Live Reviews

Bruce Peninsula Island Show Review

- by Tyler Wade

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(2008-07-25)

Photo by Samir Khan 

It was raining and hell is still hot so I thought I would hit up a church on Centre Island for some great music.  The show was headlined by Bruce Peninsula, a band full of luminaries in the independent scene.    They put on a show perfectly in line with their persona and vision.  They write songs “huddled around the flame mesmerizing, archaic recordings cobbled together and collected in the first half of the 1900's” as it says on their website.  To me, it means they are destined for greatness doing something no one else does and doing it well. 

They had done an amazing job promoting the concert, building excitement and letting us know there would be a ticket sale coming up and that they were releasing a limited edition 7 inch on the night.  The day I heard new tickets were available I sent an email and within 2 hours knew that I had two tickets, two 7inches and that it had been sold out. 

The day of the concert, I was running late.  I didn’t receive the directions about where to go so I frantically called around trying to figure it out – a ferry to the island, a 10-15 minute walk down some path.  The show was to start promptly at six and at 5:40 we were still on mainland bartering with a water taxi.  The taxi may have overcharged a little but he delivered us right to the church’s dock – we had a 10 second run to the front door – no paths, no ferries. 

We arrived to find a small church with, gorgeous hardwood throughout, high ceilings, stained glass windows illustrating bible stories, dim lighting and a slightly elevated stage at the front.  We were checked from the list, picked up our 7inches and bought some drink tickets.  We grabbed a pew and waited in anticipation for what was about to happen.

Timbre Timbre started the night with a gothic-like folk and a dabble of blues thrown in.  It was like being transported back in time as he played solo with a Lincoln-esque l beard, soft humming, deep dark song writing. I felt as if I was in my great great grandfather’s living room listening to a live concert from Mississippi on a giant old radio..  Songs like “There is a Cure,” “Home” and “Patron Saint Hunter” rang powerfully. The audience gave him enormous applause for his efforts.  “I’m happy to play first,” he said, somewhat bashfully and under his breath. “I get to enjoy the great night ahead.”

We left the building in between sets to stand among lush green grass, thick tall trees, breathe in the fresh island air and admire the small church from a distance until we were summoned back in.  The host got on the microphone and says, “Many people come up to me and tell me they’ve never heard of Muskox…well!” and with his arms outstretched to the awkward looking group of musicians, he introduced Muskox. Muskox started to play…and play they did.  They had instruments not often seen like a vibraphone (like a giant xylophone with big steel tubes) and a cajon (like a drum kit in a box) as well as an upright bass, a saxophone, a banjo and a piano.  How these instruments would go together I didn’t know, but they did and it felt like new progressive jazz fusion.  At first, my brain did not compute well – they played with syncopation and dissonance but when they all came together and made sense to my common ears they sent a rush of energy to the bobbing heads, slapping knees and toe tapping in the audience.  They played three or four movements and each one’s end was met with a roar of applause.   It was great to see a band that doesn’t play often, a band with skills unlike most other bands and one that gave you something you’re not used to hearing.  I urge you to see them live. Their websounds do not do them justice.  The question these days is asked, “Is Jazz dead?” and with a band like Muskox – it’s here to stay!  They can generate new interest. 

We again left to go outside – the night had had a great build to it with a kind of old time music and sense of comfort and familiarity.  The whole night had been carefully created and orchestrated - The perfect venue, a great line up, red wine, 7 inch records and seemingly miles away from a big city.  When the church bell tolled for the audience to come back in it completed the circle of this event and The excitement hit new heights. 

Bruce Peninsula, with a strong yet hushed lead in Neil Haverty bellowing out powerful gnarled vocals, a female choir with angelic harmonies and percussion that can drive an audience to feel the strength of a whole song had us in its grip immediately.   Songs from chain gangs and songs from books or diaries found in the basements of libraries were resurrected and given new life.  The sun had set, the windows were dark and it was as if the village supporting the church all came to see the tall tales of Bruce Peninsula and the most engaging sermon where fire and demons and angels and gods clashed in front of us.    As if possessed during their song, “Crab apple” Neil ran up and down the aisle and rid himself of his microphone.  It sounded natural and enchanting without the use of the electronics.  The 11 piece band is inspirational and uplifting with  a spiritual passion for its community and vision. 

I left that night and went back to the city.  Thank you to Bruce Peninsula for a little mental vacation from the every day.

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