Fortnight Music presents TUNS with Young Rival
To call the band TUNS a supergroup seems at odds with the spirit of their music. While comprised of three prominent figures of independent music in this country, the combination of Matt Murphy of the Flashing Lights and Super Friendz, Chris Murphy of Sloan, and Mike O’Neill of the Inbreds seems more like old friends having a good time. Named after the Technical University of Nova Scotia (all three having strong associations with Halifax), the band released their self-titled debut album this year.
Awaiting them at the eBar downtown Guelph on Sat, Nov. 5 was a packed house—a long line having formed before the doors opened.
The supporting act, Hamilton’s Young Rival, won over the room, creating an inviting and light atmosphere. Their style seems to belong to a certain musical subculture of post-Reflektor indie rock music, complete with the occasional bouncing dance beat and sequined jackets.
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After Young Rival’s set, a congenial atmosphere welcomed TUNS to the stage.
While the acoustics in a smaller venue like eBar did somewhat distort the cleaner power pop approach of TUNS, the clear and optimistic toned tracks like “Mixed Messages” and “Mind Over Matter” overcame any muddiness in sound. Their ability to play casually to the audience, as well as the comfort they have in their own songs, convey how a group of veteran performers can leave some of today’s rock enthusiast musicians seeming more like imitators.
Mike O’Neill, sporting a Pet Sounds t-shirt, filled out the sound of Matt Murphy’s characterful guitar work and Chris Murphy’s skillful take on a style of drumming unique to the original British invasion.
The notable chemistry between the three of them as musicians allowed for what appeared to be moments of uncharted improvisation. As an audience member and a listener, you can forget that seeing unplanned interactions in music is what makes it exciting to see your favourite acts live. It’s often uncommon among younger performers who are more concerned with proving something, or trying to make a career in popular music. Watching a group of artists who genuinely enjoy playing music makes for a more enjoyable concert experience.
After playing a solid set of mostly new material, they returned for an encore, closing out the show with the Flashing Lights’ 1999 song “Highschool,” to apparent crowd satisfaction.