'Beside You' Tour hit up St. Catharines

All I have to do is think back to the Reverb in Toronto on a cold December night back in 2006 to remember the way things used to be. When the main band on stage had no more than forty people in the audience and the music was beyond amazing. When their bone-chilling harmonies and heartfelt lyrics filled the dreary club and make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end. But even then, when nobody even knew who they were, I could tell that Marianas Trench were going to make a name for themselves.
On October 6th, 2009 at the bar formerly known as Big Buck’s in St. Catharines, the same band I witnessed in 2006 along with opening acts, Montreal’s The New Cities and B.C.’s Carly Rae Jepsen, played to a sold out crowd in a venue that was entirely too small for the occasion.
Overall my experience was mediocre compared to other shows. To kick things off, the evening started off on a series of delays. Doors opened over an hour late which pushed the show to start an hour later as well. Seeing as it was all-ages and it being a school night, numerous parents (and kids) were not impressed.
The venue itself is oddly shaped and has the main stage situated in a corner and not enough space for a crowd. Suited more for a lounge type bar, it wasn’t appropriate for this type of show. Having been to this venue for previous events like Scenefest, I knew coming into this that it wasn’t going to be comfortable. Since I arrived later than anticipated, my friends and I were forced to be situated in the 19+ area with a poll as our view.
But alas, the show must go on –and it did. Although the view wasn’t exactly ideal, it’s a good thing my ears were in fine working form.
The first time I heard Carly Rae Jepsen sing live was on a Canada-wide tour with the top three finalists of 2007’s Canadian Idol. She was youthful and innocent with a bucketful of potential. Seeing her perform almost two years later, it was nice to witness her growth as a musician and to hear her own songs opposed to those written by others.
Her voice can only be described as eclectic. The best way I can describe her style of music and lifestyle is Boho-chic. Her laid back voice is refreshing and can amuse anybody who listens to her. It’s soothing and easy to listen to but can also get you on your feet to dance. She keeps the crowd going and excited with random stories and talk as she advances with her set.
With three singles (Bucket, Sour Candy and Tug of War) on the radio and a fresh sounding new album, the third runner up of Canadian Idol is slowing gaining momentum on the Canadian charts. I look forward to hearing more of what she’s got.

The New Cities were a relatively small, unknown band from Montreal until they got their break touring with B.C.’s Hedley in 2008. The six member band plays music with an intense electric-pop sound and a beat you can’t help but dance and sing along to. With songs like Hypertronic Superstar, Leaders of the Misled and radio popular Dead End Countdown, they had the crowd dancing and singing along to lyrics about Hollywood stars, life and drama.
The lead singer, David Brown’s voice is something that can be heard in multiple
I found myself getting into the music just as much as anybody else. The benefit of not being able to see the band is being able to pay more attention to the music. It’s a big plus to see that a band can still sound good without playing up their stage presence. From past experiences though, I knew for a fact that The New Cities members were always energetic to the very end of their set and always knew how to pump up a crowd. Their French accent always added to the charm and made everyone fall in love with them as well as their music.
Another perk to being in the 19+ area was being close to the VIP section. I was able to get a good look at the band and get a feel for who they were. From the beginning of the night Marianas Trench gave me a different vibe from the rest. I felt that even though they were upbeat and happy onstage, offstage they were a little cold and a little distant. Through my observations and past experience with the band, their mood really depends on the day. I was a little thrown off when the lead singer, Josh Ramsay refused photos with young fans. Fans are what make the band, so why refuse them?
As for the music I wasn’t disappointed. The uniqueness of Josh Ramsay’s voice mixed with the rest of the members can only be described as amazing. I have never heard a group of guys sound so in sync with each other. Ever since I heard them for the very first time at the Reverb I have never been more impressed with another band’s vocals as I have been with them. Whether they sing a capella or with music they always sound their best – even when the sound system at the venue wasn’t exactly up to par.
Their pop-rock sound has been dominating the airwaves and with their sophomore album climbing up the charts they are in no way slowing down. Their singles Cross My Heart, All to Myself and their newest, Beside You along with other album hits like Celebrity Status and Sing, Sing, Marianas Trench is gaining new fans all the time while keeping current fans in complete awe.
For more information on Marianas Trench: www.myspace.com/marianastrench
For more information on The New Cities: www.myspace.com/thenewcities
For more information on Carly Rae Jephson: http://www.myspace.com/carlyraemusic

Written by: Taryn McElheran
(originally posted on Nov 15, 2009 on www.sugarcainentertainment.com)