Rah Rah Break Hearts (and Piñatas) at NXNE

It's one thing to name an album 'Breaking Hearts.' It's another to actually break a heart-shaped piñata during a set, pelting audience members in the face with candy. You might wonder if they named their just-released album that just so they could do such a thing during every show.

In any case, both broken hearts were very welcome from the Regina-based band Rah Rah at Toronto's NXNE festival.

That piñata heart was even labeled "Rahk and Rahl," just part of the stage dress-up with letter-shaped balloons spelling out the band name and more hearts. Oh, and there was confetti. Plus, a fan blowing bubbles into the crowd. Also a disco ball. The list goes on and on. Basically, Rah Rah threw a party.

But that's not to bypass the talent these musicians have. They all switched instruments, making it look like some sort of musical chairs or volleyball game, and most sang solos, too. It keeps the show refreshing, and let's the audience see what great skills each band member has and how they compliment each other. Most notable are the pipes on these young musicians; so modest and yet ready to belt it out at any moment. There's also the matter of playing with huge infectious smiles on their faces.

The six musicians tore through a mix of songs off 'Breaking Hearts' and their first album, 'Going Steady,' such as 'Arrows,' 'Tentacles' and the exciting title track 'Breaking Hearts,' which had drummer and vocalist Erin Passmore hitting the bass drum until violinist Kristina Hedlund could break the piñata with drum sticks. The audience waited with bated breath and, once people realized candy was flying at them, some covered faces.

Rah Rah play the Yonge and Dundas Sunrise Records store at 5PM Saturday and the El Mocambo at 11PM Sunday, so there's still time to catch the party.