Jason Collett, Zeus and Bahamas Bring Rock Revue to New York

"I hope we don't offend anyone, but we're going to use four electric guitars," declared Bahamas singer Afie Jurvanen on Friday at Mercury Lounge. The songwriter shared a packed stage with Jason Collett and Zeus as part of their joint North American Bonfire Ball Revue tour. The triple bill drew out Canada's indie rock elite, including Feist, who watched as the musicians took turns playing each other's songs.

Throughout the evening, Collett acted as the elder statesmen, often leading clap-alongs and urging the crowd to move closer to the bands. "It feels like a f--king church," he bemoaned of the empty space in front of the stage. "I've seen rock 'n' roll dwindle because of fire codes." The Broken Social Scene veteran played 'Lake Superior' and back-to-back performances of 'Love Is A Dirty Word' and 'Love Is A Chain,' while admitting to the crowd he might have conflicting feelings about the emotion.

Although Zeus got their start as Jason's backing band, they easily distinguished themselves with their own brand of stellar retro-pop melodies. The members of the Toronto collective comfortably traded instruments and singing duties during the night and unveiled songs off their debut EP, 'Say Us,' as well as a rollicking metal cover of Genesis' 'That's All.' Meanwhile, Jurvanen also took a turn at the mic to deliver his own tracks ('I Got You Babe') and stage banter.

Unlike Collett's quoted apprehension about love, Zeus made their affection clear to the crowd, which was warmly reciprocated. "I lust New York," they declared, before launching into a commanding rendition of 'Heavy on Me.'

Jason Collett on AOL Music