Recap | HPX 2014 Day 2

We’ll start this off with a quote from one the literary geniuses of our time: Drake. “Better late than never, but never late is better. “ Following our naïve late arrival at the Carelton the night before, we were sure to get to tonight’s venue nice and early – possibly a little too early this time...We were the first there…

First up: Take Part, a garage band from Dartmouth. Apart from their extremely entertaining and energetic drummer, there's unfortunately not much to say about them. They're a young band that lack the charisma and onstage presence of a seasoned vet. Their segues were awkward to say the least, as they made multiple references to the mistakes they’ve made - and would undoubtedly make in the future - as well as their inability to provide any existing fans with a tangible form of their music, whether that be t-shirts, CDs or even business cards. They did, however, leave us with a (we’ll say “brilliant") excuse: “...because we don’t want to blow our entire load in one shot.”

It was only upward from there. We had met with Coyote earlier that day and had a great time discussing their music, crack addicts, tour antics and what-ifs? (Expect the feature out soon!) We felt like proud parents as they pulled off an amazing set that we think took the cake as the night’s best performance. What we had only previously heard in recordings came to life and blew us away as they reached beyond what can be captured by studio recording. The people we had met earlier that day transformed on stage, playing their show with the air of a band that has had much more experience and exposure than these dudes.

In anticipation of the “secret guest” we then zipped over to Gus’ Pub where we were greeted by the loud thrashing of the Single Mothers. Not going to lie, watching the lead singer launch into the air, guitar in hand, to then spit on the ceiling of the venue is likely something we will never see ever again. Needless to say, we did a 180 and headed back to the Olympic Hall where Tokyo Police Club, Canada’s tried and true, was hitting the stage. Rarely will you attend a Canadian music event of any sort without an appearance from TPC. A definite crowd pleaser, but nothing we haven’t heard from them before.

Cam Smith, on the other hand, ft. Corey LeRue was dope. We were happy just to be back at Reflections, the home of sweet people and amazing lighting. Smith didn’t disappoint and his set list was amped up by LeRue’s impressive DJ skillz. Definitely hard content and sound, but a good show nonetheless.

Getting out of bed this morning was a struggle, but it’s all worthwhile. Tonight be absolutely sure to check out BADBADNOTGOOD, Cam Smith, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah at the Forum and The WAYO at Reflections.