Wavves with Post Animal at Lees Palace

Photographs by Joshua Chia

San Diego Surf-Rock band Wavves took the stage around 10:20pm this past Thursday, at Lee’s Palace. The prior times the band has played in Toronto were at larger venue’s such as The Opera House, and the Danforth Music Hall.

Not only was this show special because it was one of the smallest venues they have played in the city over the past couple years but, also because this was the evening that their new LP “You’re Welcome” was set to release, which you can now listen to on Spotify, Itunes, etc.

In all honestly, this is probably my favourite Wavves set that I’ve rocked out too. The guys couldn’t have been more stoked to be there, “What’s up Hamilton?” vocalist Nathan Williams said sarcastically to the crowd. Williams explained how their new LP was to be released that evening and in celebration, they were going to play a bunch of old songs- and was it ever a party. Don’t get me wrong- I think everyone enjoys hearing new tracks but when a band goes on tour before an album comes out and strictly plays new songs, it’s a bit more difficult for it to be as enjoyable for the crowd because nobody can really sing along. They played singles that they’ve released for the new album such as “Idiot”, “Daisy”, and “Million Enemies” – which were all crowd hits.

Personally I had a strong appreciation for the performance of “No Life for Me” as this is off of the collaborated album with Cloud Nothings. I love this album – its fucking awesome- but I’ve never seen any of the tracks live and to finally see one in the flesh was sick. The performance was energy filled, appreciated by the crowd, and riffs were on point.

My only issue with the show was that the pit was a little bit out of control to the point where it was un-enjoyable for some fans. Some fans couldn’t just go in the pit and have a normal mosh, because people were being ridiculous. I think when a band is on stage, they can see this- and I’ve witnessed bands tell the crowd to chill out, and it would’ve been nice if the band could have acknowledged that.

Overall though the setlist and performance was by far the best I’ve seen of theirs including “King of the Beach”, “Demon to Lean On”, “Nine is God”, “Post Acid”, “Sail to the Sun” and so much more. See you next time guys!