We Are Wolves Go Wild With Tribal Chanting in Toronto -- NXNE

If standing up helps with voice projection then the same principle must apply to drummers if last night's We Are Wolves set at NXNE is any indication. Stickhandler Antonin Marquis took to his unconventional and signature upright position to bash out the opening beats of Wednesday night's closing set at Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern, as crowd members tried to figure out why their insides were shaking so much.

The Montreal rockers left little time for chit-chat as they ploughed through yet another raucous set. Singer Alexander Ortiz only broke periodically to remind the crowd -- in a mix of English, French and Spanish -- just how happy he was to be there. Their bass-heavy and synthesized minimalist rock stylings prefer rhythm over melody, which lent itself well to the tribal chanting part of the set.

As Ortiz karate chopped his chest and channelled his inner woodland creature with yelps and screeches, it seemed as though a communal cleansing ritual could have broken out at any moment. Unfortunately, the restorative properties of a good back-to-nature forest romp don't transfer that well onto the stage, especially not in front of a slowly dwindling crowd who seemed more concerned with filming it all on their iPhones.

Still, the crowd that remained cheered for more as Ortiz introduced their final number, which was abruptly called off before it could begin with the ultimate anti-climactic show-stopping bummer, "Oh, it seems that was our last song."

Watch We Are Wolves' Video for 'Blue'
See Spinner's Complete Coverage of NXNE 2011
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