Hey Ocean! followed up. The previously rigid crowd loosened up a bit. How could they not? The Vancouver-based band is so irresistibly endearing that watching lead singer Ashleigh Ball bouncing around on stage had us following suit.
B.C.’s Dan Mangan showcased both his softer folk tracks, as well as those with swelling instrumentation. Combined with his raspy grit, Mangan and his band offered a performance that ignited the entire venue – all eyes on the swoon-worthy bearded crooner.
As always, Polaris Prize-nominated Yukon Blonde closed the show in characteristic form: a punchy, charged and driving performance.
The goal of the FMH series is to show key international players in the music scene; the cream of Canada’s band crop. Mission accomplished.
Tonight, Jason Collett, Young Empires and Down With Webster will play the final FMH show.