North by Northeast: A preview
 I
realize that a preview of bands playing a Toronto festival
will have only limited appeal outside the city, but
for the past couple of years that I’ve lived in
Toronto, NXNE has consistently selected quality artists
for its showcases, and made it one of the things I look
forward to every year. I disagree with some writers
in the local rags that, with its emphasis on smaller
bands and artists largely gleaned from around the province,
that going to NXNE is like an extension of a gig at
the Horseshoe. And well, that’s arguably true,
but what I find intriguing is that NXNE is a baldly
corporate event yet still maintains a bit of the DIY
spirit. Most bands you see at the festival are, bluntly,
not going to become successful on a major scale. Not
because they suck, but because their music, image, or
whatever else lacks the something that would draw them
to a large audience.
But for me, the best part about the festival is that
it’s a celebration of creativity. The event itself
is the draw, and many bands will get audiences that
might not otherwise have had a chance to hear them.
After spending a fair amount of time learning about
the artists playing this year’s NXNE, here are
Shred’s recommendations.
The Cherry Persuasion. June 10 at
11 p.m.. The Bovine Sex Club
The NXNE Web site describes this Montreal outfit as
“the dirty soul of rock 'n roll meets icy electronica
and the glamour pop esthetic of new wave.” While
that may be a touch hyperbolic, it’s isn’t
a bad description. Listening to the MP3 posted on their
Web
site, you can hear the New Wave forcing itself to
the top.
Greg MacPherson June 10 at 9 p.m.
Healey’s
I think it was Greg MacPherson who got up at the Joe
Strummer tribute show at the Silver Dollar and wailed
his way through intense, new interpretations of “This
is England” and “Bankrobber”. His
releases on G7 Welcoming Committee reveal a passionate,
thoughtful artist who is not content to follow the traditional
singer-songwriter route.
Honeysuckle June 10 at 1 a.m. Healey’s
Formerly Honeysuckle Serontina, this Vancouver band
has been plying their emo-ish hard rock for years, with
praise coming from critics everywhere, but they never
seemed to break through on a level they’ve always
deserved. If you check them out, this is one band that
you can say you saw them pre-hype.
Imaginary Bill June 11 at 1 a.m. Holy
Joe’s
Quirky indie-pop from NYC with a singer that sounds
a little like the Violent Femmes’ Gordon Gano,
but with what I hope is an authentic English accent,
but the jury is still out.
The Final Four June 12 at time TBA.
Sneaky Dees
The Final Four have that Rancid-y new style ’77-ish
punk rock down. I've seen them live a couple of times
and have always enjoyed them. Lots of melody, speed
and attitude.
If Man Is Five June 11 at 11 p.m.
Sneaky Dees
All the way from Binghamton, NY, this post hardcore
band reminded me a little of a hardcore My Bloody Valentine
at first, but after hearing a few more tracks I was
struck by the intensity and drama of the music, with
strong melodic female vocals with a bit of screamo in
the background.
Honorable Mentions: The Organ, Sinkin’
Ships, The Class Assassins, National Anthem, Ford Pier
Related Site:
North by Northeast: http://www.nxne.com
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