Photos: Dinosaur Bones at NXNE

Written by Méli // June 24, 2011 // Features, Live, Photos // No comments

The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern | Toronto, Ontario | June 18th 2011 | Full Set

NXNE is a bit difficult to navigate- there are so many venues, so many amazing artists, and only a few days to experience everything. There was one band at the top of my list- Dinosaur Bones. I heard of them through a Montreal friend who was buddies with bassist Branko Scekic, and upon discovering their music… Damn.

The band are Toronto darlings; their shows are always packed, their fans are dedicated, and they’ve shared the stage with countless other great acts. Their LP, My Divider, was released this past March, and they’ve been riding high on its success.

I made my way to the Horseshoe Tavern- those who know Toronto, know that the Horseshoe is an important part of the city; all great Canadian acts have performed there at least once. The Horseshoe is packed to the brim, and the NXNE buzz is palpable, but with only a few elbows to the face I manage to sneak my way up front, and then it begins. The venue is hot, and the humidity practically unbearable, but the show starts and I don’t even care that some tall dude’s sweaty armpit is on me…

Dinosaur Bones have a solid stage show; there is an energy between the band and the audience that draws you in. The set is dark and moody, lending a weight to the- at times- dark and mellow songs. One thing that I was particularly pleased to see was the intense interaction between band members; drummer Lucas Fredette and keyboardist Dave Wickland shared a few looks that I can only describe as being looks of assured accomplishment. Guitarist Josh Byrne, Scekic and lead singer/guitarist Ben Fox are playful in their expressions and seem to be positively blissed out. The overall experience is a good, heavy show, where the bass resonates in your bones, and the vocals are nice, crisp, and- dare I say it- sound better live than on the album.

Highlights of the show include an incredible rendition of their song Birthright and Ice Hotels, which inspired many goosebumps.

Dinosaur Bones – Ice Hotels

I couldn’t find an updated list of upcoming concerts beyond July 9th’s Edgefest in Toronto, but if you have the opportunity to see them, jump on it! They were sincerely one of the highlights of my NXNE experience.