The top concerts in Toronto this December bring lots of local talent home for the holidays, and sprinkle in a few other artists either introducing themselves or saying goodbye. Though disparate in styles (ranging from gentle folk to the most brain-frying metal), they all offer the right soundtrack to finally close out this excruciating year.
Here are my top concert picks for December.
Events you might want to check out:Dilly Dally (December 2 @ Lee's Palace)
It's been a banner year for these Toronto noise-grunge revivalists - debut album Sore came out in late 2015, and the band has been pummelling the road, picking up more fans and accolades ever since. It looks like this hometown gig will be the last before they enter "heavy writing mode"for the next chapter.
Long Winter (December 2 @ Polish Combatants' Hall (SPK))
Kicking off year five, Long Winter returns to make this season slightly more bearable via music, art and comedy. The series is ditching home base The Great Hall for a nomadic lifestyle, this month holing up at Polish Combatants' Hall. Check out sounds from Blonde Elvis, chastity, Twist and more.
Lizzo (December 6 @ Velvet Underground)
If, like me, you caught this effervescent indie hip hop maven opening for Sleater-Kinney last year, you already know what a thrill her music is live. If you don't (but you like fun and positivity), now's a good time to get acquainted, as she tours new EP Coconut Oil 'round North America.
E (December 7 @ Array Space)
Thalia Zedek is a bit of a cult hero of underground alt-rock, forging her influence as part of the bands Live Skull, Uzi and Come. Her gritty-sounding new project, simply called E, takes over the intimate Array Space with Montreal singer-songwriter Carodiaro and found-sound musician Knurl.
Diana (December 8 @ The Great Hall Toronto)
Now that Stranger Things has reawakened the masses' need for dreamy synths, it's perfect timing for Toronto's DIANA to return with new music. Sophomore LP Familiar Touch is now out, and the band is rounding out a mini tour with a stint here at home.
Tokyo Police Club (December 8 @ Mod Club)
More than a decade on and with a new EP in tow, indie rockers Tokyo Police Club are still so beloved by y'all that they were able to almost sell out three full nights here this month. It looks like there are still a few tickets floating around for their Mod Club residency with Shad alter-ego Your Boy Tony Braxton, but you'd better hurry.
A Tribe Called Red (December 9 @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre)
Balancing fierce cultural politics with infectious dance-party rhythm is no easy feat, but A Tribe Called Red have hit it right on the money with the recently released We Are the Halluci Nation. Check them out with Saul Williams at the Phoenix.
PUP (December 14 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
The locally bred fun-punks are back for more in honour of the oh-so-upliftingly titled The Dream is Over, closing out the year with three home shows before turning in for the holidays and heading to Europe next year.
Dillinger Escape Plan (December 16 @ The Opera House)
After almost two decades of loud insanity, freak injuries and finding creative new ways to shock and divide metalheads, the New Jersey mathcore greats are calling it quits. This could very well be your last chance to see them smash stuff live.
Holy Fuck (December 17 @ Lee's Palace)
It's rare to see this inventive noisy crew play home outside of a festival environment nowadays, but Holy Fuck have reserved this mid-December date to headline a holiday shindig at Lee's. Fellow electro weirdos New Fries and Absolutely Free are also on the bill.
Jennifer Castle (December 21 @ Horseshoe Tavern)
Days before you're scheduled to meet with relatives and have horrific arguments about politics and racism over slabs of turkey, soothe your nerves with the tranquil folk melodies of Jennifer Castle in the calming, familiar environment of the 'Shoe.
Metalian (December 31 - January 1 @ Coalition: T.O)
New Year's Eve concert options stay pretty static in Toronto every year (The Sadies at Horseshoe, Elliot Brood at Lee's), but this small Kensington club is one of the handful offering something different: a night of classic metal vibes. It seems 2016 is the year the world will end anyway, so you might as well go out with some music that reflects our dreadful demise. Happy holidays!
by Staff via blogTO
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