One of the best live moments you can receive in our city is when a band is having a record release party. This is a celebration of new music entering our collective domain. This is definitely one of the reasons to get your butt out the door and live life for one night. Stop doom scrolling, stop watching the same crap on TV and go out and experience something new.
We just had one of those celebrations from one of Toronto’s best live bands, Goodnight Sunrise. They came on and played front to back their brand new forth release called, “Get a Life”. Well I went out to get a life, how did you do?
In fact, this party was interactive as well. The band put a lot of thought into creating a fuller experience by having the audience participate in some activities. You could be a part of their new album cover. They put up a large version of their album up for display with the two holes cut out. This is where the bands faces were, so you could substitute by placing your face in the hole and be a part of musical history.
You could also leave something you no longer use on the table and pick something up that you may use. I guess this is a version of spiritual recycling.
You could go to another table and make a friendship bracelet for yourself or somebody else. Any Swifties in the audience?
Wild Black
Wild Black was the first artist up and immediately started the show with modern disco sounds. They are a three piece band and Wild Black kept things positive with her moves and occasionally pulled out this wickedly sharp voice that would slice the room open.
Her guitarist Camilla kept each song filled with Rock N Funk. Her short and sharp and stabbing riffs reminded me a little bit of what the Edge does.
Meg the drummer got the most praise from her band mates for keeping the sound solid while the band struggled with equipment problems.
When Wild Black picked up her guitar, the energy changed from disco to a more pop sound that kept everything light.
Photos of Wild Black:
Vilivant
Vilivant came out and did exactly what Vilivant does best. They came out rocking! Their message is simple right now, be the best original rock band in town. I love a good rock band in their early years, because that is when you can see the raw determination in their swagger.
Like any worthwhile rock band, you still need to please the audience with a cover song. Vilivant did one “Hella Good” song by No Doubt. In fact, they killed this version.
This band does not rely on a cover to make them stand out; they came back with a solid joy ride of a rocker. This moment, I felt a musical mash up of hearing Van Halen meets the Runaways. This is a good combination.
They continued with the second single they ever put out called, “Stabilized”. Their early material is rough and raw, and this song clung onto a desperation that was searching out solutions. You could feel this one in your gut.
Vilivant simply is a solid rock outfit that keeps the vibes heavy, if rocking is their business, then business is good.
Photos of Vilivant:
Goodnight Sunrise
The band walked on stage and gave everyone a large warm greeting and prepared us for a big show. They really wanted to acknowledge their message of peace, happiness and to celebrate life whenever they can. Well, this evening seemed appropriate for this message.
The first song simply felt like a declaration of gratitude as the band was leaning into a more spiritual side to their music. Vanessa Vakharia really was out to express her appreciation towards the people who have been on this journey with her and the rest of the band.
Their stage presence is a strong force as each member showed how much they wanted to be on that stage. Lead guitarist David Kochberg and Vanessa went head to head to show the unity of this band.
After rocking hard with each song, they introduced the crowd to a mantra with a really heartfelt tune. Just as thing were building the band released a bunch of balloons to play with as they raised the bar of happiness and joy. What made this moment special was after the song they asked people to bust their balloons and read what was written inside.
Before the show, audience members were asked to write a piece of advice to their younger self. After busting up the balloons, we took time out to read these words of wisdom. Again I say this band is on a spiritual journey and it was us who entered into the church of the Sunrises.
Once we all experienced the brand new album from beginning to end, it was time to pull out their bigger and better known songs.
The first one sounded like a big dinosaur, with its large and ugly sound. It felt as if this dinosaur wanted to just stomp on your face. Now that is a good time.
Thing got even bigger when they went all the way back and pulled out a real favourite called, “This is your to make”. Vanessa could not control herself as she launched herself into the audience and did live karaoke on the dance floor with everybody. Member from Wild Black and Vilivant stood on stage to celebrate this song with them. This was a glorious moment, this was a Party!
We finally rocked out with a classic Canadian song, “Rockin’ in the Free World”. At the end of the day, isn’t this what we all want at the end of the day.
Goodnight Sunrise Party!
If you want to find out more about these bands you can check out their Instagram Pages
www.instagram.com/wildblackmusic/
www.instagram.com/goodnightsunriseband/
To Listen to Goodnight Sunrise’s new album click on this
GET A LIFE – Album by Goodnight Sunrise | Spotify
If you were at the show, please leave your comments about the show at the bottom of this page.
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