Steam Whistle Unsigned follow up ...I'm sorry...yeah who?

STEAM WHISTLE UNSIGNED INDIE MUSIC SERIES

Friday night, the Steam Whistle "Unsigned" series presented three hot bands: we are the take, Grand Analog, and Major Maker. The crowd at T.O.'s coolest brewery soaked up the great indie music, lubricated with refreshing Steam Whistle suds. The only mystery is why these guys aren't signed.


we are the take
First up was we are the take--a rare combination of intricate, subtle vocals laid over top of hard-driving guitars, keys, bass & drums. Frontmen Erik Alcock and Craig Stickland pulled off their harmonies beautifully--not easily done while rockin' the house live. The tunes were alternately catchy and intense, with Andrew Hobbs and Stephan Szczesniak putting down great grooves on bass and drums throughout. Check out these boys' myspace site for a glimpse at the old-school/literary influences they bring to their music. Impressive stuff.

Photography By: Phil Ogynist


Grand Analog
Where would you go for dance hall and hip hop? Where else, for a marriage of the two? Jamaica, Barbados... hmmm... close, but after last Friday I'd put my money on Winterpeg. Grand Analog launched itself from the Peg into the Toronto indie scene and cemented its rep with a phenomenal show at Steam Whistle. With Odario on the mike and Warren [see Empire Records for the reason why I will NEVER forget this guy's name!] on the bass, Darcy Ataman, Damon Mitchell, Ofield K. Williams, DJ Catalist, B-Boy Breakz and Arun Chaturved--this crew threw the crowd into a gyrating frenzy for their entire set. Pourquoi est-ce le band unsignee?

Photography By: Phil Ogynist


Major Maker
Once again, a group of guys have collaborated to create a reason to be proud of Toronto. Todor Kobakov and Lindy Vopnfjord may not originate in T.O., but since arriving and forming Major Maker, they have captured our hearts and souls with their infectious pop/rock. With fellow musicians Ian, Thom, & John, Major Maker has taken indie music, flipped it upside down and ruffled the industry's feathers. I mean, what other excuse is there for why these guys ARE NOT SIGNED. COME ON, ye "powers" that be--how much more do you need before the blinders come off and you see the talent flaunting itself right in FRONT of you!

Photography By: Phil Ogynist