On Tuesday night, Akron Family, one of Toronto favorite Booklyn bands, rocked The Music Gallery with one of the most intimate performances I've seen in recent memory.

Initially I was skeptical about seeing such a wildly exhibitionist band like Akron Family at the Music Gallery, a church on John St. Fortunately I was pleasantly surprised by Akron Family's ability to adapt to this venue. The performance was almost hypnotic, full of long experimental jams and compelling crowd participation. The band even commented that the show felt like they were playing to their friends in someone's basement.

Leading off the night was the lovely Laura Barrett with her kalimba and her witty vocals. She was backed up by Richard Carnegie playing the double bass, and who had a peculiar felt tree coming out of his head (I guess it was suppose to compliment Laura's blue ribbon water fall in her hair). Props aside, this duo is wickedly clever and has one of the freshest sounds I've heard since Final Fantasy.

Middle of the pack was Deep Dark United from Toronto. Despite a broken string and a very pregnant piano player, it was a relatively flawless performance. Their sound was somewhat dark, layered, experimental and probably lots of other adjectives. It was very good, just not really what I normally listen to, so I don't have a whole lot to say about them.

All-in-all, a fantastic night, and at only $12, quite a bargain!

More photos will be posted here by the end of the week: fotograf.416