My show picks this year were mostly based on excellent recommendations from Pete Nema and Indie Music Filter, and of course a lot of myspace song sampling. Due to long lines and some torrential rain I was only able to check out 3 bands, but each of them was more impressive than the last.

Show impressions, and links to larger photos after the jump.

2008-06-12 Cancel Winter @ Supermarket

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My NXNE started out with Toronto based Cancel Winter at Supermarket on Thursday night. They put on a good live show, even if they did sound a bit more impressive recorded. Still, excellent range of songs and very enjoyable.

2008-06-12 Small Sins @ The Horseshoe Tavern

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Next I check out another Toronto band, Small Sins. I was very impressed by how many great songs they had; none of the songs sounded like fillers. Some of the faster Indie-Electro songs were very danceable.

2008-06-13 The Mohawk Lodge @ C'est What

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Lastly I saw The Mohawk Lodge from Vancouver. I was blown away by these guys! They had an amazing stage presence, which was particularly impressive considering the relatively empty C'est What basement.

Photos by Mike Rotenberg.