LIVE MUSIC: HSY & Vallens at The Monarch Tavern, Toronto

Last night we celebrated Halloween right in the 6ix with two of our favourite local acts. Joined by openers Protruders and DRI HIEV, shoegaze act Vallens and sludge punk bad-asses HSY brought all the welcomely dark vibes to the Monarch Tavern in Toronto. Vallens, slayed us with their set as they played tracks off their recently released debut album Consent. The project, fronted by the powerful and charismatic Robyn Phillips, swept us away and had us melting into their world right away. We were also treated to a PJ Harvey cover, as Vallens covered PJ Harvey earlier that weekend for the annual Death to T.O. Halloween cover showMuch loved Toronto punks HSY closed the night with the kind of set that had everyone shaking (but in a good way). With face paint and cut out third eyes adorning various band members’ faces, the group stirred up a mosh pit like a witch with a cauldron making a potion. They brought the evening to a crescendo bringing some special guests on stage; Bile Sister + a saxophonist. Needless to say, our faces were melted. Consent, the debut album by Vallens is out now on Hand Drawn Dracula. Grab a copy here. You should also grab HSY’s fantastic debut BASK while you’re at it, download a copy here.