Date: April 26, 2008
Venue: Lee’s Palace

Between the TTC strike (Toronto’s publc transit system, for those of you not in the area) and sheer laziness on my part, I almost didn’t go see Miracle Fortress and Born Ruffians on the weekend. Thankfully I came to my senses by early Saturday evening and hopped my lethargic butt on the ol’ bicycle. A quick bit of cross-town pedaling later and I arrived just in time for Miracle Fortress to set up and get going.

Upon arrival I was slightly puzzled to find that there weren’t nearly as many people there that a sold out show would suggest (a by-product of the transit strike, perhaps?). That’s not to say the place was empty, but seeing as how much press Miracle Fortress received last year for their excellent debut album, the Polaris Prize-nominated Five Roses, I was expecting more of a crowd. Turns out I was in the minority by assuming that the Montreal band would hold more of a draw than the Born Ruffians. That became very clear when Lee’s Palace quickly filled to the brim with rambunctious youngsters just in time for the much-hyped Toronto band.

As for the reason I’d bought the tickets in the first place, Miracle Fortress, they were all smiles throughout the fairly short set. Sure, the vocals were a bit muddy and the stage lights were set to supernova (two issues that were corrected during the Born Ruffians’ set), but it was every bit worth the $10 price of admission (and the cycle across town) to hear the band deliver the lush and colourful melodies so prevalent on Five Roses.

Accenting their performance with interesting percussion via the likes of woodblocks and small cymbals, not to mention graciously accepting a pitcher of water from audience members in the front row (who History Jen tells me were the members of Ruby Coast), Miracle Fortress seemed to be enjoying every note they played. In fact, amicable stage presence seemed to be the theme of the evening, as both bands repeatedly thanked the others on the bill (there were 3—I missed Slim Twig’s early set).

Miracle Fortress - Have You Seen in Your Dreams

Miracle Fortress - Next Train

To be honest, I wasn’t really holding my breath for Born Ruffians to get on stage, as their debut full-length, Red Yellow Blue, only had a handful of tracks that really got my attention. That said, a couple songs in to the young band’s set and I too was believing the hype. The sheer energy, chemistry and ability exhibited by these guys on stage Saturday night was both infectious and impressive.

Meeting standouts from Red Yellow Blue with raucous enthusiasm, the audience reciprocated the ferocious intensity with which the band delivered their entire set. The Born Ruffians have a clear choke-hold on upbeat and addictive indie pop, and I’ve got to admit that their tendency to include fierce gang vocals had me shouting along. What can I say? In this humble concert-goer’s opinion the Born Ruffians just plain ol’ rocked the house.

All told, I was able to take in a must-see band on my hit list, gain a newfound appreciation for an outfit heralded by hip city kids AND get some much-needed exercise to boot!

Born Ruffians - I Need a Life

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Hear more from both bands at each of their Myspace pages (here and here) or buy digital copies of both Five Roses and Red, Yellow Blue from Zunior.com.