Holy Ghost Toronto Hoxton

Holy Ghost! does a little disco at The Hoxton

On Tuesday night, Holy Ghost! kicked off November in style with their disco-infused synthpop performance at The Hoxton. Holy Ghost! is an NYC duo comprised of Alex Frankel and Nicholas Millhiser, who were accompanied last night by enough musicians to form a much-welcomed six-piece band (so much better than watching a dude plug buttons on a macbook all night).

The band took to the stage playing the title track from their 2010 EP Static On The Wire. Amongst the bongos, tight snares, and catchy synth progressions was a near two-minute buildup, whose culmination ignited the enthusiastic crowd.

The set-list was expected but enjoyable, highlighted by favourites "Wait and See," "Slow Motion," and their widely successful first single "Hold On," which Resident Advisor scored a four out of five.

Holy Ghost Toronto Hoxton

Holy Ghost! has something of an interesting development story. Following up on their 2007 hit single "Hold On" four years later with their self-titled debut album, critics are divided, some comparing the duo to bands like Chromeo and Cut Copy, and others who highlight their musical limitations and lack of compositional breadth. For those new to Holy Ghost!, it's probably best to formulate your own opinion.

Last night's event was not one without hiccups. Thankfully none, however, were attributable to the performers, but to the venue itself (which pains me to say as it's one of my preferred party locations in Toronto). A lesson learned in club operations last night: stage lighting should shine on the band, and not in the crowd's eyes.

Holy Ghost Toronto Hoxton

With the set-list complete, the crowd's cheers ordered an encore, to which Holy Ghost! delivered a hearty cover of Friendly Fires' "On Board." Hiccups aside, it was a fantastic way to spend a Tuesday night, and rewarding to experience Holy Ghost!'s first headline show in Toronto.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Music

Third incident brings police to Drake's Toronto mansion yet again

Police respond to second incident at Drake's Toronto mansion in two days

Ticketmaster crashes for Canadians during Live Nation $25 concert sale

Drake's security guard shot in front of Toronto mansion amid escalating rap beef

Toronto police investigating shooting near Drake's mansion

Here are all the Toronto mentions and strays so far in the Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud

Toronto newspaper blasted for using very wrong photo in Kendrick Lamar story

Toronto Chinese restaurant showered with 5-star reviews after Kendrick Lamar mention