I always encounter a certain amount of trepidation when it comes to live reviews. I have resigned myself to the idea that if I do not like what I am listening to, I simply do not say anything, and that mindset is a direct result of an editor once telling me that I could not equate the sound of nails on a chalkboard as legitimate criticism. So now, I only review what I like. Coming into this scene, I intentionally did not listen to the three acts prior to the performance. I have to ask: is a little anxiety in doing so normal? Because if I did not like anything, there would have been silence, blank pages, and me sitting there.

I am so happy to say that I had the best time last night. The entire evening reminded me of my late teens and early 20s. I always had friends who were in bands, and I was constantly going to shows to see them perform. Being there last night literally triggered something in me. I should preface this by saying that none of the acts felt contemporary to me. It was as though I was listening to a piece of history. For me, that is one of the most essential things when I listen to music. Music is supposed to bring out emotions, solidify identity, and integrate thought. Being in that space and hearing everything I heard brought me back easily 30 years.

SONS OF DUSK

The first band that went on was Sons of Dusk; who are Sam on drums, Hunter on vox & guitar, Adam on lead guitar, and Thomas on bass. Their music falls within the rock genre, with vast inspiration drawn from classic acts. Their sound feels almost Stone Age in its weight and tone, with even hints of Black Sabbath energy in the heaviness and structure of their originals. From the moment the electric guitar began, it was clear that all of the instruments would soon kick into high gear. When they did, the drums held everything together nicely, providing a strong backbone for the guitar and bass to build upon. Each instrument complemented the next, creating an experience that was intense and powerful.

The crowd engagement was high, particularly during their original tracks, which stood out strongly in the set. The vocals carried an older rock feel; they were gravelly and expressive, and they fit perfectly with the band’s immersive and captivating energy. The music truly sucks you in. The screaming and the intensity of the beats create an anthem-like atmosphere. The long guitar intro felt like a blend of The Doors and Jimi Hendrix, heavy in the best possible way. The voice was reminiscent of Stone Temple Pilots (Big Empty) and The Cure (Burn). It did not feel like contemporary music; instead, it felt like walking into a time when I was younger.

The tempo would pick up and leave you breathless, almost exhausted from the energy happening on stage. The drums, alongside the guitar and bass, held everything together beautifully. The synergy between the instruments and vocals created an old-world, cult-inspired rock vibe. It is also important to note that Sons of Dusk have only been together for a year, which is truly insane when you see the symbiosis between the band members.

THIRD STORY

     With Third Story, it was simply so much fun to watch them perform. The energy they brought to the stage and the way the band worked together made it obvious that there was something magical happening between them. Their sound carried a classic 1970s rock vibe, reminiscent of a time when rock was becoming mainstream. Their performance was explosive and high-energy. Caleb, their vocalist, belted powerfully and demonstrated exquisite control during the slower sections, which added emotional depth to the overall performance.

     Musically, there was a strong synergy between the guitar played by Peter, bass played by Caleb, and drums by Bradshaw. I want to also note that Bradshaw also sang last night; the difference in the timbre between him and Caleb was something to behold. Both different sounds that work well within the band. The experience transported me back in time and evoked a deep sense of nostalgia and emotion. Their song “I Want You, I Want Me” felt lusty, emotional, and evocative.

During one specific song, I found myself frozen in my spot while cheering at the same time. That is what music does to me, it makes me feel emotion in a way that is almost overwhelming. It is a universal concept: the beats, the riffs, and the energy hit the soul. The audience was fully engaged throughout their set. People were clapping, cheering, and completely lost in the music. The long vocal runs and the impact of each member’s performance hit deeply. Listening to this band had me crying; my heart felt broken in a beautiful way. By the end of the night, everyone had their hands clapping in the air. Almost 27 hours later, my voice is raw, with my hands feeling a slight ache. So worth it.

SECTION OVERRUN

Section Overrun brought something entirely different to the stage. They are an all-women band who consists of lead singer Cool Missy, guitarist Skye, bassist Dev, and their drummer Meg. I would describe them as similar to the band Operator, and their energy was alive with punk & rock intensity. The performance felt intense and unrestrained from start to finish. Their original songs were reverb-heavy, passion-filled, and exhilarating. The overall experience was incredible and visceral, almost as if the music was pounding directly into your flesh. The setting itself added to the surreal nature of the performance, as they were playing in a hockey rink, which created a unique and unexpected atmosphere.

The vocals were powerful and carried an intensity reminiscent of Janis Joplin. The lead singer demonstrated incredible range and stamina, belting with control and power throughout the set. Singing powerfully is one thing, but maintaining that level of strength and range for the entire performance is something else entirely.

When they performed “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” I completely lost my mind. That song is one I used to listen to on my way downtown while attending TMU. It carried the perfect amount of attitude then, and it still does now. Their delivery of the cover was explosive and, in many ways, matched or even surpassed the original in intensity.

The cover felt like a sonic explosion, complete with a fast tempo, powerful guitar solos, and dynamic execution. It reminded me of my formative years, when I was constantly going back and forth between school and music, fully immersed in both worlds.

Ash & Amber was incredible; I could hear undertones of Skid Row’s 18 and Life. Cool Missy’s voice was reminiscent of Joan Jett, as she belted with both intensity and control. The energy, instrumentation, and passion of this band made the night feel completely insane and unforgettable.

ROCK OVER THE ICE

One of the most amazing aspects of the night was the setting. We were at the top of an ice rink while hockey was being played below, and rock music was being performed on the second story. It was pretty cool and added an entirely unique dimension to the experience. I was surrounded by friends, colleagues, and classmates, and I completely got lost in the moment. I did not realise how much I had missed experiences like this until last night.

The indie scene is alive. I cannot believe I waited this long to attend a live show again. I even asked the bands if they would be open to an interview because the performances were that compelling. I would like to thank High Cut Records and Breakthrough Events for organising last night. Also, one should acknowledge the sound crew, Keegan & Kai, for making sure there were no glitches and everything sounded POWERFUL and EMOTIVE! And, to 2200 North for their friendly staff. I encourage everyone to check out Live in Local because you might just find your next favourite band. I am thinking that reviewing live shows is going to turn into a habit.