REVOLVER with PAINT at the Drake Underground, Thursday, March 3. Rating: NNN
This was French pop-rock group Revolver‘s first time playing Toronto, part of the band’s first North American tour, but it came across as an early industry showcase at the Drake. Too bad, given the band’s potential.
Four and a half years ago, the guys formed as a ‘pop de chambre’ trio before adding a drummer to their sound. At Thursday’s show they showed both sides, incorporating an acoustic segment into their set. When the band played jerky and jangly French radio hit Get Around Town the young ladies in the front seemed eager to dance. With two singer/guitarists and good use of backup vocals, Revolver’s charm lies in filtering British invasion influences through a youthful French lens. Jérémie Arcache’s versatile use of the cello – at times like a trebly bass, at times orchestral – was a subtle highlight of the show.
Local openers Paint made an effort to welcome Revolver to town, but were unnecessarily loud and hustly. A roadie/guitar tech for a Thursday evening show at the Drake? Come on.
