The Wooden Sky

Hailing from the leafy streets of Toronto, Ontario, The Wooden Sky are a five-piece band that create a delightful brad of indie-folk-rock that is reminiscent of the likes of Arcade Fire. They have released six albums so far in their career, which are full of understated gems that are sure to please any listener. Whilst the ore band are made up of five members, when performing live they are often joined by several other musicians which helps to create a fuller, more textured sound. This includes Anissa Hart, Mika Posen and Edwin Huizinga who create a string section, adding more depth to The Wooden Sky's songs. With delicately picked acoustics and banjos, gently piping harmonicas and vocals that sound as if they have being raised by a roost of chickens in a rural farm in north Tennessee. They have rustic charm aplomb which shines through in their live performance, offering delicate folky-ballads that enchant the soul. The band clearly have chemistry, as if these songs have been crafted together with all energies expelled into them. Their music lurches from rumbling rhythms and roaring melodies to gentle, serene acoustic fragility. The band are capable of moving between these vibes with ease, making their performance dynamic and enthralling.

As is usual for The Wooden Sky, they provided a tight set with many of their best known songs. Gavin Gardiner continues to provide an attention grabbing central performer. Simon is such a spectacular multiple instrumentalist, it defies logic that he can keep track of all of the sound he provides. Andrew is a very tight rhythmic drummer whose playing ranges from subtle to powerful. John Hines, the new bassist, is solid in rhythmic support and continues to add to his song knowledge with the band. John also provided a memorable 4 song opening act from his prior career.

The Wooden Sky is always worth seeing live, especially, when Gavin decides it is time to stop traffic on Argyle street to play a couple of songs to a gathering crowd.

This is a band not to miss, they are so powerful live, that you cannot help but leave smiling!

Love this band. Great speaking with Gavin. Don't delay coming back! Remember to tell Jonas and Peter to bring their music over as well!

Unfortunately Hoxton Bar and Kitchen does not have the best sound. That could be down to the venue itself or the engineer working on the night, but having heard much better from Wooden Sky before (Slaughtered Lamb pub), it has to be one of or both.

Awesome show! Opening band, lost cousins, was great as well. The grad club is an interesting venue. But the sound was great. I need to write thirty words. That's crazy. One two three four five.

Great show, love the holiday theme. The venue was awesome too, there's not a bad seat in the place. The special guests were a nice surprise as well. I'll be back next year.

Show was great. Would love to see them in a larger venue though. Massey Hall or the Sony Centre would be sweet. Looking forward to the new album. Blah blah.