“We usually have an intro tape, but this is a rock ‘n’ roll venue, so let’s just get right into it,” says Chris Medhurst, the singer with Toronto’s The Commoners.
This no-frills approach suits them. Although not retro, they are a sort of throwback—the type of band that you imagine would turn up and play anywhere, plug in, and get going.
Admittedly, they do sound like The Black Crowes. So what? Why wouldn’t you want to sound like one of the greatest bands of all time?
In any case, while they might sound like the Brothers Robinson, support act Madison Galloway performs an actual Crowes track in her set.
Her version of “She Talks To Angels” will never surpass the original, but it has three things going for it: first, she sings it brilliantly; second, she sings it with passion; and lastly, as a fan (The Crowes’ “Remedy” plays as they tidy their stuff away), MV can see her singing along.
All those essential qualities—skill, passion, and a love of the craft—shine through her set.
A three-piece without a bass player, they nevertheless make a very pleasing sound, exemplified by songs like “River.” Galloway is also a born storyteller, as evidenced by “Devil In Your Eye.”
Then come a load of blokes who look like they would ride into town on a steel horse and put up their own Wanted posters.
Toronto’s The Commoners are a magnificent rock ‘n’ roll band. Utterly no-frills, they play some of the finest songs of the last five years or so for 80 minutes straight.
That includes songs like “Shake You Off” and “Who Are You,” both from their album “Restless,” released earlier this month—another slice of near perfection.
They must know how good it is, given that another of its gems, “Devil Teasing Me,” follows. But at the risk of sounding simplistic, they are simply a magnificent band.
The solo on “Body and Soul” is a mighty thing, and “Too Soon To Know You” is one of those sweat-soaked tunes that The Commoners wanted them to be (“I sweat just as much in the studio,” jokes a hot and bothered Medhurst).
And it’s not all rock ‘n’ roll good times. “Restless” goes back to the pandemic, and “See You Again” is a tribute to drummer Adam’s dad, who died—and it is one of many that benefit from the keys of Miles Evan Branagh.
Medhurst then lays his struggles with mental health on the line with “Way I Am,” which he says is about feeling like you’re never good enough, but then what they term “full steam ahead” rock. And “Gone Without Warning” makes good on that too.
It’s not all about the new album either, as “Fill My Cup” and “Find A Better Way” prove.
The Commoners have always been magnificent, frankly.
They’re back for an encore of “Feelin’ Alright” (they’d also done a really interesting take on The Beatles’ “Yer Blues” earlier).
It would be impossible, surely, not to feel alright when you’re watching The Commoners. And this country appears to have understood this more than most.
Medhurst gets emotional when he says how much it means to them to be 3000 miles away and see people singing their songs.
That’s great, of course, but it’s mutual. The Commoners, quite simply, are as good as rock n roll gets.
Photos: Haluk Gurer.
