Our series of year end lists continue with a focus on our Top 10 Indie Bands of 2014. We are a Toronto based website so our artists are from shows we have seen in and around the Toronto area. Furthermore we are a #RealRock focused website and for us a top indie band is a band that continues the tradition of riff infused classic-style rock in the tradition of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Rush, Black Sabbath, Van Halen, Triumph, Supertramp, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and more recent bands like Rival Sons and My Morning Jacket. Long hair is mandatory for the bands on our list!
This list of our Top 10 Indie Bands of 2014 is sorted alphabetically because all these bands rock and should be on your radar even if you are not from the Toronto area. Many bands deserve to be on a best of list in Toronto but we simply highlight 10 we enjoyed watching live this year and hope you discover some new rocking tunes from them.
Druckfarben
Easily the most musically talented band on our list. These prog rock veterans are 5 of Toronto’s most skilled musicians that have made music their careers and for most of them Druckfarben is not their primary gig. Phil Naro is perhaps the most versatile vocalist living in Toronto right now (and definitely the only Emmy award winner on our list), Ed Bernard is the best guitarist you have never heard of (or maybe you have), Troy Feener is a monster on drums, Will Hare is a world class keyboardist and Peter Murray is a bass phenom. Druckfarben plays a very complex style of progressive rock and play Toronto a few times a year. Catch them next time they do. For fans of progressive rock in the tradition of Genesis, Yes and Gentle Giant.
The Honeyrunners
Quite simply the most soulful and harmony rich band on our list. An eclectic mix of Motown and 90’s funk rock, The Honeyrunners have the highest chance of any band on our list to get you off your ass and dance with their unique sound. Their live shows are high energy affairs and you will see sweat dripping of their heads within two songs. Putting your heart into your passion is the only way to go and The Honeyrunners are full of heart. For fans of soul/funk/groove rock such as Stevie Wonder or Red Hot Chili Peppers.
In My Coma
We have loved this three piece since the first time we saw them a few years back. Their album Magnets & Miracles is one of our most played Indie CD’s and even though it is a few years old its still on the playlist. The band has a few styles but we like them most when they get heavy and let their inner grunge come out in a modern pop sort of way. Great live show as well and Jasper James is an incredible front man. They play the GTA a few times a year so keep your eyes out for them. For fans of modern rock with some grunge influence.
Last Bullet
These 5 rockers from Toronto are rising at a stellar pace. Although the band overall is fantastic in their pure hard rock delivery they also feature a mandatory star vocalist/guitarist duo such as Townshend/Daltrey, Page/Plant, Richards/Jagger, May/Mercury. Fontez is the singer and Armstrong is the guitarist and they are as solid a 1-2 punch as any band in the GTA. Their shows have elevated to pure rock n roll debauchery showcases and these guys can get on stage at the ACC with no nerves or practice. For fans of good old hard rock from the 80’s.
Open Air
The only band on our list not from the Greater Toronto Area or even Ontario. Open Air is from Calgary and that means we only get to see them very rarely. Steeped deep in the tradition of classic rock these guys are Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and all those wicked riff fueled bands from the 70’s. These guys are a band we want to see make it big because they carry the torch of the rock we love. For fans of 70’s classic rock with a hard edge to it.
The Rathburns
We only saw this band twice this year and couldn’t help but be drawn in like moths to a flame. Imagine the Black Keys with Janis Joplin singing. Pure edgy and hard garage blues that is as good as any band playing that style. Excellent rhythm section and bluesy riffs make a perfect foundation for one of Toronto’s best female vocalists Frances Rose to belt out her earth shattering soulful words. For fans of electric garage blues with a vintage sound.
The Standstills
The Standstills are a duet consisting of a dude and a chick and they play garage blues. Kinda like the other big duet with a chick and a dude playing garage blues. Clearly influenced by The White Stripes, The Standstills are on a tear with their heavy infectious grooves. Their live shows are high energy affairs and Jonny Fox and Renee Couture are damn good at what they do. For fans of Royal Blood, The White Stripes and The Black Keys.
Stone River
Wall of sound! These guys are so damn good with their southern rock influenced jams that we cant get enough of them and they rank right up there on our favorite bands of the last 10 years (indie or non). Incredible vocals, dual guitars, and a bass and drum foundation that is as good as any. We expect big things from this band and we never miss their shows. Stone River is as good as it gets and they are touring Europe in early 2015! For fans of The Black Crowes and The Allman Brothers.
TimeGiant
TimeGiant has been on our list from day one and will be on it forever. For an old rocker like myself that grew up worshiping bands like Rush and Triumph, TimeGiant is the next Toronto band in that hard rock tradition. They have showmanship on stage which accompanies the music like a fine wine. Drum solos by their Bonham-next drummer Charlie McKittrick always gets the audience stoked. Bassist Pat Wilken is a force to be reckoned with and his foundation is exactly what makes their songs so rocking. Last but not least Tyrone Buccione juggles vocals with lead guitars and occasional saxophone and when he takes over the stage, TimeGiant serve notice that rock is here for good. Everyone has the band that fits their musical style the most and for me it is TimeGiant. For fans of Rush, Triumph and Led Zeppelin.
The Unchained
We saw this band after a Fleetwood Mac concert at the Bovine during Indie Week and became insta-fans. Holy crap are they amazing musicians. Complex prog-metal, if you like good music you will be totally absorbed by The Unchained. The night we saw them they even had Bryan Fontez of Last Bullet (see Last Bullet above) singing a guest vocal song that was a musical highlight of our year (song called Dirty Walls). All the other bands on our list we have seen multiple times and have known for the past few years but The Unchained was our exciting new find this year and we want more of them! They bring out the inner headbanger in me and make me wish I had long hair to rock band and forth. For fans of complex prog-metal but with sophistication – kinda like Dream Theater without their awful singer (sorry not a fan of LaBrie’s voice).
