Canadian Music Fest

bloc party photo: emma svensson

holy fuck photo: james mejia

Sonia and I went to show on Saturday as part of the Canadian Music Festival. We went and saw Bloc Party but were pleasantly surprised to find out that the opening band that night was none other than edgy Toronto natives Holy Fuck. Bloc Party played and entertaining show but as hard as I have tried to like the new album, hearing it live cemented that it does nothing for me. Maybe a few songs, but otherwise it has settled in uncomfortably as the the dreaded third album. I was talking to my friend Jason and he was saying that he read an interview that said each member has been taking their turn with the albums and creating them in their own direction which is kinda cool, but it was clear from the crowds reactions as the show went on that Silent Alarm still reigns. People weren't rocking out to the new album not because they didn't know the words, everyone was still singing along. They just aren't as good. Even clarity, the new stuff is all over the place and disorderly. Silent alarm was on point and tight almost math-rockish. I'll put it this way, if I didn't already know and like Bloc Party before that show, I wouldn't of cared about them after.

Which brings me to the highlight of the the night, Holy Fuck! No, that's the band. They stole the show in my mind, just amazing. Experimental, improvisational electronic rock. Started by Graham Walsh and Brian Borcherdt "a chaotic live celebration of lo-fi noise and weirdo casio-driven rock. With a rotating rhythm section consisting of some close friends and multi-talented players they were described as 'Toronto's evil super group'." Working with all sorts of artist from, Broken Social Scene, Do Make Say Think and even recording and working with Glenn Milchem drummer of Blue Rodeo (and side project the swallows) as part of the band for some time. They are so worth a listen and if you get a chance to see them, GO!