One of the things Blast Toronto loves to do is to go to a release party. Whether it is a single or a brand-new release, it doesn’t matter. That is what we just did. The Rickaneer’s are back after a 5-year hiatus with a brand-new album called, “Passing Through”.

Surf Wax

Before we get into the meat and potatoes of their show, there were two other bands worth mentioning. This was a night of solid Power Punk Pop music. Up first was a tribute act to the classic 90’s band Weezer. Toronto has a great tribute band called Surf Wax and they do an excellent job of recreating this Indie power pop nerd band from the 90’s.

They kept their show simple and just came on an did the Blue Album in its entirety.  Can you believe this album was release on May 10, 1994? That’s 31 years ago… and now you are feeling old.

The band got up on stage dressed in classic Weezer nerd attire and just cooked all the way through their set. With Popular song like, Undone- The Sweater song to Say it ain’t so and Buddy Holly, Weezer fans were surrounding the stage embracing their youth again.

Pink Leather Jackets

If you prefer your Power Punk with more energy, then you were in the right spot, because Pink Leather Jackets are the band to watch. And I do mean watch.

My only regret is that I have to sit and write about these shows and occasionally get up to take some photos. I wish I could jus be at the front of the stage and capture their high energy from beginning to end.

Just like the Cowbell sketch on SNL, these guys know how to use the space! They can take up every inch of a stage because that is how they roll. They need space to jump around, and horse around and just simply rock out.

It was only in the middle of their set that they slowed things down to do what they called the Whistling song, also known as “Better Days”. After that they shot off like a rocket with their high dose of adrenaline rock. Just check out our photos and you will see for yourself that these high-octane characters will really have you mesmerized.

The Rickaneer’s

This was the first time I have ever seen the Rickaneer’s live. I have heard their name over the years and now I get to understand why they excite Toronto.

Like I said earlier, they are coming back from a five-year break to promote brand new music and the people that showed up were pumped to see what new creations they had in store for us.

There was a guy in the audience trying to explain what I was going to witness, so I took note of what he was saying as was focused on why this band has such a loyal following.

The Rickaneer’s are another Power punk pop band with a twist. At first, I was hearing a surf sound that was very connecting and fun to listen to. After the first song, Jesse the lead singer asked people to move closer to make this a real party. The energy of the room felt much more fulfilling as they dove into their set. The second song felt a bit like the Ramones with a slight psychedelic twist in the middle and a full-on rock outro that left you feeling high. The next song was like listening to early Aerosmith with its straightforward rock stomping it way into your vibe. This was turning into a rock-solid performance.

They played their new single that started off with a heavy bass and proceeded to have burst of short sonic flights from the guitar player. It was a very smooth flight.

Even near the end, the way this band organized their song structure are very smart. They seem to do it in short chapters. At one point I could hear sounds similar to an east coast band called Wintersleep.

Here is my best interpretation of what this band does.  They are an Indie band with a raw earthy tone that can keep you grounded and feeling good. At one point the guitar player begins to shoot off in a very different direction. He takes flight with his very sonic and creative prismatic shape shifting sounds. Your feet may feel grounded but you head is definitely in the clouds and soaring. This band is very skilled at giving you very short vacations of the mind.

I can understand why this band has a very loyal following. Just like potato chip, you won’t be able to just see them once, this will be an ongoing journey, and you will be glad you stayed the course.

You can hear their new album at- Passing Through | The Rickaneers