Live Baby Live

May 5, 2008 @ The Phoenix - Toronto, ON

Swedish pop musician Robyn hit Toronto last week for her first performance in our fair city in 10 years, in support of her 2005 release Robyn, which was just issued in North America at the end of this past April. From the second she walked on stage, she had the crowd (at the front, at least) in hysterics, with constant shouts of “I love you!” and “OMG! OMG! I’m so close!!”–most of which came from the gentlemen in the crowd.

To be perfectly honest, I knew very little of Robyn, give or take a few songs, but heard she put on a fantastic show and was not to be missed. As she launched into “Cobrastyle” you could feel her intense energy, which, aside from a few slower moments in the middle, carried through her entire set. I could see immediately why she was so adored, with her endearing smile and fun dance moves.

On a photography note, this was a tough one. Robyn didn’t seem to be a fan of light at all. Quite opposite to what is usually the case, she was very dimly lit while her band mates were lit up like Christmas trees. I shot 1/60th of a second the entire time and was lucky to come out with anything usable, given how much she moves around.

More Robyn photos here.

July 29, 2007 @ Historic Fort York - Toronto, ON

After seeing coverage of Tegan & Sara at Coachella over the past week, it reminded me that I have photos of them from last year’s Rogers Picnic that have never been posted. It’s likely because the photos are all sort of “same-ish”…they weren’t all that active on stage, and it doesn’t help that they’re twins. From what I recall, they played a pretty good set and had a ton of fans in the crowd (more than the other bands, it seemed), who were very easy to spot, since they all dress and cut their hair like the twins.

Tegan & Sara gallery here.

July 26, 2007 @ Wakestock - Toronto, ON

For ages, I’d been trying to get out to a Fucked Up show at some little hole in the wall place, because I’d heard how insane their show was. Unfortunately, other shows always coincided and Wakestock was my first opportunity to check them out. Too bad they’re not really the kind of band you want to see in the middle of the day on a big stage with very few people in the crowd, rather they’re better suited for late night in-yer-face action, so I was feeling kind of robbed. That said, they were still quite entertaining and fun to watch, and singer Damian Abraham in particular didn’t disappoint, crushing full pop cans into his skull or pouring the pop down his pants.

As much fun as that was, I hope to be able to make it out to a smaller show soon. They’re playing Wrongbar in Toronto on May 13th, which is the same night as Feist, so hopefully they play late enough that I can work it out.

Fucked Up gallery here.

Last week Welsh “it girl” Duffy played her first show in Toronto to a sold out Mod Club crowd. Opening with her first single, title track “Rockferry,” she worked her way through her entire album in about an hour, which made for a short evening since there was no opening band. While many are calling Duffy the next Amy Winehouse, her voice sounds similar, but her musical range isn’t quite as varied just yet and aside from a few songs, most felt the same as the next. She also seemed to have a canned set of movements on stage, but given that she’s just recently been plucked from obscurity it’s easy to forgive, since she’s still in that phase of finding her footing (literally).

Overall, the concert was a pleasant experience and the audience gave her a very warm Canadian welcome. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her back in town in the near future.

Duffy gallery here.