On a thunderstorming day, IKvsDK and Tuco took to the streets to Occupy Indie Rock at the Phoenix. Joining us were an eclectic bunch with young Amélie-smitten ladies rubbing shoulders with aged cinephiles. Doors opened at 8pm and there were a surprising number that arrived early. By the time we got in, the balcony seating was all gone.
The merchanidise table was set up in the back of the Phoenix (usually it's in the room off of the coat check) with some vinyl, CDs, and a Yann Tiersen piano book which looked tempting. Settled in about two-thirds of the way back near the centre with about half of the venue populated.
Kicking off the festivities was Felix, a British trio: drummer, guitar and singer/synth. I think this is the singer's youtube channel. Felix introduced themselves and quietly eased into their opening track.
The guitar and drums are spare and the synth is minimal. This band is really about the singer. She finishes a track (or two) and pauses to introduce the band who happen to be part of Yann Tiersen's band as well. She also mentions they have sold out of their CDs so there is no more for any new fans at the show. IKvsDK grits his teeth at the missed opportunity.
The singer has a nice voice. Some words are getting lost due to some chatter going on. Tuco notes alot of young ladies wandering around - spring time in Toronto. Felix is quietly singing; it's a "coffee house" vibe despite the venue. One would think of adapting the song a bit to the surroundings. They seem to like odd time signatures like 6/8 time and 5/4 time.
The songs seem to get quieter and more melancholy. Solemn with no effects except at the very end with a guitar strum and a feedback loop. The roadie politely shuts it down after a few minutes.
Next up is the main act. Six guys bound on stage: drums, guitar, bass and two synths and what looks like a DJing deck with a crash cymbal attached to the stand. Yann Tiersen is front and centre. There's a white background behind the stage which would see some soothing Hallmarkesque visuals throughout the concert. A lone Orange amp drives the sound.
The band starts off with some down tracks - straight rock beat with swimmy effects; a marked contrast from the opener. In the second song, Tiersen seems to have some problem with his guitar and this gets sorted out by the end of the song. Tuco likes the bass and generally the balance of the whole ensemble. No overpowering bass or drums - just a nice level to everything.
Another gloomy "depressing" track but a great tune. Very melodic. So far the songs last about three to four minutes with the endings being very clean and kind of out of the blue but it works. Alot can be said in this time frame and the songs don't seem to want for length.
Tiersen introduces another with: "Next one is a love song. It's called 'Fuck me'." Gets a giggle out of the appreciative audience. This one is a bit more rock with a heavier bass which invites an odd crowd reaction. Despite one girl who is kind of swaying in front of me, most are standing sort of in their own private reverie soaking up the sound. The sightlines are pretty good this time around.
Tiersen hauls out a talk box and uses it with a light touch. This is not T-Pain, it's something else. This time it's spelling as the word "PALESTINE" beams onto the backscreen. Tiersen works the talk box to spell it out and some in the crowd start to cheer. The French seem passionate about places OTHER countries have ruined.
Some of the songs featured Tiersen singing/chanting into a microphone but a number included three and four part harmonies with others in the band. These were simple but very effective. One track had a duet with the guitar picking out the chords underneath - nice technique.
Some songs were more indie rock with two chord jams. The chords would be separated by a minor third and would alternate chords then alternate in volumes (loud then soft then loud again). Reminded me a bit of Mogwai. One notable change from this was the drum building up a crescendo over a few bars and then merging into a synthesizer. Wish I knew the name of that track.
The prize though was Tiersen's violin which was impressive. Visually it was impressive to see Tiersen sawing in the middle of the stage surrounded by amps and synthesizers, two loose fibrous strands from his bow dancing in the spotlight. It was like he was holding technology at bay. One solo had the audience whooting in recognition - likely a movie soundtrack theme.
"More 'Nash the Slash'" muttered IKvsDK. Tuco nodded.
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