Nov 26, 2013 – Before you go any further, click Play above. Now turn it up. Way up!! Done? OK, continue. Since their public debut five months ago, Public Animal instantly established themselves as the undisputed champions of hard rock in Toronto. Killer heavy riffs and dynamic live performances have left audiences breathless at each of their shows. It took commendable cojones for Diemonds to book them as openers for their first return show after a long tour that took them to Los Angeles and across Canada. But they probably wouldn’t do it again.
Diemonds is a great band but their party lifestyle songs rang a little hollow after Public Animal’s. And that’s without having any clue whatsoever what Public Animal’s songs are about, because, even having seen all their local shows, each song is still a mystery. The vocals are usually impossible to hear and that was essentially the case again on Saturday. That might might sound like a problem, but it really isn’t. This is about energy and an earth shaking groove moreso than the words. They laid waste to the Garrison, it’s as simple as that.
On Saturday, the coldest night of the season by far, Public Animal heated up the Garrison with their most explosive gig to date. They’ve all been outstanding and it’s difficult to say how exactly it was better than all the other great shows. Guitarist extraordinaire and vocalist Ian Blurton played like a man possessed with a frenzied all out assault on every song. Even drummer Ryan Gassi got into the act with a sicker drum beat during his sound check than what most drummers could muster during a solo. Maybe it was the subliminal challenge of being an opener. While still a new band, they’ve established themselves as headliner status. They probably won’t be invited to open for any other locals bands again. Ironically, their next show they will also be as an opener again but this time for mega one-hit-wonders Monster Magnet (but what a hit it was!) for their show at Lee’s Palace on December 10th.
Review and Photos by Steve Mallinson
