The Varsity

Noah and the Whale returned to Toronto on November 8 for the second stop of their current tour. The show was opened by Nikki Lane, a country singer whose looks have been compared to Zooey Deschanel (hipsters of the world, swoon away). Lane has a surprising Southern accent and plenty of charm, but her sound is still developing and her set was repetitive and lacklustre.

Noah and the Whale did not disappoint with their energy-infused show. Lead singer Charlie Fink explained to the crowd that their set-list is divided into three “courses”: the starter (to get the audience moving), the romantic section, and finally, the “pudding,” a sweet, satisfying finale. The concert benefited from Fink’s delightful, disarming dance moves and the band’s overall allure and liveliness, with highlights including “Life is Life” and “Love of an Orchestra.” The night ended with a notable, soul-stirring performance of “The First Days of Spring.” Just as their albums relay narratives, so too did their show craft a certain, heartening story of its own.