Land of Talk and Hollerado Make Nice at CMW

Posted on Mar 11th 2011 7:57PM by Jessica Lewis
Comments

Chromewaves | Arts & Crafts

Canadian music groups Land of Talk (pictured) and Hollerado brought very different energies to Canadian Music Week (CMW) on Thursday night. Broadcasting to satellite radio, live from Toronto's Opera House, the two rock bands performed with enthusiasm, quick wit and precision -- Hollerado opting for the crazy stage antics and Land of Talk going for a more soothing vibe.

Hollerado, the Ottawa-based four-piece that took the viral world by storm last December with their music video for 'Americanarama,' stormed the stage with singer Menno Versteeg admitting he had a lousy day.

After rounds of jumping, hand clapping, drink-spitting -- there were some songs from last year's 'Record in a Bag' in there, too -- Hollerado made it clear they were there to have fun and rock out while still showcasing their ace musicianship. Their enthusiasm was hard to beat, especially Versteeg's, who closed out the set by taking his microphone stand and guitar into the crowd and then finishing off the final number by throwing his guitar into the air and -- thankfully -- catching it.

The audience was thrilled, but many hearts must have broken when Hollerado explained they couldn't provide their usual confetti cannons that night without incurring a $500 fine.

Then, it was time for Montreal headliners Land of Talk. Performing tracks largely off 2010's 'Cloak and Cipher,' the outfit -- which is masterminded by frontwoman Liz Powell -- captured the crowd's affection with more smoldering tunes, despite the energetic mood that had been created by Hollerado. Though sound problems were an issue, Powell, backed by a four-piece band -- a different group from when she was in last in town with experimental dynamos Suuns -- remained focused on her craft and pushed through the technical issues, only interacting with fans occasionally to respond to song requests.

Powell's guitar changes after each number took its toll on the momentum of the performance, but for the most part, the CMW audience was spellbound -- especially during thrilling, guitar-heavy songs like 'Swift Coin' and 'The Hate I Won't Commit.'

Hollerado and Land of Talk was indeed a unique pairing for a showcase, but, somehow, the night the work.

Land of Talk -- 'Troubled'