Thornley & The Standstills
May 9, 2024
Danforth Music Hall, Toronto, ON
No shortage of Rock Energy at The Danforth Music Hall Saturday Night in Toronto. The 20th Anniversary of Grunge Rock band Thornley. With a sold-out show, patrons filled the house, with long-time fans, and some even traveled from Vancouver to attend. The Standstills – Comprised of Husband and wife duo Jonny Fox and Renne Couture, Playing psychedelic Synth Rock. In 2012, the band entered 97.7 CHTZ-FM’s Rocksearch alongside 140+ bands. Performing live, the band won with 12 unanimous Judge’s decision, which had not been done in this event, in its 26-year history.
The Standstills released a pair of indie releases in 2015 with ‘Form The Devils Porch’. In 2016, they were also awarded the Best New Group or Solo Artist: Mainstream Rock, at the Canadian Radio Music Awards. On their follow-up album in 2019, ‘Badlands’, their single ‘Wild’, was the fastest charting Top 10 single, and has been pushing the envelope on Rock music since. Now touring with Bassist Brendan Mcmillan, who rounds out their hypnotic soundscapes. The Standstills bring Rock music right in your face, literally. With the Drum Kit down stage Left, don’t let Renne’s slight stature fool you; she doesn’t ‘play like a girl’. She can command the kit, and keep up with the larger-than-life sound that the band projects. Jonny leans into Synth rock notes, instead of extended guitar solos, and almost hypnotizes’ you, as Renne and Brendan move to the background, and then before you know it, they are all dialed back up to 11.
Thornley – Formed in 2002, following the disassembly of 90’s Grunge Rock band Big Wreck, Lead Singer Ian Thornley created this new post Grunge band. In 2004 Thornely’s debut album, Come Again touring extensively throughout the US and Canada, the album was certified Gold. Also produced two No. 1 hits, ‘So Far So Good’ and ‘Come Again’. Ian was nominated for two Juno awards in the wake of this album, for ‘New Group of the Year’, and ‘New Rock album of the Year’. In 2009, the second album Tiny Pictures was released under a new representation and management, and the band found it refreshing to be free of not to having to edit themselves as artists. In 2010 Ian Thornley and Brian Doherty (Big Wreck) rekindled their friendship, while Brian filled in for a Thornley show, offering a reconnection as musicians. While embarking on a tour together, the crossover from Thornley back into Big Wreck began. With the Big Wreck line-up, Ian, Chris, Dave, Sakou, and a guest appearance by former member Paulo Neta, these gents took the stage by storm, celebrating the 20 years of Thornely. Entering with vigorous rock energy, these seasoned musicians governed The Danforth Music Hall stage. Belting out all the rock anthems as we remembered them, including a stellar cover of ‘Shout’ by Tears for Fears, taking us back to the time of the turntable.
Closing the night out with ‘The Oaf” from Big Wreck, and leaving us all wanting to come again, wanting all this and more. With a trip down memory lane, and some new music, hearing The Standstills live for the first time; we all had a good time. Excited to see the Dantforth back to its original shape, with the removal of the seats in the house, so we can get back to the intimate and interactive style of show that we love about this venue. The Danforth always puts on an awesome show, and I will be returning for some time to come. Will you come again?
