Local Toronto hard rock outfit Starfall had their much-delayed album release party at The Velvet Underground on the weekend. Through various ups and downs the group has endured a change in lineup, name changes and other set backs. Thankfully that hasn’t prevented the group from making the strongest material as of to date. With new guitarist Ryan Morrison in tow the group has a much more distinct sound. His playing is nice and clean while remaining aggressive and in your face. Morrison and bassist Colin Holman form an intimidating duo. They took turns standing right at the foot of the stage barreling through their riffs. The band had two risers barring their logo that Morrison and Holman used to great effect. Standing tall above the crowd it was impossible not to head bang along to the thunderous train of noise from their cranked up amps.
Front man Jimere Bryan having one of the strongest voices in the local music scene put on quite the show. Wearing a bracelet that covered the back of his hand made of bones, and blood red war paint streaked under his eyes he was ready to command the stage. Bryan’s high-pitched vocals soared over the speakers piercing us all. His mixture of pain and beauty is always present, always fighting with each other to show of the two sides warring inside him. The band’s highlight of the night was playing their brand new single The Curse (also it was the first time that song was played live), which pummels the listener. The band has clearly spent a lot of time refining their work. The songs are more polished and sound better than ever. Drummer Stephen Miskie played with his usual intensity and plenty of double kick drum beats to keep your heartbeat racing a mile a minute. Miskie was also pulling double duty by ensuring the bands backing tracks were on point, with the added piano, harp and various other ethereal noises adding symphonic layers to their sound.
The band is about to embark on a Southern Ontario tour including another stop at The Velvet Underground next month. Hopefully this helps grows this bands profile, as they are one to keep your eye out for, especially if you are into the hard rock/metal scene.
