The Luyas – The Rialto Theatre – Wednesday, June 9th, 2010
The music started quite a bit later than advertised, but when do shows ever start on time anymore? Either way, it gave people ample time to get there, grab a drink from the gorgeous bar and get their gab on with friends. Unfortunately the gabbing didn’t really end when The Hoof & The Heel took the stage and began to play. The band started off with a new song that was a little gloomier than what we’re used to from the usually pretty up-beat band, but they amped up the energy right after with the title track from their debut …And All The Tigers EP. Lead singer Harris Shper sprinkled in some humour when he said that the show was originally planned to be in a parking lot but it was booked. The downside of the set was that the chatty audience sort of overpowered the band in their quiter moments, but midway through the set the band played another really catchy new song that seemed to shake the crowd out of their conversations and get them into the performance. By the end of The Hoof & The Heel’s set nearly everyone near the front of the stage was dancing, which was nice to see for a band so deserving of praise.
It was already after 11:00 PM when the second band of the night, Avec pas d’casque took the stage and began to play in front of a screen that displayed projections of what looked like old family photos (some of which probably could have made it onto awkwardfamilyphotos.com). Led by singer and guitarist Stéphane Lafleur, the band played some really laid back folk songs in their native French language. While it was obvious that these were some talented musicians and songwriters before us, the whole thing was just a bit too mellow for 11:30 PM on a Wednesday night. The best moment came at the end when they band played their fastest and most exciting song and were joined on stage by a couple of Luyas.
Midnight brought the moment everyone in attendance had waited for. Since it was getting pretty late the venue seemed to have emptied out quite a bit by the time The Luyas took the stage. But with the house lights turned off the band took the stage to a nice round of applause from the eager crowd. They started with “Moodslayer” while lightbulbs attached to various things aroung the stage blinked frantically to the drum beats. What was great about this performance was the sheer joy that the band displayed while they were playing. There was hardly a moment when the pixielike Jessie Stein wasn’t grinning. Highlights throughout the set were “What Mercy Is” and “Tiny Head” and the encore itself in which the band played the dancy “I Need Mirrors” and “Seeing Things”.
I would definitely say the night was a success simply judging by the fact that so many people showed up and appeared to be having a great time. While the drinks were a little pricey, it’s hard to complain when the show is only $5.00 to begin with. And to be listening to live music in the amazingly beautiful Rialto Theatre was reason enough to be in a good mood. – Greg Lozoff
The Luyas
Avec pas d’casque
The Hoof & The Heel
The Rialto
Photography by Sandy Jolin
