The Airborne Toxic Event – Toronto – Danforth Music Hall

Last night Toronto was treated to one of only two Canadian dates on The Airborne Toxic Event‘s schedule and it was truly that. A treat. The Danforth Music Hall is a relatively small venue and I felt privileged to be in the small appreciative crowd. They’re coming your way on October 24th Vancouver, watch for them. Opening for TATE was In The Valley Below. The Los Angeles based duo is made up of Angela Gail (keyboard, vocals and chain) and Jeffrey Jacobs (guitar, vocals). Their voices blend beautifully and the music has an ethereal feel. I’d never heard them but they made me glad I turned up early enough to catch their set.

They were engaging and felt like a really good fit to get the crowd ready for the main event.

They’re touring to support their lateset album “The Belt”.
You can check them out here:

Web – inthevalleybelow.com
Twitter – @bookofITVB
Instagram – @inthevalleybelow

It was a quick set change and I don’t know who programs the music during the set changes but this one was brilliant and ended with the crowd singing a rousing version of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Fun crowd. 

Onto the main act! Let’s get one thing clear from the start, I’m a fan. A huge fan. I love these guys and I take every opportunity to see them live. They’re possibly the most talented musicians I’ve seen. They all play multiple instruments and when you listen, you hear how technical things are. Check their wiki page if you’re curious about their technical backgrounds. Their lyrics are meaningful, uncommon and they speak to you.

Originally a writer, Mikel Jollett’s lyrics are intelligent and cut through the bullshit. The bottom line is they come together in a way that speaks to you. Their interaction with each other and with the crowd felt genuine and spontaneous. I felt at times like Mikel was singing to me personally, looking directly into my eyes. I think most of us felt that. They played old favourites, they played lots from the current album “Such Hot Blood” and they played a couple of new things, “California” and “Wrong”. They’re new album doesn’t have a release date but it’s coming. Mikel spoke to us before they launched in “Wrong”. Seems that not everyone thinks the new song sounds like a TATE song. I say bullshit! The new song is great, it’s a little different. Progression and change keeps music alive.

The Airborne Toxic Event somehow manages to bring the technicality of a studio sound with the addition of the enthusiasm and intimacy of a live performance. If you haven’t heard them you should go listen and if you haven’t seen them, you’re missing out. The Airborne Toxic Event are Mikel Jollett, Steven Chen, Daren Taylor, Anna Bulbrook, Adrian Rodriguez.

Check them out!

Web – theairbornetoxicevent.com

Twitter – @Airborne_Toxic

Facebook – TheAirborneToxicEvent

YouTube – AirborneToxicEvtVevo

Instagram – @airborne_toxic

 

Thanks to Pete, Benny and all the others who made my night possible.