Admittedly we’re already well into Wavelength 15, with events taking place across the city of Toronto. From the pop-up series at Huntclub to panels and workshops covering everything from Toronto’s development as a music city to the Wavelength visual aesthetic (AKA the gorgeous projections that serve as a backdrop to the music by Steve Lindsey), there’s been plenty to get you prepared for the actual festival – taking place February 13-15, respectively.
This year, the usually stellar fest has somehow outdone itself with a lineup of bands sure to get you there early and have you staying out late. Thankfully your 9-5 job won’t suffer either – the Monday is Family Day, so you can stay home and rest your weary, music-filled head. Smart move, Wavelength.
Friday, February 13 @ Sneaky Dee’s
The announcement of this show brought a huge smile to my face because it came with the news that Toronto’s controller.controller would be reuniting for WL15. The band was popular in the mid-2000’s thanks to their dance-punk offerings. They released two albums and then disbanded in 2008, leading me to count down the days to their reunion ever since. And whaddyaknow, the day is fast approaching and I can abandon my tally – Wavelength is delivering and I’m still smiling about it.
There are other reasons to get excited about the “first night” of the festival as well, with controller.controller joined on the Sneaky Dee’s bill by other notable names. These include Calgary-based punk pioneer Art Bergmann, a reunion show for the rambunctious Brides, and some tribute sets to other Toronto favourites that will probably change the way you listen to the originals. Most People cover Broken Social Scene; Delta Will plays Caribou; Hervana takes on Constantines; More or Les tackles hip hop classics from the city (does this include Drake?); Lockbox/Laura Barrett does Owen Pallett; and The Skeletones Four do Jim Guthrie.
7:30 pm / adv: $10, door: PWYC / 19+
Saturday, February 14 @ The Garrison
Because what’s more romantic than spending your Valentine’s Day at a venue called the Polish Combatants Hall? Your date can wait (or at least be impressed by) Saturday night’s Wavelength lineup, which impresses from start to finish.
Don’t be late for this one because I’m particularly excited to hear Ginla, a spacey electronic duo coming up in the local scene and wearing their Radiohead influences with pride. They’ll be followed by Timber Timbre side project Last Ex, the trip-hop blues pop of Guelph’s Del Bel, a rare live performance by The Acorn, and the fantastic dance floor friendly pop of Arts & Crafts rising star Lowell.
8:00 pm / adv: $15, door: $18 / all ages
Sunday, February 15 @ The Garrison
Sleep in on Sunday morning because things are going to go late that night with a 4 am last call and the last night of Wavelength 15. Members of The Elwins, Hooded Fang, and Biblical team up for the pysch pop of BART; go into the bedroom for Tenderness’ R&B; get spazzy and no-wave with New Fries; and we get new offerings from exceptionally talented Toronto instrumentalists Fresh Snow who will preview their upcoming EP. Bring your dancing shoes as the night is headlined by Montreal’s Mozart’s Sister. Late night sets are also in effect with performances by Toronto dark wavers Cellphone and Montreal’s Look Vibrant.
8:00 pm / adv: $12.00, door: $15.00 / 19+
*bonus* – Thursday, February 12 @ The Garrison
If you feel like getting your feet wet a day earlier, Wavelength and Red Bull Sound Select are hosting a spectacular pre-party on the Thursday night. Local favourites WISH and HSY join Massachusetts’ Speedy Ortiz on the bill. You’ll want to RSVP to pay a reduced $3 cover, grab your earplugs because it’ll be loud, and show up early – entrance is subject to capacity.
For more on Wavelength 15 and to buy full festival passes, visit: http://wavelengthtoronto.com
