Toronto’s The Wooden Sky began their tour at home with a show at Lee’s Palace, asking local friends’ Brian Borcherdt & Hooded Fang to open for them. All bands could successfully pull in fairly large draws in Toronto. Having all three together made for a big, big night.

Unfortnuately, I missed Brian Borcherdt’s set and caught about four songs worth of Hooded Fang. Having seen Hooded Fang before, it’s safe to say that they’re only getting better. Such a fun, “cute” band to watch. Keeping it short, I expect big things from them sooner (rather than later).

The Wooden Sky took the stage shortly after midnight, surrounded by a setting of trees and wood that were fashioned out of books, ripped out pages and old magazines (set created by the one and only Tim Oakley). I can remember way back in 2002 when the band were a Ryerson University project called Friday Morning’s Regret. They’d play the El Mocambo on a weeknight to friends and lead-singer Gavin Gardiner would use the opportunity to whail on his acoustic guitar, down on his knees going mad to end a set. It’s good to see them spouting and showing the same emotions today. Soft and heavy tunes, The Wooden Sky had many in their grasp last night. I could hear quite a few people singing along to the bands songs. I love to see bands grow.

Other reviews from this show include Chromewaves, Narratives and BlogTO .