If you find yourself around Victoria Park, you may come across The Boathouse, a rustic yet modern space with craft brew abound and subtle lighting that dances across the river. The Boathouse also doubles as a place to watch live music.
On May 6, a band by the name of Run Coyote was the headlining act.
I had to hit the GRT at about 7pm to make sure I was there on time for the doors to open.
Making a quick stop to the bank I procured the money that I would later learn was not needed for the cover charge, as my photographer and I, were graciously on the guest list. We took our seats waiting for the show to begin, taking in the atmosphere as the first performer took to the stage to do a sound check.
Accompanied by the sounds of a Roland synth, drum pad and ukulele, a girl by the name of Jojo Worthington began her performance.
During each of the performances that night I made certain that I noted everything of interest, in the case of Jojo my first note for her is as follows: “A grand cosmic journey through sound.” And I certainly still stand behind this statement.
The style of music can best be described as new age, infusing fresh beats with vocals, all being put through a loop pedal. Her performance ended with a cover of a Bjork song.
After Jojo’s performance, a band from Ottawa took to the stage. The band, called Shadowhand, could be best described as rock in its most sweet and soulful state, yet they still managed to emit an essence of power and presence.
Its the kind of music that makes nights out special, nights that one can remember long after.
Their style can best be described as rock ‘n’ roll cobinded with old western film scores.
Finally, after Shadowhand had finished, fresh off the dusty trail from Toronto, Run Coyote took to the stage.
Run Coyote, formed in Toronto by brothers Sam and Jake Allen, with Amanda Grant on bass and Jeremy Ramos-Foley on drums.
Debuting their first album back in 2014 titled Youth Haunts, with two singles preceding simply titled “Rain On” and “Stranger (In my own home)”, Run coyote have made a name for themselves with their own unique brand of rock.
Their style can best be described as rock ‘n’ roll combined with old western film scores.
Clint Eastwood’s Fistful of Dollars would be the first movie to come to mind when hearing their music and truly they live up to the style and attitude of Eastwood’s character in those films. In their own words, located within the bio section of their official website:
“The band soundtracks a mix of late nights on city streets and Western landscapes through twangy guitars and 60’s arrangements and rhythms.”
Perhaps the style of music can — for the sake of simplicity — be labeled “outlaw rock”.
Whatever the style of music may be called, the band itself and the music that they play is harmonious and wonderful, cold and dark at times, while also being deep and atmospheric at other times.
When they performed at The Boathouse, roses were placed around the microphone stand, for no reason other than to enhance the style and flare of the performance.
The band performed many songs from their album, as well as new songs yet to be released, “Silver Pistol,” being a stand out.
For one song, the lead singer Sam Allen took out a flashlight to simulate the firing of a pistol — overall a fun and imaginative performance with good music and fantastic atmosphere.
I left wondering what the future holds in store for Run Coyote, as their performance and composition can hang with the best of the best. I, for one, hope to see more albums and more success from Run Coyote in the near future.