Kennedy Cult at The Horseshoe Tavern

Opening for Brody Dalle can have many guessing what kind of music would be played. Most would most likely guess punk music would lead Dalle onto the stage. We get a band name like Kennedy Cult, we see a drum set with Kennedy’s faceless figure stamped on the bass drum, and we see a glowing American flag. We see guys in leather jackets and tight jeans come onto the stage. We expect filthy punk music to start playing, when suddenly we hear lovely melodies and rhythms. We get downbeat music, nostalgic sounds and night time driving anthems. Kennedy Cult weren’t nearly as damaging as I had imagined, but their sleek set had left a much more impressionable imprint on me.

The band looked tough as nails, yet in between songs they smiled and joked with the audience. The music would start, and each band member jammed with a lot of fun bouncing amongst one another. They proudly stated that they released 12 EP’s last year (one for each month) and you can see the passion in their body languages as they state this. They were thrilled to be playing at Canadian Music Week, and each song was full of attitude (but not the ugly kind). Their confident and fun set was highly enjoyable, even with the eerie radio clips that opened a few songs of theirs.

Despite the first impressions, nothing about Kennedy Cult was preachy or uncomfortable. Being a new listener to their music, I will have to look into their band name because their music was far more smooth and calming than initially expected. A bar was a great location for them to play, as their music filled up the atmosphere perfectly. With many drinks in hand and many waiting in the dark of night for this show, Kennedy Cult’s sultry music kept the night going in a retro and modern way. They never felt out of their element despite their clear influences on their sleeves (or shirts, even, as a Sonic Youth shirt made its way onto the stage), and they only took their place right at home and right amongst us audience members that stayed happily for their entire set.