Photography Reviews

Concert Review: NOAHFINNCE at The Velvet Underground in Toronto, ON on 4/11/23

By Taylor Cameron / April 18, 2023

On a warm Tuesday evening, excited fans lined up and down Queen St. outside of The Velvet Underground for NoahFinnce’s first ever Canadian show. A veracity of pride flags were being held proudly throughout the lineup, as well as a Canadian flag that made its way through the crowd, fans signing it in order to give Noah a warm welcome for his first time in the country. As the doors opened at 7:30, fans enthusiastically made their way to the front of the stage, wanting to get the perfect spot for the show to come. 

Kicking off the set were Chicago based pop-punk band, Action Adventure. Although many people within the audience hadn’t heard of them previously, their high energy and stage presence had the crowd jumping and cheering along within seconds. “This next one is a cover, sing along if you know it” lead singer Blake Evaristo said before the band ripped into “Meet Me At Our Spot” by THE ANXIETY, the crowd cheering loudly.

“Thank you so much for coming out early and checking out our band. Our friends and family told us when we got offered this tour that we didn’t really fit the bill, however we’ve always felt like we never fit any bill. Our skin was always a little more brown than everyone else’s and we looked different. But looking out into the crowd tonight, everyone looks different and that’s amazing. This one’s for you” Evaristo stated, the band immediately jumping into their original song Barricade. A song written about being a BIPOC band and the barriers they’ve faced because of it. Closing out their set with their heaviest song, Carolina Reaper, everyone within the crowd went wild, fully approving of not only the song, but the band’s whole set. Action Adventure started off the night perfectly, raising the energy in the room tremendously. 

Up next were a rock band hailing from South London, Bears in Trees. Their unique sound and captivating stage presence made them stand out in the best way, everyone loving the band from  the first chords played. Not wanting to confine themselves within one label, Bears in Trees refer to themselves as a dirtbag boyband. Nick Peters (guitar) describes the members as if BoPeep from Toy Story and the babydoll head with electronic spider legs toy that Sid made had babies, making the entire room laugh.

 Their quirky personalities shone through in the way they performed, making their set even more enjoyable to watch. Bassist Iain Gillespie stepped up to their microphone, thanking everyone for coming out to the show. “Us and Action Adventure wouldn’t be able to do what we love without you and we appreciate it so much. You’re all misfits and I’m one of you. I love you!” Cheer being heard loudly throughout the room, everyone feeling completely accepted for who they are. Ending on a high note, they finished off their set with the fan favorite Fresh Concrete. Cheering loudly as the band stepped off the stage, the audience not wanting their set to be over. 

Lastly but certainly not least, was NoahFinnce. The audience went wild as his intro music, the Scooby Doo theme song, started playing loudly over the PA. Ear piercing screams were heard around the room as Noah and his band made their way onto the stage, starting off the set with “Kickin Trash”. Noah’s connection with his fans is a beautiful thing to witness, he truly made everyone in the room feel like his friends.

Before playing “Weirdos” Noah picked up the Canadian flag fans had signed for him, tying it around his arms to wear like a cape. Playing a mix of tracks off of his 2021 and 2022 EP’s, the crowd sang along to every word. From “Underachiever”, “Chasing Daylight”, and “Life’s a Bit”, to his newest release “LALALA”, the energy in the room did not waver for one second. Kicking into a cover of “Fireflies” by OwlCity, I was transported back to my middle school days. Putting a pop-punk spin on the nostalgic track that everyone really enjoyed.

“Who here has a mental illness?” Noah asked as he stepped back onstage for his encore. Many people raised their hands, including myself, without shame, Noah understanding it on a personal level. “Who here has worms in their brains?” he laughed along with the audience. “I want you to wave your arms around like worms” demonstrates by flailing his arms around above his head, the audience following suit for the entire performance of his song “Worms”. Closing out with Asthma Attack, a song written about his experience as a trans male, and Stupid. “One more song” the crowd chanted loudly when the show finished, not wanting to accept the fact that it was over. 

A night full of high energy and acceptance, one I am certain many fans will cherish forever. Everyone band brought their A-game and embraced what makes them unique. Everyone within the room was able to be authentically themselves, something that was truly beautiful and something that made the night insanely special and memorable.

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