For this edition of Hogtown Harmonics I will focus on two bands I first saw play together last fall, but who have both been on the Toronto scene for more than a few years.
The Guest Bedroom
I have to say, when I first saw the The Guest Bedroom I was blown away. Vocaslist/guitarist Sandi Falconer has a powerful, almost intimidating voice (and a pretty badass name to match) that commands your attention. She also has awkward yet endearing stage antics and, just when you think you can let your mind drift, occasionally breaks out a saxophone solo. Yes, there is always a saxophone within an arms reach on stage. Whether deliberate or not (I suspect the latter), Falconer succumbs to robotic dancing during instrumental breaks that to the untrained eye appear to be mechanical spasms that happen to be on beat. Do not confuse this robotic dancing with the "way cool" robot dance that the rapping fellows do, Falconer's movements are as caucasian as can be.
Like in the majority of bands fronted by a female, the rest of the band is just filler. In this case I do not suggest so because Falconer has an overly strong, sexy stage presence. Besides the robodance and sax "shredding," Falconer does not say or do much on stage and generally dresses like "one of the boys" (tshirt and jeans). In TGB's case, the other members are filler because they don't do a whole hell of a lot. They do little to cause one to take notice—they barely even move.
Nearly five years have passed since TGB's first show and over the course of their career they have played with several notable Toronto bands: The Diableros, Spiral Beach, 10000 Watt Head, Creeping Nobodies, Huckleberry Friends, and Ancestors. Hell, they even made a video with medium-profile director Scott Cudmore.
As for on record, I do not have as many complimentary things to say about TGB. Last year's Treading Water/Blowing Smoke EP received lukewarm reviews from Toronto weeklies NOW and EYE. Each song has good intentions, from the indie roll-call intro of "Planted" to the waltzy jump of "Stranglehold," but I find that each track fails to build on the main hook put in place and loses me. Structurally, each song runs a touch too long (something I usually never say) and, especially in the case of "Planted," could do with one less verse or chorus.
Ancestors
Not to be confused with the Ancestors from Los Angeles, Toronto's Ancestors pack a loaded fist of influences, primarily from 80s hardcore and 90s grunge. Yes, the Jesus Lizard comparisons are plentiful upon first listen. However, Ancestors' songs tend to be more concise than those of The Jesus Lizard, though I do understand the comparisons.
On the particular night I happened to see both The Guest Bedroom and Ancestors, I rather preferred the former. However, on record, I find the latter to be far superior. Perhaps I wasn't paying close enough attention or perhaps they simply were off that night, but I found Ancestors to be disappointing that evening at Sneaky Dee's. However, after seeing subsequent performances that faired far better and listening to their two EPs, Ancestors have won me over. Along with METZ, Ancestors are doing their part to ensure that early 90s musical aggression is alive and well in Toronto.
I find it necessary to guilt my reader(s) a little with this disclaimer: The purpose of these Hogtown Harmonics posts is to highlight some of the finest (and some of the more mediocre) bands that are making waves in the Toronto scene. I am attempting to promote my fellow artists and introduce web-gazers to some fine bands, many of whom I know personally and consider to be honest, hard-working musicians. If you like what you hear, I urge you, come to a show, buy an album, a tshirt, a pin, something. As I know from my own musical experiences, every little bit goes a long way and there really is not much money in the music industry, especially for the bands I will be showcasing. The majority of these musicians also hold crumby dayjobs to supplement their income, live in shared housing, and can only afford price-brand beer.
