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Around 2,500 people headed to Prospera Place to see Canadian treasure, post-grunge group, Our Lady Peace on Sunday night.
Though it may not have been the biggest crowd Prospera and the band have seen, it may have been one of the most passionate and diverse. From people in their mid 30’s who have been fans of the band since day one, to teens who have just learned of the band (probably from their parents), and everyone in between, attendees let go of it all, and simply let Our Lady Peace take them on a journey through the bands stunningly successful 20 year career.
Boasting a set list that featured songs from the band’s first album to never-before-heard future album releases, Our Lady Peace put on a once in a lifetime show for fans with this deliciously angsty and experimental set. I spoke with the band prior to the show to find out just what could be expected from a current Our Lady Peace concert, as well as their new album.
The arena went pitch black, with the exception of dark purple strobe lights. Attendee’s ears were filled with the eerie sound of ambient music and whisper's creating an oddly enticing yet off-putting setting. After what seemed like ages, the members finally stepped onto the stage one by one and began to play one long note after another before leading into ominous feedback. Frontman, Raine Maida took to the stage with a megaphone in hand and dressed just as everyone had hoped to see from a 90’s alternative band member, all black with hints of leather and a red flannel.
Taking time to channel his energy, Maida stared down at the floor, then to the crowd, before kicking off the start to an incredible performance with the band’s smash hit “One Man Army” off their third record.
The entire band was on point. Maida’s vocals were near record perfection, as he showcased his unique falsetto register that has become a staple of the band’s success and bassist Duncan Coutts, never slowed down, annihilating riff after riff all while giving waves and smiles to his adoring fans.
It didn’t matter what song was being played, the crowd never stood still or fell silent. During the band's hit songs “Innocent” and “Somewhere Out There” the audience belted out the lyrics, cell phones and lighters raised, swaying to the beat. At one point, Maida stood on top of the speakers and held the microphone towards the crowd as they sang the entire first verse of “4AM” while he basked in the magnificence of the intimate moment.
For the encore performance of “Starseed,” off the band’s first record Naveed, Maida shot off the stage, leaped over the boards and headed straight to the fans in the stands. He ran up the stairs stopping along the way to give some lucky attendees the opportunity to sing a note or two into the microphone before he sprang off into another direction.
Not only was Our Lady Peace’s performance impressive, but it was intimate, exciting and nostalgic. Giving fans everything they could have hoped for in a show and more, including two stellar opening bands, The Standstills and I Mother Earth.
Opening the night was the jaw-dropping, dynamic duo, The Standstills. The audience was transported into the middle of a gun fight from an old western movie with intense and suspenseful music before the two emerged from the darkness in a burst of white light. Thundering kick drum beats filled the room courtesy of Renée Couture, the super-fox of a drummer, and hard and heavy blues-inspired guitar runs from guitarist Jonny Fox. Together, this group wowed the crowd with their heart-thumping rock and roll in the short amount of time they dominated the stage.
In the matter of minutes before I, Mother Earth (IME) took to the stage, the arena filled with a few hundred more ecstatic fans, who were eagerly awaiting the triumphant return of Edwin, who hasn’t played with the band since its dismemberment in 1997.
The audience’s howls of excitement were almost deafening, as they lost their minds (and probably voices) once the six member band took to the stage. I’m not sure who had more energy, the fans or the band. Since their set started, and right until the end, IME’s spontaneity was contagious.
This group had it all, from Edwin’s stunning vocals, stellar guitar solos to an absolutely incredible percussions section, you just couldn’t help but groove. Keeping the crowd’s energy cranked up to 11 with their creative performance and setlist may have made this band the perfect group to get fans hyped up for fellow alt-rockers, Our Lady Peace.
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