Despite the somewhat uncooperative weather (Friday’s thunderstorms), and the distance between some of the venues, I managed to catch quite a few great acts. It’s unfortunate that I didn’t make it to see most of the artists I set out to see, but on the other hand, I was amazed by great musicians whom were previously unknown to me. The great thing about this festival is that you can really walk into just about any bar in the downtown Toronto area and catch a great show.

I can also safely say that I now know what rock’n'roll is, thanks to Israeli band Monotonix, who played Sneaky Dee’s on Saturday night. They are a band who want fans to get involved, either by helping each member of the band (drummer included) crowdsurf, by handing out sticks to audience members, or by encouraging the pouring of beers over their drum kit as they play. All of this happens not on stage, but on the floor surrounded by fans and photographers. And of course, they were loud as hell.

(excellent pic of Monotonix @ Sneaky Dee’s by Antoniele.)

My NXNE Itinerary:

Thursday:

• Jason Kent @ Clinton’s
• The Brown Hornets @ Bovine Sex Club
• People In Planes, These New Puritans @ Reverb

Friday:

NXNE 2008 Muxtape

I’ve thrown together a NXNE muxtape of some of the acts I saw over the past few days. Enjoy!

1. These New Puritans – Elvis
2. The Meligrove Band – Our Love Will Make the World Go Round
3. The Meligrove Band – I’m Easy
4. People in Planes – Pretty Buildings
5. Great Lake Swimmers – Your Rocky Spine
6. Great Lake Swimmers – Various Stages
7. Laura Barrett – Robot Ponies
8. Grand Analog – Touch Your Toes
9. We Are Wolves – Fight & Kiss
10. The Death Set – Negative Thinking*
11. Monotonix – Body Language
12. Monotonix – Summers & Autumns

* due to the rain – I unfortunately couldn’t make it to this show…