MUSICMusic Reviews

The Maine at The Phoenix – May 31, 2011

When a band has no issues with keeping their fans content without digging back into their discography vault for the songs that hooked the fans link and sinker, I think it is safe to assume that they know how to put on one hell of a live show. The Maine did just this; opening with a new song followed by a set jam-packed with up beat songs about girls, heartache and heartwarming messages, the Arizona natives effortlessly kept the crowd engaged with their two most recent full lengths. From the barricade to the back bar, it seemed every attendee appreciated the boys high-energy stage presence; especially the two lucky girls who were serenaded on the balcony by lead singer John O’ during ‘Inside of You’.

John O’ Callaghan is no stranger to a younger crowd, and relating to them was second nature as he explained the wonders of his teen years to the band’s loyal fans. The crowd showed that they could relate to the musicians on stage by singing back every word to each song of the set. The band and their fans fed off of each other’s energy all through the night, voices young and old resonating through every square inch of The Phoenix. There is no doubting that the room of teens left happy and excited about what their next few teenage years will be bringing their way. Everyone left the venue with an important take-home message commonly instilled in the bands lyrics: there are so many ‘things’ in this world distracting us from what is real…so go home and appreciate what you have, and the ones you love.

Photos by Igor Vidyashev and Review by Taylor Luftig

Having collaborated and played with other musicians such as Brighten and members of The Maine, Austin Gibbs showed us he is no stranger to the live music scene. Gibbs, his moustache, and his band were the hype band of the night, doing their friends in the co-headlining acts a favour by getting the sold-out room ready for a night of music with their catchy tunes. Touring on his first full length, Austin Gibbs and his band showed the younger crowd the raw intensity of what live-shows are all about: musical breaks that get you excited about life and remind you of why music is magic for the ears. Not only did the band deliver amazing sounds, but their chemistry with each other and the crowd seemed brought them a whole new slew of fans who were eagerly lining up to purchase Austin’s debut full length, ‘Charlie’.

Photos by Igor Vidyashev and Review by Taylor Luftig

Having collaborated and played with other musicians such as Brighten and members of The Maine, Austin Gibbs showed us he is no stranger to the live music scene. Gibbs, his moustache, and his band were the hype band of the night, doing their friends in the co-headlining acts a favour by getting the sold-out room ready for a night of music with their catchy tunes. Touring on his first full length, Austin Gibbs and his band showed the younger crowd the raw intensity of what live-shows are all about: musical breaks that get you excited about life and remind you of why music is magic for the ears. Not only did the band deliver amazing sounds, but their chemistry with each other and the crowd seemed brought them a whole new slew of fans who were eagerly lining up to purchase Austin’s debut full length, ‘Charlie’.

Photos by Igor Vidyashev and Review by Taylor Luftig

Having collaborated and played with other musicians such as Brighten and members of The Maine, Austin Gibbs showed us he is no stranger to the live music scene. Gibbs, his moustache, and his band were the hype band of the night, doing their friends in the co-headlining acts a favour by getting the sold-out room ready for a night of music with their catchy tunes. Touring on his first full length, Austin Gibbs and his band showed the younger crowd the raw intensity of what live-shows are all about: musical breaks that get you excited about life and remind you of why music is magic for the ears. Not only did the band deliver amazing sounds, but their chemistry with each other and the crowd seemed brought them a whole new slew of fans who were eagerly lining up to purchase Austin’s debut full length, ‘Charlie’.

Photos by Igor Vidyashev and Review by Taylor Luftig

Having collaborated and played with other musicians such as Brighten and members of The Maine, Austin Gibbs showed us he is no stranger to the live music scene. Gibbs, his moustache, and his band were the hype band of the night, doing their friends in the co-headlining acts a favour by getting the sold-out room ready for a night of music with their catchy tunes. Touring on his first full length, Austin Gibbs and his band showed the younger crowd the raw intensity of what live-shows are all about: musical breaks that get you excited about life and remind you of why music is magic for the ears. Not only did the band deliver amazing sounds, but their chemistry with each other and the crowd seemed brought them a whole new slew of fans who were eagerly lining up to purchase Austin’s debut full length, ‘Charlie’.

About author

Chief Editor & Founder of Live in Limbo. Host & Producer of the Capsule Podcast. Sean is an award-winning photographer and Nikon Professional Services member. His work has appeared on the CBC, Pitchfork, and MUCH. He is an Academy Delegate at the JUNOs (CARAS) and has been involved in the Toronto music scene since 2005. He is also an endurance and CrossFit athlete. You should follow him on Twitter @SeanChin.