Every time I step onto the CNE grounds memories of past years always flood back to me. From the cheerful music, boisterous laughter, colourful signs and merchandise to the sweet smell of Tiny Tom donuts and great entertainment at the Bandshell that concludes the day is something I’ve always loved.
In the past few years, I have seen amazing Canadian bands perform in front of hundreds of people. Bands such as Hedley, illScarlett and The Trews have performed on the Bandshell, gaining new fans and reigniting the old. On Aug. 30, three more great Canadian acts hit the stage.
The Latency, four boys hailing from Maple Ridge, B.C., were the first up and they didn’t do it quietly. Despite their young age (18-19), they weren’t shy and definitely knew how to work the audience. With their upbeat stage presence and near-perfect vocals, I felt their abilities as seasoned performers. I was impressed by their control but also by their ability to enjoy the crowd. A prank pulled by Faber Drive was handled rather well considering they had many fans holding signs such as “Ryan I’m 6 months pregnant”, “I love The Latency Stereos” and “Virgin Rock.”
With their charming personalities and boy-next-door good-looks – add on a few tattoos to for good measure – they are every girls dream. I think their looks add onto the appeal of being such a young band. Any band with great music is amazing on its own, but a band (especially a young band that generates a lot of young fans) that is good-looking as well is an added bonus. The more girls they have to swoon over them, the more popular they become.
As the pop/rock genre dominating the airwaves these days, their songs were pop-tastic but not the cookie-cutter you’d expect. I found that the songs were catchy to those in their tweens/teens but relatable to those who were my age (23) and older. I found their sound was sweet but not sickly, and overall, they have the potential to be a great Canadian talent in the future. With their first album just released in stores, I believe The Latency have a decent career ahead of them.
Up next was B.C.-born, Saskatchewan-raised, Shiloh. This girl may only be 16 but she has vocals that would impress anybody. I was fortunate enough to see her for the first time in Vancouver and I was blown away by how well she could control her powerful voice. Her performance at the Ex however was a little less perfect. From the husky sounds and lack-lustre actions on stage, she seemed to be battling a cold. Despite the obvious difficulties, Shiloh fought her way through to the top and gave a performance that anybody would be proud of.
Trying to edge away from the stereotypical pop image, Shiloh infuses a bit of ska and an edgy rock sound. With songs like “Operator” and “Alright”, she is a perfect role-model for all those teens out there who are insecure about who they are and what they’ll become.
Despite my age, compared to the majority of the crowd, I found myself rocking out and enjoying the music just as much as anybody else. You can’t ignore good music and meaningful lyrics and even though she is almost six years my junior, I still had a good time.
Up last was the much anticipated Faber Drive. I have been a fan of Faber Drive ever since they were known as Faber and were the no-name opening act for Hedley back in 2005. Though there were ups and downs, and multiple changes with some of their band members, in the end it was well worth it. Original members, lead singer Dave Faber and bassist Jeremy Liddle, are now flanked by newcomers, guitarist Jordan Pritchett as well as the drummer Andrew Stricko.
It’s been a while since they’ve released new music but have relied on their loyal fans to keep the momentum going. With their recent single “G-get up and Dance”, and an expected early November release for their sophomore album, Faber Drive is regaining their touring experience and having a blast. Although performing all old favourites, minus the new single, the crowd was pumped and excited to see their favourite band performing again.
One thing sticks out about the band is Faber’s voice. It’s unique in away that you can’t name another singer out there that have his distinct sound. With backup vocals of Liddle and Pritchett, they always manage to harmonize and produce something wonderful.
The one thing I liked about this show and the others I’ve been to this year with Faber Drive is the fact that I know all the words. It’s always a good sign when you can hear the audience sing along and when they stop singing, the audience continues. It gives me chills knowing so many people love them enough to know each and every single lyric to every song they have. I was pleasantly surprised when all the members except Faber left the stage to sing the original acoustic version of “Tongue Tied” called “It Ends”. The rawness of his voice and the electric guitar combined made it to be a great song. It definitely was one of my favourite moments of the night.
With the new song being released, and the album coming up, I am looking forward to see what they have in store for the future. They have gotten some bad reviews of the new song saying they’re becoming too main stream, but I believe they have a few tricks up their sleeves that will have old and new fans a like coming and rocking out once again.
For more information on Faber Drive: www.myspace.com/faberdrive
For more information on Shiloh: www.myspace.com/shilohofficial
For more information on The Latency: www.myspace.com/thelatency
Posted By: Taryn McElheran
(Originally posted on www.sugarcainentertainment.com in Sept of 09)
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