Review: Death From Above @ Burton Cummings Theatre
I’m not sure why I never got into Death From Above. Every time I’ve heard them on Power 97, I think “Oh this is cool, I like this! I wonder who it is!” but I never take it any further.
With the announcement of their show at The Burt, I decided to take it further. As usual though, I didn’t research the band before the show. All I knew was they created songs I liked, and a lot of people I know like them. I don’t think I knew they were a duo and I didn’t know they were from Toronto either. So much to learn tonight…
The Beaches opened the show and I was thrilled to see a garage rock band full of young women. This was their last show before their return to Toronto.
It took me a few songs to get into them, but once I did, I became a fan. They all had stage presence, lead vocalist Jordan Miller had a great voice, and their songs were pretty good for a young band.
The Beaches opened the show at The Burt. /PHOTO: Anne Martin
Many of their songs were melodic and catchy, but my most favourite song was the second last one. Leandra Earl played an organ solo accompanied by Eliza Enman McDaniel on drums. I’m a sucker for build, but if it’s not done properly, I get irritated.
This solo built and built and built, the drums getting louder and louder and then it blew up all over The Burt and I woo-hoo’d my approval. The band went crazy on stage, their hair flying around wildly. I almost cried; I LOVED it.
Even the guys in front of me were standing and clapping after that song. Actually, it looked to me like The Beaches won over the majority of The Burt, and rightfully so. I loved their set and I’d see them again. I hope they have a long and successful career.
Death From Above on stage at The Burt. /PHOTO: Dave Baxter
Sebastien Grainger (vocals & drums) and Jesse Keeler (bass) took the dark stage and ripped into “Nomad”. I really liked Sebastien’s voice and everything was wonderfully heavy, hard and loud.
Five tunes followed, including “Virgins”, “Moonlight” and “Always On”, the later had the crowd jumping in unison, pumping their fists to the beat of the music. Someone yelled out a song and Sebastien replied, “It’s a little early in the set for requests isn’t it?”
Sebastien Grainger on vocals and drums. /PHOTO: Dave Baxter
I really enjoyed “Little Girl”, followed by the title track off their new album, “Outrage! Is Now”. Sebastien cued an electronic beat and stepped away from the kit to dance around on stage.
Death From Above at The Burt. /PHOTO: Dave Baxter
Then he came to the front of the stage and sang while playing the cymbals. About half way in, he slid behind his kit again and sang the rest of the song.
I begrudgingly left at 9:58 p.m. because I was really nauseous and felt like I was going to be sick. While I’m usually a relatively healthy person, ‘tis the season for the stomach flu. Ho ho ho…
From what I saw, that was a great show and I’d definitely see them again.
I don’t feel so good…I have to sleep.
Good night.
P.S. These pics are courteous of Dave Baxter, except for the crappy one of The Beaches (sorry ladies, he wasn’t there for your set). Thanks Dave! Check out his page for more shots of tonight’s show!
P.P.S. Thanks to Live Nation for my very first review pass! Horrible timing for the flu. Boooo…
