Usually when a band claims the venue they're playing in is their favourite venue in the country, you take it with a grain of salt. It's a nice thing to say, but you know most of the time it's just pandering; especially if it's not a hometown band. But for some reason, when Royal Canoe claims the Imperial is their favourite, I believe them. They've played the venue a couple times in the last few years, either co-headlining or opening for someone, but this time not only were they the sole headliner, but they managed to sell out the venue.

When I got there, Close Talker was nearly done their opening set. The Saskatoon trio filled the room with their melodic and lofty indie-rock, and wrapped up their set with atmospheric "Burnstick".

The stage was then set for Royal Canoe, in front of a large backdrop of abstract shapes, with a few orbs on stage among their instruments. Turns out -- as we found out part way through the set -- the orbs were not just for decoration, but each time a band member would tap or hit one, they would light up and play one of a few sampled sounds that the band controlled. It was a really cool added audio/visual element to the show, especially paired with the moody lighting throughout the set.
As for the music, the Winnipeg six-piece played from their latest two albums, focusing on the just-released Something Got Lost Between Here and the Orbit. They started off with the playful and funky album opener "Somersault" followed by older favourite, "Hold On To The Metal", some members of the audience clapping along before even being prompted. Other highlights included "Holidays" which made great use of the light up orbs, the slow grooving "Love You Like That", and "Button Fumbla"with its intense ending.
They drew the main set to a close with the staggering and bombastic "Bathtubs" followed by perhaps my favourite off the new album so far, "Living a Lie", starting with an R&B feel before building to a brain melting wall of sound finale.
But of course, they were out for one more, as Matt Peters put his distortion effect to good use to create the "demon voice" for another crowd favourite, "Nightcrawlin'" to cap off the show.

Royal Canoe has always been one of my favourite live bands to watch, seamlessly putting together a unique blend of influences for an unmatched sound, and they appeared to be on top of their game last night. Everything they did just seemed absolutely effortless.
Part way through the set, during a quiet moment between songs, a voice from the crowd cried out "How are you not the biggest band in Canada?!". And you know what, Random Guy? I couldn't agree more.

setlist
Somersault
Hold On To The Metal
Bicycle
Holidays
I Am Collapsing So Slowly
Exodus Of The Year
Walk Out On The Water
Button Fumbla
Love You Like That
Checkmate
How Long Is Your Life
Bathtubs
Living A Lie
(encore)
Nightcrawlin'