VFest 08: Rock Plaza Central Represent

September 7, 2008

All I can say is, thank God for music festival sidestages, because I fear that without them, bands like Rock Plaza Central would not get the stage time they rightfully deserve. If you haven't heard of them, you MUST check them out. Toronto-based, they have had considerable recognition from Pitchfork with their most recent album, Are We Not Horses, ending up on various "Best of" lists back in 2006 and 2007.

The 7-member band (but only 6 were performing today?) has an extremely well-rounded sound with violins, accordians, banjos, and at one point, even spoons(?)! But this ain't your grandpapi's folk music - it's funny, current, touching and refreshing. They haven't released a new album since Are We Not Horses, but I just got to listen to some new material live and it was stellar. Although my personal highlight was when they started into the chorus of "How Shall I To Heaven Aspire?", repeating, "I want to be a shining example." Infectious and just that: a shining example of great Canadian indie music.