My expectations for spending an evening at the Canadian Room in the Royal York were rather low, after all how could there be a decent show inside a hotel? This is the prime reason why I have never attended the Indies in the past. However, I couldn’t resist catching Janelle Monae so I finally gave in.
Notwithstanding the fact that the Canadian Room is essentially a big conference room, the set up was actually rather good. That being said, the venue was quite crowded which is why my photos for this night are not particularly tight. Still, they were certainly better than expected given my distance and the fact that I was using a 50 mm lens.
The highlights of the evening were Hannah Georgas, The Bombay Bicycle Club and of course the lovely Janelle Monae.
I arrived just in time to catch Desperate Union who put on a reliably solid set—though for my tastes they were a little to conventional and hard-edged.
Hannah Georgas came on next and it surprised me that I enjoyed her set as much as I did. Her sound is definitely not what usually draws me in—on first impression she is a little too saccharine for my tastes. However, upon closer inspection she has the ability to transcend her genre much like Lisa Hannigan. Georgas’ melodies have an inherent way of burrowing into your head, with the solid drum work hammering in what would otherwise be excessively airy tunes. It certainly doesn’t hurt that she is an energetic performer and has some solid pipes:
Hannah Georgas @ The Indies - March 12, 2011
Bombay Bicycle Club was up next. They featured solid melodies accented by tight guitar riffs. In terms of their sound, this was definitely one of the better bands I caught all festival although the energy level of their live performance certainly leaves room for improvement. But, it’s difficult to deny that their songs are just so damn tight and it is the solid guitar work and the vocal micro trembling that really kicks them into gear. They reminded me of a mellower and more melodic version of Placebo.
Bombay Bicycle Club @ The Indies - March 12, 2011
I’ve checked out Hollerado in smaller venues in the past and they always put on a solid show. They certainly have enough energy to spare to be able to throw a little to Bombay Bicycle Club and still have enough left over to contribute to Japan’s current energy crisis—I think Menno Versteeg spent just about the same amount of time in the air as he did on stage.
Despite their energy, I was definitely impressed more by prior shows. The songs, while executed with gusto seemed a little tired for some reason. The hooks simply didn’t engage me as much as they had in the past.
Hollerado @ The Indies - March 12, 2011
And now for something completely different; Shad came on stage next as the buffer between the Klanishly white Indie scene and Janelle Monae.
While it is refreshing to listen to Hip Hop lyrics that aren’t self-aggrandizing or an add for expensive champagne, the socially conscious lyrics are at times a little naive. There is a bit in “Live Forever” that goes: “Dog what if we went to school for possession instead of jail.” This may be a nice sentiment, but it’s a little disconnected from the reality in urban centres where there are a lot of 16 yr olds who wouldn’t hesitate to shoot each other because of an errant glance taken the wrong way—an after-school program isn’t going to cut it.
Also, the basic back beats aren’t particularly innovative and I cannot remember a single memorable rhythm or melody in his songs. That being said, the guitar work at the tail end of the set was a nice bridge for genre-mixing and there is no denying that Shad can turn a phrase.
Shad @ The Indies - March 12, 2011
The evening ended with Janelle Monae and all I can say is that Monae can certainly entertain. She puts on an elaborate show with costumes and plenty of tongue-in-cheek dramatics without coming off as overly produced.
Janelle Monae is also a master at blending genres, switching seamlessly from R & B and Motown to upbeat jazz and oldie jazz vocals, topping it all off with old school rock that is layered with soul elements. And, there is no denying that this woman has an amazing vocal range and that she can dance like no one else out there.
Janelle Monae @ The Indies - March 12, 2011
