Harsh Toke – Light Up and Live
“It’s the perfect storm of elements for a stoner’s wet dream.”
Tee Pee
A fond farewell to Quest For Fire…
In my 7.5 years of living in Toronto, I’ve seen my share of local bands break up, but last night was the first time I saw one pack the Horseshoe Tavern for their farewell gig. The venue couldn’t have been more fitting, as it was there that my relationship with Quest For Fire began five years ago–and almost to the day, at that…
“Happy Valentine’s Day–I think we should see other psych bands!”
Suffice to say, the dudes in Quest For Fire must have a wicked sense of humour. I mean, who breaks up the day after Valentine’s Day? Well, these Toronto heavy-psych stalwarts, apparently.
Kadavar – self-titled
Following in the recent footsteps of Graveyard and Royal Thunder, German trio Kadavar, Tee Pee Records’ latest signing, attempts to bring the 70’s back with their bluesy heavy rock on this, their debut LP. You can’t really give ‘em any points for originality, so it all comes down to execution on this one.
The nite that Tee Pee came to town
Great gig at the Silver Dollar Room last nite, featuring Tee Pee recording artists Naam, ELKS and Toronto’s own Quest For Fire. It’s not every day that Toronto sees a heavy psych triple bill of this magnitude.
Priestess: Prior to The Fire
Prior to The Fire is earnest but it’s easy to like, solid and tight. Everything just falls into place for Priestess in a charmed way on Prior to The Fire; it’s the ideal introduction to the band, and a calling card release.
Ancestors: Of Sound Mind
Ancestors can’t decide whether to join the noodly prog rock or stoner doom circles, and has left a foot in both camps, coming off like Dream Theater on ditch weed.
Priestess: Prior To The Fire
Prior To The Fire sounds much more like Priestess does in a live setting, with songs like the sprawling “The Gem” showing them unafraid to stretch past the seven-minute mark while still retaining a strong pop hook in its chorus.