Date: November 07, 2008
Venue: The Rivoli

I recall having enjoyed The Hunting Horns debut, Songs from the Iron Range, when it came out last year, but for some reason the band quickly fell off my radar shortly after. Recently they’ve popped back up for several reasons, not the least of which being this show at The Rivoli earlier in the month.

Somber, but raucous and lead by charismatic front-man Ryan Griffiths, The Hunting Horns painted a picture of a Dylan-esque cowboy traversing an apocalyptic western landscape—roots rock with just the right tinge of empassioned fervour.

The five-piece Toronto band proved a stark contrast to Priya Thomas, who followed immediately afterward. She took to the stage accompanied by nothing aside from a hollow-body electric, a kick drum and some bells on her shoe.  The two acts were appropriately matched in tone however, as Thomas also exemplified a somber intensity. Short on banter, but high on lyricism and poise, she had put together the show (and personally selected the bands involved) in celebration of the recent release of her latest album, Priya Thomas Is Blood Heron.

Here’s a clip of The Hunting Horns performing “Unlucky Dice” as filmed for Zunior.tv (check out a similar video of Priya Thomas here):

The Hunting Horns -Lili

Priya Thomas - Had I Known, I Would Have Declined