Guelph was one of the last stops on Royal Canoe’s Ontario tour this month. The band kicked off the CSA’s first noon hour concert. The six-piece Manitoban band stopped by the Brass Taps this past Friday, with local band Beach Bodies warming up the crowd as support. Being a Winnipegger myself, I was quite excited for this show.
The free show attracted a large crowd in the small space. The last time Royal Canoe graced Guelph was Hillside Festival this past summer. Playing a mix of festivals, bars, and venues this month, the band has had their fair share of crowds.
As soon as they hit the stage, the crowd flooded to the front. The set list was split between old classics and new tracks. The band mentioned the release of a new album in the new year, and highlighted that they have been working on new material for well over a year. Listening to new material live for the first time is usually a hit and miss in most cases. However, the crowd quickly warmed up to the new tracks. Their new song, “Bicycle” had a strong bass line and instantly had the crowd clapping along.
What sets this band apart from others is their unique ability to stay in sync. The double drummers, including one on an electronic drum pad, ripped out beats throughout the night. Unconventional gear is used to play the music they put out, and it was a treat to watch them do it live. If you have ever been to a show at the Brass Taps, you know the shows played there are a bit unconventional. The crowd is usually noisy, and tables are filled with people eating or enjoying a beer. However, as the night went on, the tables emptied as the crowds conglomerated towards the dance floor. The crowd was also treated to a few classic songs. As they played their single “Bathtubs,” you could feel the energy of the crowd getting higher.
Sometimes, you need to see a band live to gain appreciation for their work. This was certainly the case with Royal Canoe. Physically seeing how the six-piece band stays in sync is truly mesmerizing. Staying in sync while delivering a stage presence can be hard, but somehow, Royal Canoe nailed it.
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The Ontarion publishes independent, student-produced news, opinion, and commentary for University of Guelph students so that they can make informed decisions in their lives. To do this, The Ontarion provides learning opportunities and training in journalism, media production, leadership, board governance, and other aspects of nonprofit news.
The Ontarion is the University of Guelph’s independent student newspaper. It began in 1951 as part of the Ontario Agricultural College and then began to represent the entire University of Guelph once it amalgamated in 1964. The Ontarion incorporated in May 1970 as The Ontarion, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation registered with the province of Ontario.