Oct 24 2014 – Indie Week 2014 took over Toronto last week and as always T-Mak World was there on the search for great new bands and we weren’t disappointed.
Dusty Tucker
Dusty Tucker are a hard rock band from Alberta and were the first band T-MAK World experienced at the Indie Week in 2014 Launch party. Their sound is a cross between a southern rock bank and a metal band which is always a good way to start an festival.
The Hot Sprockets
Hailing from Ireland, The Hot Sprockets play a very catchy blues laden rock that was definitely one of the main reasons for attending the first day of Indie week as the schedule was light with the Launch Party at the Hideout. The Hot Sprockets show at Hideout left us wanting more so we caught their shows at Supermarket, Cherry Colas and the Rivoli later in the week. One of the nice things about Indie week’s Ireland/Canada connection is to experience great bands from Ireland and they get to see how great the scene is in Canada and Toronto in particular. When we talked to them they said they were really enjoying their time in Toronto. Let’s hope they make Toronto a regular stop.
MoJo GoGo
MoJo GoGo are the winners of Indie Ireland 2014 and played a set at Hideout as part of the Launch Party.
New City Kings
New City Kings are a rock band from England who are regular visitors to Toronto and Indie Week. Their radio friendly rock and roll sound is always enjoyable and they include a drum solos which is a big hit with audiences.
Sumo Cyco
Sumo Cyco are the reigning champs of Indie Week Canada. As expected from a champ they put on a high energy show which was the highlight of the Indie Week Launch party.
Lead singer Skye Sweetnam’s is definitely Canada’s up and coming Queen of Rock and Metal. Sweetnam’s stage presence, she can head bang with the best; her sex appeal, a cross between Elvira and a cheerleader, when combined her wicked vocals are a best of class triple talent that is hard to find in one package.
Like any great band, the lead singer feeds off the energy of the rest of the band and with Matt Drakes’ speed infused guitar licks with the power of excellent bass and drum, Sweetnam’s energy meter has to be full after the first song. Which is ok as the audience was able to share in this feast of energy including a mosh pit that Sweetnam even got in on.
T-Mak World first reviewed Sumo Cyco at NXNE in 2012 and we can say that the show has definitely gone to the next level and the show is way more polished and refined. While it is nice to see them play in the small confines of Bovine or Cherry Cola’s, the Hideout is ideal space for then band to bring their show to the their subjects. And we can say that at T-Mak World, we are definitely loyal subjects of this Queen.
Blackdog Ballroom
Sporting a great new line-up, Blackdog Ballroom sounded better than ever with an edgier performance at the Detour Bar. As always, Blackdog Ballroom is driven by a high energy performance from frontman and leader Michael Stanfield.
It was out first time at that the Detour Bar we loved the personality of that room.
The Stogies
Grab a cold one and a phat Cuban and you are ready to chill to some amazing psychedelic blues inspired hard rock from the great music scene of Halifax. The Stogies will blow you away with their performance and absolutely are spreading the word that rock is not dead, at least not in Halifax, nor was it during their set at Indie Week. Check out their latest album Hoot.
Frankie McQueen
Frankie McQueen was one of last year’s great discoveries at Indie Week and they blew us away again this year. Canadian hard rock at its best. Frankie McQueen released an incredible new CD this year called Nightride. We saw tehm at Underground Garage and Bovine.
Lost Cause
Lost Cause is a trio made up of three Bailey brothers from Oshawa. Lost Cause were a definite recommendation from T-Mak World. We caught their set at Bovine and they did not disappoint. High and Twenty Five are great songs and the band plays a sound that will appeal to modern rock and metal fans alike. Matt Bailey’s vocals are right up there with any of the classic great ones in the local Toronto scene and beyond as he can scream with the best and carry a hard melody. Very solid band and we look forward to seeing more of them in future.
This is a Crisis
This Is A Crisis played a kick ass set at the Bovine that was a great mix of hardcore or speed metal with a punk attitude. Well worth catching if they play Bovine again or any of the great establishments around the GTA, the intensity will make you believe there is a Crisis and the band has it well under control so party on dude!
The Unchained
You have to give credit to any band that plays instrumental metal. The Unchained blew us away with the power of their sound and any band with 3 guitars is definitely going to catch our attention. Their set also had a couple guest singers including a song with Bryan Fontez, the lead singer of Last Bullet called Dirty Walls. Dirty Walls has been released as part of their lost in the music project with all proceeds donated to MusiCounts a charity that provides access to music programs in schools across Canada. Check out their performance. Wow. Make that a triple Wow. Words cannot describe the experience. Check out their videos, even better check them out live. T-MAK World ‘s hidden gem from Indie Week.
The Unchained Finding Your Legacy
The Anti Queens
The Anti Queens are a classic punk inspired modern hard rock trio comprised of two fine ladies, namely Emily Bones and Mary Deth, who always look like they are having fun while play. Their catchy heavy tunes are always a must for a music week such as Indie week and they totally fit in with the atmosphere of the Bovine where we caught their set.
Blind Race
Blind Race was one of pre-Indie Week recommendations. Metal in the style of Godsmack, particularly the vocals of Tommy Geraldes who sounds exactly like Sully. They played a great set at Cherry Cola’s.
Overall, The Hot Sprockets got our nod as best new (to us) band of Indie Week 2014. Unfortunately since they’re based in Ireland, we’re not expecting to see them too often.
Review, photos and videos by Michael Litt, photos by Steve Mallinson
T-Mak World: Toronto’s Site For Music, Movies and Culture
