Moneen Make Kids Crazy At Free Show

Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

on Sep 15 2009

Travis Persaud (CHARTattack)

09/16/2009 4:33pm

Microphone stands were knocked over and people jostled madly to get to the front of the stage as Moneen's lead singer Kenny Bridges sidled up next to guitarist Chris "The Hippy" Hughes to finish singing "The World I Want To Leave Behind," the title track off their new album — and this was only their first song of the night.

The buoyant mayhem set the tone for the quartet's entire hour-long CD release show at the Horseshoe Tavern that left everyone glistening in sweaty glee.

Before Moneen took the stage, though, there was the line to get in.

The tiny venue opened its doors for the free show and people came out in droves. Solitary Sun had already finished their set and The Junction were halfway through theirs before most fans got into the club. Aside from a few faithful up front, most of the crowd seemed more interested in continuing their conversations rather than paying attention to the not-quite-poppy-enough, not-too-rocky muddled mix of The Junction.

Circa Survive's Anthony Green had the distinction of "very special guest" on the bill and received a warm welcome as he came on stage. But the warmth quickly subsided when his mellow acoustic set induced more yawns than yelps.

It was a great idea to add another notable name to the show, but everyone was antsy for the Brampton, Ont. headliners.

Numerous mic checks later (almost all for naught, as they all went flying across the stage once Moneen began) the foursome — plus their always entertaining guitar tech/roadie/friend Harris, along with Aaron from Solitary Sun — got the place moving.

Kenny and bassist Erik Hughes were beaming the entire time as they looked out into the packed room and heard the crowd singing along, hand clapping and going absolutely bananas.

They played a handful of selections from the new album ("Believe," "The Long Count," "The Monument," "Hold That Sound"), which were well received despite the crowd's unfamiliarity with them. The songs showcased Moneen's newfound intensity Moneen — along with the inclusion of floor drums and glockenspiel — adding a previously never dreamt of level seriousness to the group.

They still mixed in a well-rounded variety of back-catalogue tracks that brought out the zany live antics the band are known for. "Start Angry... End Mad" did exactly what Bridges said it would — "melt your faces off" — and "Don't Ever Tell Locke What He Can't Do" had the full capacity crowd fist-pumping to every beat.

"The Passing Of America" ended their set and proved the band can never do any wrong as long as they play this one song. Bridges ditched his guitar, stage-dived and then hung from the 'Shoe's low ceiling pipe as he let the crowd sing along with him. Fans rushed the stage at will to sing into an empty mic and general kindhearted chaos ensued. There's really no other way for a Moneen show to finish.

Surprisingly, Moneen's side band Hunter ended the show (the band includes Erik Hughes and Bridges, Jordan "Ratbeard" Hastings from Alexisonfire, Billy Curtiss from The Abandoned Hearts Club and producer Greg Dawson, who owns BWC Studios). Why did they end the night? Well, as Erik Hughes, lead singer of the '80s influenced punk/hardcore project, said, taking on his Hunter persona, "Because (Moneen) are a bunch of fucking emo pussies."

For a late Tuesday night concert, they managed to keep a good handful of people around to watch their set. It was an absolute joy to see a band enjoy themselves as much as they did. Erik Hughes had a glow on his face as he screamed with one hand held high, and never took himself more seriously than he had too — telling the band to just "forget it and play," as he failed to remember the name of one song.

If Moneen enraptured the crowd, Hunter obliterated what was left. All in the most entertaining way possible.