Drain, Terror, Scowl
May 22, 2024
Danforth Music Hall, Toronto, ON
Canadian Beats Passport
Drain has become one of the most talked about bands in the hardcore scene. Their nautical themes and imagery have given hardcore a shot of fun that it so desperately needed. Drain have embarked on a massive North American tour. The opening acts vary from region to region but each leg of the tour features some of the hottest hardcore bands. On Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024, this package made a stop at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto with Terror, Scowl, End It, and Trail of Lies.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to catch End It and Trail of Lies. Having been a fan of both bands, I highly recommend you check them out. Both of these groups have been making waves in the scene and deserve all the love and support they can get.
Scowl has been a staple in the contemporary hardcore scene for the last couple of years. Their music is ripe with attitude and energy, but more importantly, their music is fun. Scowl indulges more so in the punk side of hardcore. Their most recent singles have teased a possible transition into a more alternative rock sound but the majority of their music is straight-up hardcore. This set list consisted of these newer alt-rock singles as well as some favourites from their 2021 album How Flowers Grow. Scowl’s performance is so energetic. All the band members perform with a fluid grace that is wickedly entertaining to witness. Particularly, their front person Kat Moss is an excellent vocalist and a captivating performer. Kat’s command of a crowd and a microphone really elevates the already awesome instrumentals. I have watched Scowl perform a small handful of times and I’m always thoroughly invested.
Terror is an absolute staple in the institution of hardcore. They have created the template of genre that is still being played today. Seeing them live is a gentle reminder of their legendary status. Whenever you are at a Terror show, prepare for absolute chaos. The antics of their vocalist Scott Vogel exude the inclusive and communal spirit of the hardcore scene. Scott will often encourage concertgoers to make the security staff work harder by crowd surfing, espousing that he hates barriers at shows and throwing the microphone into the audience so the people can sing along to their favourite tunes. Their setlist is chalked full of their fan favourites. Having seen them play many times before, I knew exactly what to expect and yet I am so entertained every time. I can’t help but nod along to their infectious riffs and catchy rhythms. Terror is one of the hardest working bands in the scene. They are constantly on tour and always playing wicked shows. If you know, you know. Terror is awesome, but you already knew that.
Drain hit the stage like a runaway freight train. Varnishing a banner that says “Drain is not responsible for what you do in the next 30 minutes” says it all. The crowd went absolutely wild during their set. The energy from their vocalist Sammy Ciaramitaro has made a massive impact within the genre. Spreading positive messages of inclusivity, community and of course, throwing the microphone into the crowd. Sammy will hop onto the barrier and sing into the faces of the audience members. He does an excellent job of making every concertgoer feel loved and valued. The setlist consisted of a mix from their two latest albums California Cursed and LIVING PROOF. These songs translate excellently into the live setting. The riffs are jam-packed with hooks, the rhythms are catchy and the vocals are unhinged. There is a sense of fun to the music of Drain. Rather than indulging into the negative aspects of the human condition, Drain makes feel-good tunes that have a positive message of growth and self-improvement. Simply put, Drain is my favourite hardcore band in recent times. I can not recommend them enough. They have a reputation for wild shows and this concert was living proof.
All hardcore fans should make a point of seeing the Good Good Tour. Every band absolutely rips and the vibes are immaculate. It’s a showcase of the best in contemporary hardcore and creates a welcoming and loving environment that’s a must-see. If you are able, catch this tour in your town and love every minute.