Noah and the Whale at the Pheonix

WBrit indie folk band Noah and the Whale played at the Pheonix Concert Theatre last night, showcasing their 2011 album Last Night on Earth.

The Pheonix is more or less in Cabbagetown and a surprising location for a venue as it seems to be in the bottom of an apartment building, surrounded by apartment buildings. Inside the Pheonix is good, not too big, not to small and with lots of bars. I haven't been to an all ages concert in Toronto, and the gate that split the drinking section in the back with the underagers in the front was a bit strange but we drank a few beers pre show (and during a funny country performance by two Southern girls with big melancholic voices. never did find out what they were called. anyone know?).

Noah and the Whale took a couple of songs to really engage with the audience, but once they did, the show was fantastic. I think in large part due to the amazing lighting. It seriously made the mood. The front man, Charlie Fink, was very engaging and I quite liked his sharp little arm movements, like his arm was trying to dance and his body wouldn't quite let it. Also, his attempt at sexiness was pretty hilarious, especially as a lot of these front men take themselves a little seriously.

They could have turned up the volume on the violin as it gives them quite a distinct feel that you couldn't really hear last night. Their set list was described as a 3 course meal with 'romance' as the main and 'good times' for pudding. I wasn't sure what the appetizer was, but the crowd seemed to quite like the analogy. All their musicians were excellent, though the bassist is obviously new to long hair and could do with a fringe.

All in all a good showing and I'll be listening to more Noah and the Whale because of it. Great lyrics and fun melodies. Also, would definitely go back to the Pheonix for a concert, venue and crowd were both a-ok.