On Oct.14, the Mod Club played host to Amy Millan and Bahamas. The vibe was decidedly low-key and the venue matched perfectly: the red velvet curtains hanging around the stage and parts of the surrounding walls added to the more mature and laid back atmosphere of the event. As Afie Jurvanen, the singer and guitarist of Bahamas, stated in his evening set, this was definitely not a hectic, frantic show for skinny jeans types.
Jurvanen showed up wearing a plaid shirt only half tucked in, a thick moustache and a strange swagger in his step. Bahamas, who has also done back-up for Feist, used to be a solo act. Although he now plays with a variety of drummers, he appeared alone at this show. When parts of his songs appeared where a drum solo would usually occur, he filled in the dead air with descriptions of what would be happening, which was genuinely hilarious, and almost preferable to a performance with actual drums.
Jurvanen’s manner was goofy and a tad shy, only adding to his charm. He said some ridiculous things throughout the night and made some ridiculous faces, but the audience just laughed appreciatively. His banter, which he is known for, included an introduction where he asked the audience, “Are you hippies ready to get mellow?” When faced with a positive response, he quipped, “Thanks for the wicked claps, it’s wicked nice,” and “Do you feel me? I feel you too, now.”
Bahamas’ music was as mellifluous as his demeanour, but much sweeter and more romantic during his repertoire of love songs. Particularly endearing were a tune centered on a pregnancy scare, in which he crooned that he would love and take care of the baby no matter what, and crowd favourite “Hockey Teeth,” about the moment when you kiss your sweetie and your teeth accidentally bang together.
At times, his sound had a hint of a blues influence, although for the most part, his voice was smooth and lulling. His guitar playing was quirky but skilled, and each song was different and interesting, a feat many solo guitar players cannot achieve.
Albeit clumsy and child-like in demeanour, Bahamas provided an excellent opening act.
Amy Millan, on the other hand, is best known for being the lead singer of indie band Stars. She also went to school with Emily Haines, who became one of her bandmates in Broken Social Scene. Now on her second album, Millan is making successful solo strides as the headliner of this small, cross-Canada tour.
Simply put, Millan was spectacular. She began with an a cappella country bit, harmonizing with a member of her band, which was unexpected after the dulcet acoustics of the previous act. Many of the songs Millan performed throughout her set had a slight country twang to them, although others were simple and sweet.
Though technically going solo, Millan’s show boasted a full band, including performers on banjo, standup bass, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, trombones and more. Her fellow performers were equally talented, and provided stunning, shiver-inducing backup vocals.
Millan did have her quirky moments during the show: she spent a while describing how she found out her grandmother was sleeping with her sister’s husband, and ranted about how as she got older, her voice became higher. This last addition was certainly beneficial to her music, however, as her sweet sound was clear as a bell and well-received.
Bahamas and Amy Millan complimented each other well, and I can’t think of a venue that would have been more appropriate for them. Both bands seemed relaxed even while putting on terrific performances; both artists clearly have successful careers ahead of them and will continue to stand out from the pack.
