Silver Starling hatches at Hillside
If I could pick one new band at Hillside that I think you should absolutely not miss, it would be Montreal’s Silver Starling.
They’re new-ish and intriguing. The handful of songs up on their myspace page are really, really good. I sense some Wilco and Arcade Fire influences in their music. No surprise on the latter, as member Marcus Paquin is a recording engineer who’s worked with AF in the past. And he sounds a lot like Win Butler.
Especially on “Caught in Your Glow,” where his voice is tremulous but fierce. He sounds like you sound when you hear a noise in the middle of the night and bravely call out into the dark “Who’s there!?” The song is especially sweeping and glorious. The guitar cuts through the string stuff and there are some chord changes halfway through that are really reminiscent of U2 at their most poperatic.
My favourite track is their jaunty, friendly song, “Ghosts.” It starts out tip-toeing along at a gentle whisper, then turns into a full-blown march. The rhythm of this song is so parading, I almost expect them to have a drum major on hand. Maybe I could volunteer. I always wanted to be a drum major.
Silver Starling are also on the bill at Virgin Festival in Toronto this year. Be on the lookout for their debut album on Last Gang Records. It’s set to drop September 22.
P.S. Hillside updates for you! Sunday is now SOLD OUT. There are Friday tickets still available and you MIGHT be able to figure something out last-minute on the ticket swap board. You never know! Performer schedules and shuttle bus schedules (It leaves from the Stone Store at 14 Commercial Street, which is literally right next door to me) are up on the website.
I’m getting excited! Because of the music, yes, but also… food! Hillside’s food is RIDICULOUSLY good. I don’t see Diana Downtown on the vendor list this year, which is too bad, because their pakoras and samosas and curries were delicious. Meals that Heal is back, as is Sausage Brothers. I am going to eat so much sausage, you guys! And roasted corn! And ice cream! And Feng’s Dumplings! OM NOM NOM NOM NOM!
Things you should remember: It looks like rain is being forecast for this weekend, so bring an umbrella and rain gear. Bring a blanket and a low chair. Bring your Hillside mug (or buy one from a vendor) to drink beer. Bring a refillable water bottle cuz the tanker trucks full of cold, free water are back. Bring sunscreen and a hat. Bring appropriate clothing. Bring a swimsuit if you want to take a dip in Guelph Lake. Most importantly: Bring your appetite for music, food and fun!
