Live Report: Wolf Parade at The Button Factory

They are supported by fellow Canadians FRIGS who, as it instantly becomes apparent, have nailed down their own unique blend of riot/ garage/ grunge/ new wave rock. They give a high energy performance and Frontwoman Bria Salmena definitely brings something special to the stage with her impressive vocals - one minute deeply and emotionally singing a ballad and the next screaming and growling into the mic. Behind her the guitar and bass churn out dissonant, crunching riffs, pinned down by incessant, pounding drums. The band offer a brief break from their up tempo goth rock sound in the form of a more slower paced and atmospheric ballad style tune, however, it isn't long before they hit double time and kick it back up a notch. The song ends with a feedback some which rings into the riff of he next song - a definite highlight of the set. With a sound akin to Sonic Youth meets Lower Dens, and a propensity for almost animalistic, ritualistic chanting, these guys are doing something different. And doing it well.

There’s quite a long break (or maybe it feels like this from the anticipation) but before the main act,
we are treated to a very special introduction from Siobhan Kane of Young Hearts Run Free - an initiative helping the homeless in Ireland. We’re told that a portion of the proceeds made from the sales of merchandise tonight will go to YHRF (and if we didn’t like Wolf Parade enough already, our social conscience loving hearts are now bursting).

Finally, the band take their places and break into ‘Lazarus Online’ - what an opener. What a set of openers in fact. It’s like these guys looked inside our heads and knew what we were craving. We got, in order, ‘Modern World’, ‘You Are A Runner’ (while Spencer Krug’s face lit up with a beaming grin), and ‘Fancy Claps’. They showcase their Tom Waits and Television inspired guitars, as always, before ‘You’re Dreaming’ and a declaration that they’re going to “play some songs off our new record tonight”. We’re grand with that. Their new album has absolutely no problem standing up to their ‘classics’. They played a well rounded set, in fact - Dan told us they still enjoy playing the older stuff. Good - we enjoy hearing it.

Though the crowd predictably went crazy for offerings such as ‘Dear Sons and Daughters of Hungry Ghosts’ and ‘I’ll Believe in Anything’, their new material was well received. ‘Baby Blue’ for example with its long jam session and ‘Artificial Life’ were particular highlights.

Their blend of indie rock with notable influences from prog, alt, classic and punk can be hard to pin down, and they really do mix a lot of different aspects. At times there was hints of punk legends The Clash, and an arpeggiator on the synth at another point may seem incongruous, but these guys know how to blend them together in a way that not only works, but excels.

After closing the set on ‘I’ll Believe….’, we’re given an unbelievable encore of ‘This Heart’s on Fire’ and ‘Kissing the Beehive’ - who could have predicted that? A near 11 minute track which showcases their musicianship as well as songwriting. We’re on a high after that - not even the notable absence of their comeback single ‘Valley Boy’ can ruin the taste.

One of the greatest things about this band is the sense of camaraderie that comes off on-stage. They work together and play off each other as only great friends can. So thankful they put an end to the hiatus - we’re looking forward to seeing what they can do in the future - surely The Button Factory won’t hold all their fans next time we see them.