May 7 2015 – Well Wednesday May 6th was another gorgeous day in downtown Toronto and the nicest May in recent memory provided a perfect backdrop to the music festival known as CMW. Tonight we continued our coverage of #RealRock – music which clings to you and lays major guitar action on your brain that could have been made in the 90’s, 80’s or eve best of all the 70’s.
8 pm The Rathburns at Rivoli
Not many bands can get us out at 8 PM during CMW but The Rathburns did just that and for good reason. They are one of T-Mak World’s Top 10 Indie Bands of 2014 and they continue to tear up the stage. One thing we have talked about CMW is stage presence and although there are many very talented bands we have seen, not all of them have grasped the concept of stage presence – The Rathburns are not one of those bands, they know how to totally dominate the stage. Wicked set from one of our favourite bands – do not miss them.
9 pm Beautiful Nothing at Rivoli
Pop style rock that was fairly on the soft side. A rapper and guest female vocalist were featured in the first song. Not exactly our type of sound so we wont comment much.
9 pm The Marvelous Beauhunks at Bovine
This is a band that had some commercial success 20 years ago and then broke up and 2 of the 5 guys are now trying to revive the band. Based on their 90’s pedigree some of the songs have that sound but there are also new offerings Power-pop-punk type of sound that was a trademark of that generational sound. Very cool set that was a nice way to check out the Bovine on the night.
9 pm Matt Morgan and The Maydays at The Hideout
Funky and soulful rock that had The Hideout dancing and rocking. Great clean polished sound that really sounded fresh and energetic. Perfect band for a perfect venue – this is what CMW is all about.
10 pm Olivers Army at The Hideout
Hey a band all the way from Australia! Their folky sound really brightened up The Hideout and it’s easy to see how the band is big in Melbourne. Cool set!
10 pm The Sole Pursuit at Bovine
Indie rock with some “punk” overtones – the killer vocals were a highlight of this particular show and The Bovine once again was rocking. Great set.
11pm Honeyrunners at Rivoli
The Honeyrunners are one of T-Mak World’s Top 10 Indie Bands of 2014 and they justified our selection with their electrifying set. The soulful vocals of Dan Dwoskin is always a highlight of CMW and the band really performed to their peak tonight. They nailed
Verdict: As usual we mention our “Gig Of The Night” winners. 2 of our Top 10 Indie Bands of 2014 (read article here) both played tonight and they both reminded us why we even selected them in the first place. The Rathburns and The Honeyrunners are our c0-winners of T-Mak World’s Gig Of The Night award for May 6 2015. Great stuff guys (and gal).
