Sticky Magazine - Toronto Concert Photography, Reviews, and News

Bear In Heaven
The Garrison in Toronto, ON
May 5th, 2012

Review by: Katie Christensen
Photos by: Allison Janzen

At a quarter to midnight, the three members of Bear in Heaven sauntered onto The Garrison's stage, and the somewhat subdued crowd hollered sounds of welcome as Jon Philpot (Vocals/Guitar/Keys) cheekily quipped back, "I love you, It’s cool” - a phrase that happens to be the name of their third album, released in April to much acclaim.

Alcoholic Faith Mission
The Drake Underground in Toronto, ON
May 2, 2012

Photos and Review by: Pete Nema

All I really knew about Alcoholic Faith Mission is that after their performance at Rancho Relaxo during Canadian Music Week in 2011, everyone seemed to be telling me that was it one of the stand-out sets of the festival.

Neon Indian
The Phoenix
May 8, 2012

Review by: Natalia Buia
Photos by: Michelle Cortese

Upon first listen of their new album, Era Extraña, Texan chillwave group Neon Indian prove they have the potential to dominate more than just the Saturday playlist at Urban Outfitters.

The Drums
Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto, ON
April 27, 2012

Review by: Tyler Crick
Photos by: Adam Pulicicchio

We joined a full house at The Phoenix to catch the American indie pop act take the stage.

Fun
Miniature Tigers
Koolhaus in Toronto, ON
April 25, 2012

Photos and Review by: Pete Nema

In 2010 when I saw Fun at The Mod Club, their performance (and the whole experience) was so excellent that I placed that concert my Top 10 of that year. When I saw they were returning to The Mod Club this year, there was no hesitation to purchase tickets for the show.

We Were Promised Jetpacks
Breton
Lee's Palace
April 27, 2012

Review by: Chad Hutchings
Photos by: Allison Janzen

Last Friday, a rowdy crowd filled Lee's Palace as indie rockers We Were Promised Jetpacks blasted through the city.

Bahamas
Virgin Mobile Mod Club
April 13, 2012

Review by: Colton Eddy
Photos by: Michael Fil

On a stage cluttered with green leafy plants, Afie Jurvanen was happy to be home. And home was more than happy to have him.

Band Of Skulls
We Are Augustines
Pheonix Concert Theatre in Toronto, ON
March 30th, 2012

Review by: Katie Christensen
Photos by: Allison Janzen

Packed to the brim with the air edging on humid, the sold out crowd at the Phoenix silenced as the speakers thundered a thematic tune. With lights dimmed, three bodies emerged and the cheers of assent erupted.

Of Monsters and Men
Phoenix Concert Theatre
April 12, 2012

Review by: Colton Eddy
Photos by: Julie Lavelle

In the post Arcade Fire world of howling beasts, vast landscapes and lots of plaid, we welcome Of Monsters and Men.

Margot & The Nuclear So and So's
The Garrison
April 5, 2012

Review by: Chad Hutchings
Photos by: Julie Lavelle

A story of how things shouldn't have gone.

The Magnetic Fields
Bachelorette
Sound Academy in Toronto, ON
March 30, 2012

Review by: Lee Fraser
Photos by: Kayley Luftig

The Magnetic Fields normally play cultural institutions, so the Sound Academy seemed like an odd choice.

CMF 2012
Young Rival, Jenn Grant, Chains Of Love, The Sheepdogs, Caveman, Fanfarlo, The Balconies
Various Venues in Toronto
March 22-25, 2012

Review by: Chad Hutchings
Photos by: Julie Lavelle

Chronicling the sights and sounds of Canadian Music Fest.

The Darcys, Zeus, Dan Mangan
Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, ON
March 23, 2012

Review by: Amanda Macchia
Photos by: Pete Nema

The CMW Arts & Crafts showcase was held on Friday night at the Horseshoe Tavern. Featuring seven acts including Eight and a Half, newcomers Gold & Youth, The Darcys, Zeus, and secret (or not so secret) guest Dan Mangan, the entire evening stood out as concrete evidence of Toronto’s homegrown musical talent.

Teenage Kicks
ALX, Uncle Bad Touch
The Garrison in Toronto, ON
March 24, 2012

Photos and review by: Amanda Macchia

The Garrison was packed with acts from all over the musical spectrum on the Saturday night of CMW as crowds gathered for the third installment of Young Lions Music Club’s Artist Select Series, featuring guest DJ and host Brendan Canning (Broken Social Scene).

Current Swell
The Belle Game
Rivoli in Toronto, ON
April 4, 2012

Photos and Review by: Pete Nema

I hadn't originally planned on being out for the Friday night of Canadian Music Week, but with Victoria-based Current Swell playing an 11:00pm set at the Rivoli, the night just seemed to good to pass up.

Tribes, Wildlife, The Dirty Mags
Lee's Palace
March 22, 2012

Review by: Chad Hutchings
Photos by: Amanda Macchia

The Buzz Factor Series rocks Lee's Palace for their CMF showcase.  

Alejandra Ribera
Czehoski in Toronto, ON
March 23, 2012

Review by: Lee Fraser
Photos by: Allison Janzen

Alejandra Ribera spins her magic at Czehoski.

CMW Opening Night Gala
Joel Plaskett Emergency, Ben Caplan
CN Tower in Toronto, ON
March 21, 2012

Photos and Review by: Pete Nema

Canadian Music Week officially opened with an invite-only gala held 346 metres above the city in the CN Tower and featured the Joel Plaskett Emergency and Ben Caplan.

Young The Giant
Walk The Moon
Sound Academy in Toronto, ON
March 1, 2012

Photos and Review by: Pete Nema

If there's one thing Young The Giant made clear while on stage at the Sound Academy, it's that amazing vocals never go out of style.

The Twilight Sad
Odonis Odonis
Lee's Palace
February 29, 2012

Review by: Chad Hutchings
Photos by: Michael Fil

The Twilight Sad brings a show that's not just worth hearing - it's worth the hearing loss.

Islands
The Music Gallery
February 28, 2012

Review by: Tyler Crick
Photos by: Pete Nema

Nick Thorburn has been a musician of considerable diversity.

Amos The Transparent
Brett Caswell and The Marquee Rose, Andre M. Bluteau
Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, ON
February 25, 2012

Photos and Review by: Pete Nema

Amos The Transparent releases an album full of new, excellent songs to a crowded Horseshoe Tavern filled with fans.

Other Lives

The Drake Underground
February 14, 2012

Review by: Chad Hutchings

Other Lives spent a night shaming cheesy cards and wilting roses.

The Juno Concert Series

The Horseshoe Tavern
February 4, 2012

Review and photos by: Amanda Macchia

The JUNO Awards team up with Exclaim! and NXNE to bring some great Canadian talent back to the stage. 

Dinosaur Bones
Tiny Danza
The Horseshoe Tavern
February 2, 2012

Review and photos by: Amanda Macchia

Dinosaur Bones put on a performance showing how they've withstood the millennia.