RARITY AT HARD LUCK BAR IN TORONTO
Hamilton, Ontario’s Rarity are promoting their second LP ‘The Longest Lonesome’, which came out back in September of this year. Around the time of their album release date, they played a short set of songs in a parking lot beside a billboard that advertised the new album. I thought it was a really cool promotion so I became more intrigued by the band.
In Toronto, the Hard Luck Bar is notorious for Emo Nites and rock band lineups; this night was no exception. Three bands played as openers, then supporting act Capstan, and finally Rarity as headliner.
First to come on stage was Nightwell. This Toronto band used to include Canadian music photographer Kurt Cuffy as the lead singer but he had been replaced since his departure. They were slower paced, melancholic, emo rock. Patrons were still drawn in quietly listening along. They ended their set with a song called “Drive”, which is their most promoted single. They had a couple patrons singing along, including a videographer.
Next was Words Like Wildfire. A relatively new emo/post-harcore/ kind of metal band, also from Toronto. They motioned for the audience to come closer and participate, but in usual Toronto style, the patrons were just relaxed, waiting for their headliner. Some songs were more on the emo side, but some had metal moments in the vocals and drumming styles. Overall they gave a post-hardcore vibe. There were some good harmonic moments with the lead singer and backing vocalist. The lead singer ran into the crowd to try even harder to get the crowd hyped up, which worked a bit as a couple drunks guys began to thrash around, breaking the ice.
The last opener was Philadelphia’s Neverkept. They were straight up pop punk, like from the dictionary. A highlight was the lead singer’s vocals which were higher pitched, strong and loud - very good. They also had a moment to mention that it was World Mental Health Day and said to reach out when you’re struggling. It was a thoughtful mention.
Supporting the night was Capstan. Last time they were in Toronto, they were a part of Silverstein’s 15th anniversary tour in 2018. They played two shows back to back at The Opera House in December. They are promoting their new album that came out in September ‘Restless Heart, Keep Running’. Among the crowd, there was an even number of fans of Capstan as there were fans of Rarity. The night could have almost been a co-headliner. Fans were holding their spots in the front in anticipation, also yelling things in support before they started. Once they started playing, the audience finally broke the ice and crowded in front of the stage to sing/yell their hearts out to the music. The band looked so appreciative of the fans who came out to the little bar to see them and go hard. Like Neverkept, they too mentioned that it was World Mental Health Day, where they expressed the same sentiment but also said something along the lines of, “Hey, we’re here for you too, you can come talk to us if need be.” Near to the end of their set, they had a song that started off slow, but with hearty lyrics that had the fans belting out and taking over for the singer at one point. The band was enamoured by this effort.
At last, it was Rarity’s time. The lighting went to pure red with their mostly red album cover as their backdrop, creating a moody atmosphere. They arrive on stage with forceful energy. “This ain’t fuckin emo night!!” one of the band members exclaimed. A guitarist waved aggressively to the audience for them to get off their butts and into the crowd. Once they started playing, the punk spirit was awakened in the crowd as they began jumping, moshing, and stage diving to the music. The lead singer was very engaged with the audience, making sure he was looking at people’s faces, but never lost track of his singing. He’d offer the mic to fans at yelling point of their songs. His vocals were really strong and he didn’t over enunciate like many pop punk bands do, which was really great in a live setting. One song started off quietly with just lyrics to sing to, and the fans religiously sung along which clearly pleased all the band members.
Rarity are a band that aren’t here to play for jokes or for a quick buck. They clearly take it seriously to create a brand and possibly a cult following. They balance on the line of emo and post-hardcore, which nestles them in their own niche. I am looking forward to see where this band goes and how they go forward with their sound. I saw Billy Talent in Hamilton two years ago and I remember lead singer Ben saying, “And I don’t know what the fuck is going on in your city, or what you’re putting in the water, but you are producing the best bands in Canada right now.” After this show, I’m starting to agree with that statement.