NXNE Day 2: METZ & Fucked Up Play YDS
No time to waste. Thursday was fantastic, but that goes without saying because NXNE has a reputation to uphold, and it did not let me down. I left work early to be on time for METZ at Yonge Dundas Square.
Great show. Wrong venue. METZ is a talented Toronto band, and I’d recommend you listening to their music right now (seriously, go do it). But for a live set, you’d think they’d be more suitable playing in someone’s basement or a dive bar. This isn’t exactly music-in-the-park-bring-the-whole-family material.
Those who saw the show because they’ve heard of METZ, I can only assume were disappointed at the lack of intimacy that naturally comes with a Yonge/Dundas show. Those who just stopped by because it was free, probably weren’t expecting something this abrasive for a sunny Thursday afternoon. Regardless, METZ played a wicked set and they deserve more attention from the population. This week especially since everyone’s so amped to be at NXNE. People are always more excited on the second day. It’s like a summer camp. You’re nervous at first, meet cool people who like what you like, and make plans to hang out until the end of NXNE, and promise to keep in touch no matter what.
That really wasn’t the case for me when Fucked Up started playing. I think the band is brilliant, and today was no exception, but I had just come from work, and my dress style didn’t quite fit in. I was quite literally ostracized from the audience, so I stayed at the very back by the girls handing out free gum.
The set was amazing, and I wouldn’t have expected less. After Damian Abraham brought his child on stage, presumably to show his kid how awesome his dad is, the band got right to business and effortlessly out-performed everyone I’ve seen so far. It’s not easy to play outdoors, so I admire Fucked Up for not losing their relationship with the audience. Looks like they have this down to a very angry science.
Also, I’d like to make mention that Damian Abraham walked into the crowd, picked up a human being, and threw him further into the audience. I don’t have anything clever to say about that.
