Saturday night at NXNE in Toronto boasted many great line ups including Hand Drawn Dracula’s showcase featuring Tangiers, Fucked Up at Horseshoe Tavern, and Smif N’ Wessun at The Drake, but we opted for a little UK dance party at Chad Valley’s early BLK Box set before they played a second time later at Side Door.
Though the crowd was super stiff at such an under intoxicated hour, after a few tracks including “Tell All Your” and the slow jam “Fall 4 You” people seemed to loosen up, and finally moved just a little. Even Hugo Manuel commented on the crowd describing them as “quiet and polite” and ultimately admitting he approved.
The emotion laden tracks had a nouveau vintage feel that just made us want to dance like we do when we hear Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up”, and come to think of it, Manuel kind of looks a bit like him. The vocal lines are unmistakably sharp and instantly catchy with just a hint of auto tune while also managing synth, electronic drums, and keys.
We’ll have to forgive him for not playing our favourite track from the Young Hunger EP “I Owe You This,” and catch him next time he’s in town. Take a look at our photos below.
