Bw’s Blog

Last night I went to one of the coolest shows I’ve been to in a long time. The Toronto punk band, Brutal Knights, played an intense set at an undisclosed location known only as the Adrift Clubhouse.

I’ve actually had prior experience at this location, volunteering my time at a now defunct recording studio. The floors I once mopped are now coated in grime and spilt beer. The walls are covered in obscene graffiti, and half-assembled skate ramps litter the rooms.

This band is steadily gaining popularity in Toronto and throughout Canada. According to the myspace page, the band is about to embark on an extensive European tour.

This band is as punk as they come. The songs are short, fast, and pissed off. The crowd at the show was drunk, fast, and pissed off. A perfect match.

If you want to check out a wicked Toronto punk band, check out Brutal Knights (myspace), and keep your eyes peeled for the next Adrift show.

Sincerely,

BW.

Last night I ended up at the Sound Academy in downtown Toronto to see Flogging Molly headline their Green 17 tour.

The show started with a band called the Dub Trio, an instrumental band that plays dub/metal music. These guys really know their instruments. Even without vocals, I was steadily entertained and captivated by their performances.

Next up was the Aggrolites - well known for providing the instruments on Tim Armstrong’s solo album. Their brand of ska/dub music can really pump up a crowd, and last night was no exception. I wore myself out skanking by the end of their set.

When Flogging Molly took the stage you could tell they were on form. They ran through song after song without hesitation and the crowd repaid them by dancing up a storm - Irish style.

I’m not too familiar with their music, but I enjoyed the intensity and attitude that emerged from the stage. One song that I do remember is called Devil’s Dance Floor and it really got people to start doing a jig.

Unfortunately, halfway through the set my body gave in to the tremendous flogging of the circle-pit, and I had to stand back a bit and relax. This gave me a good perspective to watch a stage curtain mysteriously lower itself in front of the band. They seemed as confused as everyone else, as lead singer Dave King exclaimed: Do you think they’re trying to tell us something? 

For an intense punk show with an Irish flair, go see Flogging Molly the next time they’re in town. But be prepared to take a beating.

Sincerely,

BW.