Review: Saint Asonia @ The Phoenix Concert Hall

Saint Asonia performed their first Toronto show back on September 1st, 2015 at The Phoenix Concert Hall.  Since this marks one of the last shows I will be attending in Toronto, I was really holding out for a good one.  Then again, I never doubted the abilities of Adam Gontier (ex-Three Days Grace), Mike Mushok (Staind), Corey Lowery (ex-Stereomud, Eye Empire), and Rich Beddoe (ex-Finger Eleven).  While the assumption that all these members may not be up to the task of starting from scratch on a new rock band, the energy in the place was equally met by the members on stage.

(Photo courtesy of Saint Asonia)

I will be honest, I did a party foul.  I did not show up for the opening acts like I usually plan to do.  I did manage to get in enough time to see The Joy Arson.  The set wasn't too bad, but ultimately fell flat for my taste, and quickly moved to the bar and merch section.  Not everyone felt the same way I did though, as many people (who I assumed were friends, family, and fans) crowded around the stage to snap some pics.

Saint Asonia hit the stage around 10pm from my memory.  The group started out with their single "Better Place", before jumping into other hit tracks like "Fairy Tale", and "Happy Tragedy".  Before the set, I was contemplating how their show would go.  Knowing that this band JUST put out their debut single, I was wondering how they planned to be a headliner and have enough material to fill the set.  And of course to the pleasure of my ears, Adam and Mike grabbed a few tracks from their old band and threw them into the mix.  Three Days Grace songs "Animal I Have Become", and "I Hate Everything About You" were thrown into the set list; as well as Staind's "Mudshovel", and "For You".  Being that I have never seen Staind in concert before, this was as close as I was getting...putting a smile on my face from ear to ear.



After only hearing a few tracks, I leaned over to my girlfriend and stated "this has got to be one of the best sounding shows I've ever heard at The Phoenix".  Every instrument was crisp, clean, and distinct.  The vocals seemed muddy only for a few seconds, before getting back on track.  I had to give an applause when Saint Asonia gave recognition to their sound and light staff.  They did an exceptional job, and hopefully are with them for years of touring.

So all in all, if you have not had the chance to check out these guys, you can get some basic info from my previous Saint Asonia article.

AFGM - Saint Asonia

Hopefully this has you picking up tickets when they make another appearance in your neighbourhood.  Their live performances are high energy, tight sounding, and FUN!  I don't remember the last time I left a show and did not stop talking about it for the next hour or so.  Here's hoping there is more to come from Saint Asonia!

Music Video Round Up For September 4th, 2015

So for those who are new to AFGM, you have to know first that I am a avid fan of music videos.  While I spent many years in my youth glued to MuchMusic (and Much More Music) for the chance to see what bands could do for a visual art.  A lot of the bands I listened to were not only telling a story in their music, but could also be translated to their visual aspects.

Sure you get a bunch of rockers to jam in front of your TV screen sometimes does not seem that appealing.  But I think the reflection of your music videos reveal how you act/look/perform in a live atmosphere.  We are in a day and age where we can view live footage from practically any band on the planet, but for many years before that, we relied on music videos and VHS/DVD releases.

(Artwork by AFGM.  Original photo courtesy of Golden Age of Music Video)

So this my tribute to the forgotten art of music videos.  They haven't gone away like many friends and family claim, they just changed their medium.  So be sure to cruise through AFGM every once and awhile to discover some new artists, or to remind you of ones you might have forgotten.  Apologies to those who have slow bandwidth.  I suggest you load the page, grab a coffee/tea/beer, and come back to enjoy!

*Note - Be sure to click on each hyperlink to see more album information, release dates, etc.*

Avicii - For A Better Day:




Avicii - Pure Grinding:




Gary Clark Jr. - Grinder:




Motion City Soundtrack - It's A Pleasure To Meet You:




XXI - Wasn't Enough:




Skindred - Under Attack:




Soulfly - Archangel:




At The Gates - The Book Of Sand (The Abomination):




Atlas Genius - A Perfect End (Live):




Atlas Genius - Molecules (Live):




Gary Clark Jr. - Church (Live):




Black Stone Cherry - White Trash Millionaire (Live):




Faith No More - Sunny Side Up (Live):




Faith No More - Separation Anxiety (Live):




The Mahones - Punk Rock Saved My Life (Lyric Video):




Marty Friedman - Jasmine Cyanide (Lyric Video):




Chasing Safety - Dogs of Justice (Live):