It was the 1st Anniversary of the Band the Howlin’ Gales and instead of teething they were cutting their teeth to a solid crowd at Baby G’s. They came out onto the stage and opened the show with their own creative version of California Dreaming. This is what I am beginning to understand about this band: their cover songs are done extremely well and with a crafted precision that wakes up the crowd. They also did The Weight by The Band and ended off with a ripping version of Johnny B Goode!
Needless to say, their original material is what people come to truly see. Songs like- Fire on the Mountain and She’s always got her man, really add a definite stamp to their Canadiana sound. They are a two-piece band that sounds like a full-on four-piece. The drummer has a lot of flashy tricks, similar to that of the late great Taylor Hawkins, and can bring you into stoner territory like Bill Ward from Black Sabbath.
The singer has a solid voice and loud guitar licks similar to a band like BTO. He proved it that night with their song- Past my Hometown where he let out a screech that gave everyone in the audience laryngitis. They finished off their set with a monster song called- Keep on Rollin’. The crowd simply wouldn’t let them go as they were leaving the stage.
Two Guys, Big Noise, blow you over with their large sound- Howlin’ Gales!
Here are a few images of The Howlin’ Gales:
The night got off to a great start with a band called Fighting Chance. If you give them a fighting chance you may find yourself loosening up and having fun. They are sort of a mix of 80-90’s alt-pop with a hint of 50’s flavouring. Every song they played had a catchy riff that keep the energy moving well. What made it even more special is that the singer always seem to add a moment, whether it was an extra note that stood out or a change in his vocal style, but it was enough to make you smile and get you a little more invested in the song. I mentioned this to him after the show and he shared that he learned that when he was busking.
They finished their set with a song called- She Lives, that was very reminiscent of very early Police. They create a wonderful Pop Punk sound. This is your moment Toronto to go out and see these guys live and give them a Fighting Chance.
Here are a couple images of Fighting Chance: