No cause for Friday night regret
The Wooden Sky proves more than your average folk-rock band
By Hilary Lynd, Staff Writer
Issue date: 11/26/09 Section: Film & Music
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A project begun in 2003 by chief songwriter Gavin Gardiner, the band was originally called Friday Morning's Regret but later renamed to something more analogous with the current natural nostalgia trend. Picked up by Toronto label Black Box Records, the group re-released their first album When Lost at Sea in 2008, followed by the 2009 release of If I Don't Come Home You'll Know.
This second album was no victim of a 'sophomore slump.' Throughout, choruses with an almost evangelical tone ring deep with the listener. The opening track, "Oh My Go," has the capability to catch and tug with a dull pain at that moment of sadness in us all. Rich with moving metaphors, imagery and a sense of spirituality, Gardiner's lyrics display his true aptitude as a poet. The songwriting and production display definite growth while still remaining true to the earthiness of the first album.
After touring Ontario and Quebec alongside acts such as Cuff the Duke and Ohbijou, the Wooden Sky returned to Toronto to celebrate their new album on November 13th.
On the stage at Lee's, the gospel sounds of "Angels" capture the audience in fervor as Gardiner cries out, "Oh lord, lord, lord, I'm too young to die," telling the story of man misled into murder. The band builds up a great energy with the first few songs of their set list. This is impressive for what could have been just another folk band. The steady pace of "North Dakota" drives on the audience's attention, earning a cheer at the first line of vocals and handclaps throughout the chorus.
However, around the middle of the set things start to feel a bit same-y. They've chosen to play a number of dark sounding songs, with similar chord progressions. I'm not the only one who's a bit bored. This could easily have been avoided by throwing in one of their more upbeat sing-a-long type numbers, like "Virginia" from When Lost at Sea.
A couple songs from the end, they bring the crowd around again with "When We Were Young," whose popularity may be due to its recent status as a free release on iTunes's 'Single-of-the-week.' Finishing up before the obligatory break that precedes an encore, the signature tune "Oh My God" makes a welcome appearance. When the band returns for their encore, "The Late King Henry" lifts the audience to wave their hands and join in.
The Wooden Sky display the ability to distinguish themselves as much more than your average folk-rock band. Excellently written songs and moments of high energy promise much for the future of this band, just as long as their shows provide us with the variety that they are more than capable of offering.
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