Madrid and Kidstreet on Opposite Ends of CMW Spectrum

Even though Canadian Music Week was ramping down, two bands brought their dreamy dance tracks to life Saturday evening as if the party just got started. Madrid, a Toronto duo who have been together for seven years but just released their first album, and Kidstreet, a sugary, young trio of siblings from Waterloo, ON., made sure to leave their mark on the festival.

The pairing of these bands for the YYZ Records showcase, which began at midnight at the El Mocambo, was rather daring, a contrast like night and day. Madrid, the duo of Adam Perry and Duncan Christie, offered up a slow, groovy, ambient rock set consisting of six, long songs that joined organic instrumentation (including a live drummer) with electronic sound effects. All became a haze of danceable beats and rock riffs.

Fresh from celebrating the release of their new album, 'Original Message,' last week (their sophomore album and follow up to 2004's 'Warm Waters'), the band, who haven't been all that active for some time, seemed practiced and confident throughout the performance.

Meanwhile, Kidstreet -- who recently released a short remix EP and new single, 'Song' -- completely transformed the room into a bumping dance party by kicking adrenaline into overdrive. The band demanded attention with some crazy stage antics, including keyboardist Clifford Synder getting friends to bring drinks to him as he bounced around stage. The trio played up being brothers and sister, teasing one another, giggling and generally goofing around.

Clifford and Edna's synth duets, coupled with Karl's loud, thumping percussion, brought the group's young club feel to a climax. It's evident they're quickly developing a reputation for their stellar live performances, and have already opened for other dance party enthusiasts like Rich Aucoin and Girl Talk.

Madrid was stoic, and Kidstreet were the class clowns. The latter ended their set with a song called 'F--- Yeah,' with Clifford yelling, "We are PG tonight, so you're going to have to say FU!"