Vapor Independent Music Showcase - Show Review

By Melanie Chung
January 26, 2007
(Toronto - El Mocambo January 25)

Here at JXM, we're about delivering arts and culture in an upfront and honest way. As many of you know, we're not about kissing ass, or fudging facts for stories. We know that any statement made is just as good as its context. So when we deliver good news - it's good news.

The first charitable event by Toronto sound design, music composing, and licensing company, Vapor Music, hit the jackpot with their independent music showcase for the Hospital for Sick Children last night. Ontarion indie rapper Shad, with DJ Tee-Lo, opened the show with a strong performance and dabbled in an impromptu "accapella" piece only to be generously received by the enthusiastic crowd. Within minutes of the close of Shad's set, the El Mocambo had a steady stream of attendees which eventually filled up to a packed house.

One of the top highlights of the night was the electronic, yet organic, beats of Holy F%ck, which kept the audience's hearts pumping and everyone rocking out. Heads were bobbing and feet were tapping. One kid even looked as if he was just about ready to hit the ceiling fan (literally) as he jumped wildly and jostled around the ever growing audience. Also key to the success of Holy F%ck at last night's showcase was its placement - not at all rigid like many other emerging showcases I've attended. They were right where we were, giving off an interactive vibe - there was no holier than thou stage for these boys, but instead they were a part of us - having fun with us and rocking out just like all of us.

Holy F%ck were especially ingenious as the interim band that kept everyone entertained as the other artists set up on stage. It was a nice way to pass fifteen minutes in between sets while waiting for the next act to shake things up. A definite change from those dull, awkward moments while waiting for a switch in acts of your typical showcase. Also a great way to keep us wanting more.

Young Galaxy also kept the night going with their melodic, heartfelt and hypnotic tunes. It was a seamless change in pace from Shad and Holy F%ck, but nonetheless, just as entertaining. Though slower, it was a nice way to wind down and settle into our beers, relax, and enjoy a Thursday night away from the ridiculous frigid temperatures that we like to call winter.

Others in attendance were Broken Social Scene's Jason Collet and Andrew Whiteman with his side project, Apostle of Hustle, and Major Maker, none of which had the ability to disappoint. Canadian comedian, Sabrina Jalees, was also a fantastic addition as host, and made for clean segues between bands. She was our link in helping us get to know the music makers on stage, and stripped away the pretension of fan worship and rock stardom. Instead we were all a part of making for an enjoyable night.

Kudos to Vapor on their successful independent showcase as it was a great introduction to the talent in Canada that we're currently missing out on. The up and comers are sure to stir up some noise in the business and though the collection of acts are all rather diverse in style and nature, it was still a tight showcase and did not suffer from alienating the audience. It was without a doubt one of the strongest showcases I've seen, with enough variance in music to keep me from getting bored. Vapor rocked the El Mocambo with an amazing lineup, seamless segues and a friendly, interactive environment and I'm happy to say it was all for a great cause too.

Overall 95%