I was in-need of some violent rock ‘n roll. Lullabye Arkestra, the greatest lover/duo rock group in Toronto (I’m not sure if they’re the ONLY one) celebrated the release of their new record entitled Threats/Worship in fashionable style with some amazing bands to back them.

Danger Bay kicked off the night. Left-overs of Republic of Safety and Entire Cities combine to make noise and tatoos look sexy. It was their fourth show with six songs under their belts. Keeping things simple, I want to hear more. Expect more stuff soon.

BRIDES and their mathy fun were next. The first time I saw them, I had to constantly adjust what I was taking in in order to like what I was hearing. After the set was over, I realized that I had liked what I heard but also required another listen. Seeing them again last night, BRIDES seemed like they had stepped up a bit: tighter and less messy. For Math-Rock, that’s difficult to pull off. I enjoyed their set. So, I want more.

Metz…the first time I get to see them. LOUD BAND. REALLY, REALLY LOUD. I’ve been wearing really good earplugs to shows for the last few years, but these guys managed to beat right through them! Snare drum! SMACK! Aside from the loud sensation, Metz were awesome in regards to the stage presence and somewhat mathy feel. Tight songs, great performance, but yeah…the ears are gonna need a bit of a rest.

Lullabye Arkestra, our lovers and friends, reigned high and mighty on the stage with their hands raised high at the right times. Celebrating the release of their new record AND being signed to VICE Records, drummer Justin Small would leap off his kick-drum and signal the audience in an effort to get everyone dancing, as people had seemed pacificed for the majority of the night (Pfft. Thursdays). At a point, some jerk began pushing me to get into the moshing spirit. I had joined in, but when said jerk began getting a bit out of sorts with the moshing, I left the area I was standing in, knowing things would get worse. Eventually, they did. The jerk ended up shoving a girl into someone else, who in-turn went right into the brick wall. A particular member of the audience had clearly had enuogh with the jerk and subdued him to the ground. That was a highlight.

Threats/Worship is out now on VICE Records.