Following on from my overview of Toronto’s CMW for 2014, a review of Broods and a bunch of interviews, photo galleries and tour diaries, it’s finally time to get to more of the Australian music at the event. But honestly, I saw too much great Australian music in too little time. Out of the 26 Australian artists in attendance, I managed to catch 15 of them… sometimes only briefly. So, I’m delivering some bite-size reviews! So, alphabetically, here are my thoughts for the first five, from Audego to King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard!
A is for Audego
Where? Beat Pie at Czehoskis (678 Queen St. W)
When? 9th May 2014.
With an almost trance-like quality, Audego are an electronic duo with a difference. Their music is often as suitable for a smokey jazz club as it is for a dance floor, with a world of influences making it impossible to put the Melbourne pair in a corner. They’re not here to make radio friendly bangers – they’re here to make some interesting music, and to this they achieve in flying colours.
E is for Elizabeth Rose
Where? Beat Pie at Czehoskis (678 Queen St. W)
When? 9th May 2014.
Touring with a backing vocalist/keyboardist in one, Elizabeth Rose delivered an impressive set, opening with the infectious “Ready”, followed by “Only Me” – my personal favourite from her debut EP, done ample justice here. If the venue had a dancefloor, I would have definitely been tearing it up! Her Like a Version of Corona’s “Rhythm Of The Night” was well received, as was her single “The Good Life”, which closed things up.
F is for Fairchild
Where? The Aussie BBQ at Horseshoe Tavern
When? 10th May 2014.
Fantastic melodies, stellar voices and stand out songs. And that’s before they step on stage! Throw in a confident, booming stage presence and this Gold Coast based six piece (formerly known as Fairchild Republic) are able to draw a crowd and put on an impressive show wherever they play. The Aussie BBQ was no exception. Tracks off their EP Burning Feet were included, as well as some newer material!
H is for Hein Cooper
Where? Sound Gallery at Marriott Lounge (535 Bay St.)
When? 8th May 2014.
This was one of the Australian artists on the bill who I’d never heard of. Hein Cooper is an emerging Sydney artist who has been spending a lot of time in Montreal (which is probably why I hadn’t heard of him until now) and has one of the most stunning voices I would hear at the entire festival. Performing solo with loops for vocal beat boxing and guitars, seeing Hein for the first time reminded me of my first encounters with artists like Ash Grunwald and Xavier Rudd: able to win a room with the power of their voice, their music and their presence. And like the other Australian troubadours, he’s left a lasting impression.
K is for King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (PICTURED)
Where? The Aussie BBQ at Horseshoe Tavern
When? 10th May 2014.
When Tim Rogers is rocking out to your set, you know you’re doing something right. Indeed, as they played just before the great man himself, Tim was front and centre enjoying one of Melbourne’s finest rock bands. Appearing in Toronto fresh from playing Austin Psych Fest, the band were making their Canadian debut at CMW and doing an incredible job of it. With all 7 members making it across the border, along with their two drum kits, and plenty of harmonica, the band delivered a jam-tastic set that had everyone up front banging their heads and chanting for more. King Gizzard has struck again – and something tells me this first American voyage is the start of a long term relationship…
Stay tuned for the next two parts to this Australian feature series…
